Date: Sun, 13 Jun 1999 23:12:07 -0700
Reply-To: "Steven X. Schwenk" <Steve@SCHWENK-LAW.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: "Steven X. Schwenk" <Steve@SCHWENK-LAW.COM>
Subject: Re: why replace springs??
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii
VW only made one spring for all syncro models...but made several different
springs for 2wd vanagons. Many syncro westy owners find the front springs too
soft...too much bouncing. The springs may be ok for the non-westy model, but
are not ok for the westy. They need to be a little stiffer.
If your van has original shocks, they are probably shot, and you will likely
notice a significant improvement with new shocks. There are only two types
available (for the front) in the U.S. for the syncro, the stock Boges, and the
Old Man Emus (the last set of custom Bilsteins was spoken for today). The old
man emus are made in AUS and only became avail. in the u.s. this spring after
much pestering from list members. Only one pair has been sold in the u.s., to
Mark Drillock. He apparently likes them. they are more advanced than the stock
boges (twin tube low pressure gas vs. twin tube hydraulic) and heavier duty.
They cost a little more, but are probabaly worth it. OME shocks have an
outstanding reputation. Call ARB in Seattle for a dealer near you. The second
shipment from AUS should be in by now and they should be available.
New sprngs and shocks will definoitely increase van stability (assuming yours
are worn) in windy conditions. So will proper tire pressure (about 48 lbs rear
and 38-40 lbs front). So will new ball joints and other front end components IF
they are worn on your van.
Changing front shocks and springs on a syncro is not an esay job. I have done
it 4 times ... twice this year ... and still dread it...all 6-7 hours of it. If
you can afford it or do not have good mechanical skills, call around and have
someone else do it. It's a miserable job.
steve
john silverman wrote:
> We do a lot of driving on highways, a fair amount of dirt, some off-roading
> (not too serious), and lots of bad roads. I'd love toimprove ride and
> handling of our 90 syncro westy. Particularly on washboard roads.
>
> Last week driving through western Colorado and Eastern Utah the wind was
> horrible. Headwinds and crosswinds combined with windy highways to increase
> our drive time by over an hour on the return trip over the outbound trip.
> (partly 'cause with the gusty crosswinds we were afraid to go as fast as we
> had on the way out, and partly due to headwinds.)
>
> We're running(@ the list suggestion) Yoko Y370 s, less than 5k miles. As
> far as I know, the shocks are original (we're the 3d owners), as are the
> springs.
>
> What are tha advantages and disadvantages of replacing springs vs. shocks
> vs. both. Ride, performance, handling, price. Which (if either) can be
> done easily @ home by myself (not an experienced auto mechanic) and which
> need professional help?
>
> Thanks
> John
> 90 syncro westy Vic
> SLC
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