Date: Thu, 20 May 1999 20:55:53 EDT
Reply-To: Vantaztik@AOL.COM
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Roger&Zoe Ann Banker <Vantaztik@AOL.COM>
Subject: Re: 86-91 westies & rough roads
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In a message dated 5/20/99 10:42:07 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
rose.weitz@ASU.EDU writes:
> We are very seriously considering buying a westie. We've narrowed it down
> to 1986-91 manuals, but are wondering if we need to narrow it further. The
> problem is we live in Arizona, which has a lot of bad, rocky, dirt roads.
> We currently have a woefully underpowered (1.9 liter) Isuzu Trooper, with
> great clearance and decent 4WD. We know a westie won't be able to go all
> the places the Trooper can, but we're wondering how much we'll have to give
> up. And specifically we're wondering whether the extra inch or so clearance
> on the 86-87 models would really make a difference, or if anything 86-91 is
> about equally good.
> Rose Weitz, Professor
Hmm, if you think the Isuzu is underpowered, drive a Westie before you buy
one. The springs sag, especially the front, so each vehicle's ground
clearance will be different. Consider replacement front springs, and having
the rear's stretched and re-tempered, or use other means to increase ground
clearance. Don't limit yourself to a Westie. The Adventurewagen has better
weight distribution, aerodynamics, and nicer camping features. They are also
rare and cost a lot more new, but used ones usually are close to the Westie
price. Call Ed Anderson in Fort Bragg, California at (707) 964-4298. He
made them, and he sells used ones on consignment. I bought mine from him,
and I love it. And a Syncro would be great for you. Besides the 4 wheel
drive, they have more ground clearance, a granny low gear, a skid plate, and
most have a locking differential. With oversize tires, there will be few
places that your Isuzu could go that the Syncro won't. They are more rare
and expensive, and can sometimes be harder to work on, but don't believe that
you can't get parts. Most of the parts are the same as the 2 wheel drive,
and Syncro parts can be had much quicker than the 10 days your mechanic is
saying.
And I'm solving my "woefully underpowered" problem with a 5 cylinder engine.
:)
Have fun shopping.
Zoe Ann & Roger
1987 4x5 Adventurewagen
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