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madspaniard Samba Member

Joined: August 18, 2008 Posts: 2778 Location: Alameda, CA
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:42 am Post subject: |
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Wheels: Alloy SA Rhein 15"
Tires: Michellin HydroEdge 215/70-15
Springs: early run of 2WD Syncro.org
one 3/8" spring top shim on the passenger rear side. One 1/2" and one 3/8" shim on the driver rear side.
Shocks: Konis
I need to re-measure ride height after Konis were installed. _________________ 1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
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madspaniard Samba Member

Joined: August 18, 2008 Posts: 2778 Location: Alameda, CA
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:48 am Post subject: |
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| Steelhead wrote: | To set the record straight, that wasn't me helping you in the rain. I think I only helped eat sausages, drink beer and stand around under the canopy talking shop. Name tags next time...
Nice group. Makes me look forward to doing it again when it is dry/sunny. |
Ooops, agree we need name tags! well, thank you mystery man _________________ 1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
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brab Samba Member
Joined: January 12, 2011 Posts: 29 Location: CA
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 1:37 pm Post subject: |
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Your welcome. _________________ Trotro - 87 Syncro Vanagon 40K original miles and starting to count. |
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j_dirge  Samba Member

Joined: August 08, 2007 Posts: 3329 Location: The Outer Sunset, San Francisco, CA
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 2:58 pm Post subject: |
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| madspaniard wrote: | | syncrodoka wrote: | If this doesn't happen due to rain the PNW crowd will never let you live it down.  | They got nothing on us It never stopped raining. |
I like the green tint of juan's pics.. Really gives it a PNW "feel". _________________ 89 GL Westy, orig 2.1L WBXR.. Will it ever blow?
Well.. yes. It blew.. a big hole in the case. Time for a new engine.
| danfromsyr wrote: | those are straight line runs with light weight race cars for only 1/4mile at a time..
not pushing a loaded brick up a mountain pass with a family of 4+ inside expecting to have an event free vacation..
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randywebb Samba Member

Joined: February 15, 2005 Posts: 3195 Location: Greater Metropolitan Nimrod, Orygun
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 3:36 pm Post subject: |
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gnd. clearance data on those combos?
anybody unhappy with theirs? _________________ 1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans. |
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burleymotorsports Samba Member

Joined: July 17, 2005 Posts: 120 Location: santa barbara ca.
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Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:27 pm Post subject: |
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Now that;'s the spirit guys , rain or shine you guys are really hard core Vanagon addicts. I love it , Very cool. Keep up the good times. I'll have to attend next time as I think I missed out on a lot of fun. Cheers Burley _________________ www.burleysmotorsports.com world class custom Syncro parts |
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presslab Samba Member
Joined: September 29, 2008 Posts: 1736 Location: Sonoma County
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Posted: Tue Mar 27, 2012 7:18 pm Post subject: |
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Thanks to everyone for a fun meet. It was nice meeting some locals and checking out other vans!
Here's my van:
Height: 17" front, 17.5" rear
Wheels: Unknown 6Jx15 ET45 (Audi 5000 winter wheels?)
Spacers: none (+8mm front because of rotor hat)
Tires: Yokohama Geolandar A/T-S 215/75R15 C
Tire pressure: 40 PSI front, 46 PSI rear
Springs: Moog 5660 front, SS-6 bags rear @ ~65 PSI
Shocks: Koni red, front 0.5 turns out, rear 0.75 turns out
Anti-sway: Front Whiteline 25mm, rear none
Brakes: DIY front G60, rear LT-40 cylinders _________________ 1986 Vanagon Westfalia EJ25
1988 Subaru GL-10 EJ20G --- 2000 Honda XR650L
2010 Titus El Guapo --- 2011 On-One 456 Ti |
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j_dirge  Samba Member

