Date: Thu, 18 Jun 1998 12:05:47 -0700
Reply-To: "Steven X. Schwenk" <sxs@SCHWENK-LAW.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <Vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: "Steven X. Schwenk" <sxs@SCHWENK-LAW.COM>
Subject: Re: Pre-loading Rear Springs re Syncro Suspension (even long-er)
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Fred, I really appreciate your feedback and knowledge re my suspension musings. I
wanted to ask you a couple of things re your earlier reply...but I am struggling to
get a brief out the door.
Why does pre-loading the spring not change the "spring rate." I think it
does....it is a minor adjustment of spring-rate, isn't it. By compressing the
spring, you increase it's rate over the entire course of it's remaining travel,
don't you? This is like putting a stiffer spring on, but the change is not as much
as you would find between two consecutively rated springs.
Inserting a spacer does not implicate the cv's the way larger wheels would. It's
the same as using a stiffer spring, that's all. The actual geometry of the
suspension does not change....i.e., you are not increasing travel or changing the
axle angle beyond what normally occurs within the stock range of travel.
I agree with your comments re realistic expectastions and defining use. I do not
do radical 4 wheeling. I know I must strike a compromise between pavement use and
off-road use. Still, within that context, the suspension can be fine tuned to
perform better. I just want a little more firmness without sacraficing damping
responsiveness, and I want the spring rates balanced front to rear and left to
right (the westy list to the left). I should be able to accomplish this by
adjusting the spring pre-load at all 4 wheels using spacers. As the suspension is
stock, it is out of balance front-to-back and left-to-right, and it's too soft. I
think accomplishing this limited goal will be a big improvement and it is all I am
seeking to do.
Fred Porter wrote:
> suspension to relativity: what a quantum leap ;)
>
> Steve,
> the van suspension probably could perform better for offroading. But to
> determine how far you want to go you should ask yourself:
> a. do i want a camper that goes off road or,
> b. do i want an off road vehicle that i can go camping in.
> If it is a. then mod the heck out of the syncro suspension, but i'd look
> into what happens when you stick those donuts in there and increase the
> drive shaft/CV angles--it sounds alot like the 16" wheel issue. While
> you are at it, improve the engine for more power.
> If it is b. then you should buy an honest to god 4x4 (with power, travel
> and low CG) and throw a tent in the back.
>
> Of course the answer is a.
>
> later,
> fred
>
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