Date: Thu, 27 Oct 2022 21:44:50 -0400
Reply-To: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject: Re: Rear Springs and Bushings and Steering Rack
In-Reply-To: <000001d8ea5e$aa0688d0$fe139a70$@net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8
Hi Jack,
I didn’t look, as shopping at Bus Depot is a little challenging for me, but I heard they sell the OEM springs. It might be a good option.
Also, I’m under the impression that the OEM springs, if not broken but simply a bit compressed can be shimmed to bring the rear up. I’m not sure how that effects alignment.
My understanding is that the sagging will decrease not increase over time.
Also, Van Cafe has another brand many like.
I really didn’t know that the rear springs effect alignment.
I have air bags in the rear springs. I use them to balance the van when loaded with water and gear. My tires don’t seem to be showing any alignment wear in the rear even though I have had it up and down by at least an inch and possibly more for extended times.
Is it possible you only really need rear shims?
Eric Caron
> On Oct 27, 2022, at 7:48 PM, Jack R <jack007@COMCAST.NET> wrote:
>
> My 84 Westy Rear Springs are shot, and in need of replacement. Too much sag to properly align and adjust rear camber.
> Best obtainable Rear Camber Left at -1.58
> Best obtainable Rear Camber Right at -1.42
>
> After researching on-line, I see two options for Rear Spring consideration.
> 1. Low cost https://www.autohausaz.com/pn/JP-1152200800
> 2. GW Springs without any lifting or lowering "0" https://gowesty.com/products/gowesty-rear-coil-springs-2wd?variant=41253778522277
> Any thoughts or experience on these are appreciated.
>
> My rear bushings are also not in the best of shape, but remarkably acceptable enough to adjust the rear toe "left in spec" "right .12 out of spec".
> Question is, does the rear trailing arm require removal to change to bushings
> ... if replacing with the PowerFlex set T3 sells? https://t3technique.com/products/powerflex-two-piece-trailing-arm-bushing-set?variant=40849144709297
> This would allow me to cut out and remove the old bushings, and replace without a press using these PowerFlex... it theory.
> Is it worth the effort?
>
> I just replaced my steering rack with "new" and this makes my entire front suspension PowerFlex and the front "perfectly aligned" today!!!
> Can't believe how nice it drives!
> Question is related to anyone with personal experience with the T3 Steering rack reinforcement? I'm considering this as well.
> https://t3technique.com/products/steering-rack-crossmember-reinforcement-kit-2wd?variant=41075672055985
>
> For those in the Detroit Area, I had a great experience with Steve's European Auto!
>
> Thanks in advance for your opinions and advise!
>
> Jack R.
> 84 Westy
>
>
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Richard Koerner
> Sent: Thursday, October 27, 2022 4:08 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Where to start when signal lights don't work?
>
> Better solution? Slide off Instrument Cluster Housing; remove the 4 corner screws. Disengage Emergency Flasher switch. On workbench, spray electrical Contact Cleaner into switch internals. Actuate switch 20 times. Spray another shot inside switch. Actuate another 20 times. Shake out and let drain. While you are at it, use abrasive pad to clean up switch terminals; apply the thinnest film of Vaseline onto those terminals; re-connect and re-assemble everything. This has worked for me, and others. Magic.
>
> On Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 07:58:01 AM PDT, Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net> wrote:
>
> Try actuating the Emergency Flasher switch....like 20 times...the turn signal lights and that Flasher switch are all inter-related. Through lack of use, the internal contacts in Flasher switch get corrosion and can cause funky turn signal performance.
>
> On Thursday, October 27, 2022 at 07:32:36 AM PDT, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> Went out in the 84 this morning and noticed no signal lights.
> Other lights all working normally.
>
> What fuse is that normally on and what else would not be working if it is that fuse?
>
> Also, is this usually a sign of failing ignition switch?
>
> Had a situation in the recent past where headlights did not come on but later after turning car off they came on and worked normally. Could this be related?
>
> Thanks for any tips on where to start the investigation.
>
> Eric Caron
>
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