Joined: August 08, 2007 Posts: 3329 Location: The Outer Sunset, San Francisco, CA
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 3:14 pm Post subject: |
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| randywebb wrote: | gnd. clearance data on those combos?
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As requested..
Here's mine:
Rear control arm hanger - 13.5"ish
Front header bracket - 12.75"ish
moustache bar - 13.5"
front steering cross member - 13.25"
spare tire clamshell removed
| randywebb wrote: | | anybody unhappy with theirs? |
I like mine quite well.. but I've got work to do on tire clearances up front.
Will likely roll the fender lip and may space up 5/8" for the summer to see if that will stop the top of wheel well rub/cut.
May also space the shock for shorter bump stop.
The rear is doing nicely.. and am, so far, content with the Monroe MaxAirs (the only link in the chain that I am not confident in,... yet). _________________ 89 GL Westy, orig 2.1L WBXR.. Will it ever blow?
Well.. yes. It blew.. a big hole in the case. Time for a new engine.
| danfromsyr wrote: | those are straight line runs with light weight race cars for only 1/4mile at a time..
not pushing a loaded brick up a mountain pass with a family of 4+ inside expecting to have an event free vacation..
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juanb Samba Member

Joined: December 03, 2009 Posts: 341 Location: San Francisco, CA
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 7:02 pm Post subject: |
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OK, so I figure I'd post in this thread so I don't start yet another conversation about suspensions.
My van is #2 in the photos I posted from the meet up. All stock, with a nice dose of Westy lean.
After talking with j_dirge on our way back from Richmond, I ordered a set of moog 5660 springs for the front. They are now being installed and I'll see what they look/feel like in a couple of days.
My plan was to install the moog 5660 springs in the front, the new-to-me Bilstein shocks I got from madspaniard all around, and keep the rear stock springs for now. I made a few spacers for my mechanic to install, in order to level the back.
Today though, a friend offered a set of Syncro stock rear springs. For free! NOT syncro.org springs, just the stock rear springs that come with a Syncro.
From what I understand and from the results of extensive search here, this will lift the van, and that lift might be excessive. CVs will be working at a steeper angle and that might shorten their life although that seems like informed speculation at most. Also, and more important, the stock shocks don't have enough travel and I suppose they'd overextend.
So my question is: should I get those Syncro springs in my 2wd Westy? Would the Bilsteins do better with them than the stock shocks?
I could keep the stock springs + spacers in the back for a week or so and then figure it out, but I have the chance of dropping off the Syncro springs with the mechanic tomorrow so maybe I should go for it.
Any comments on this specific combination (moog 5660 front, Syncro rear, Bilstein shocks all around) is welcome.
Thanks!
j _________________ 1989 Westy AT, 2.2 GoWesty.
We're driving to Argentina: http://www.vanenvan.com |
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j_dirge  Samba Member

Joined: August 08, 2007 Posts: 3329 Location: The Outer Sunset, San Francisco, CA
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 7:46 pm Post subject: |
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| juanb wrote: |
...but I have the chance of dropping off the Syncro springs with the mechanic tomorrow so maybe I should go for it.
Any comments on this specific combination (moog 5660 front, Syncro rear, Bilstein shocks all around) is welcome.
Thanks!
j |
Rear springs are real easy to swap in and out.
I'd say go for it. Have the mechanic put the syncro springs in. You can sort out the shocks later. Shocks can be swapped easily enough. Especially the rears.
My Bilstein HDs handled 17" up front with no problem.. But I sure did like Presslab's Moog 5660 with Konis combo.
I am curious to see what the ride height is.. of the new-to-you rear springs in union with the Moog 5660s up front.. _________________ 89 GL Westy, orig 2.1L WBXR.. Will it ever blow?
Well.. yes. It blew.. a big hole in the case. Time for a new engine.
| danfromsyr wrote: | those are straight line runs with light weight race cars for only 1/4mile at a time..
not pushing a loaded brick up a mountain pass with a family of 4+ inside expecting to have an event free vacation..
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madspaniard Samba Member

Joined: August 18, 2008 Posts: 2778 Location: Alameda, CA
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 7:56 pm Post subject: |
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Juan
I think Presslab tried the Moog 5660 and Bilstein HD in the front and found that combo too soft. Based on my own experience I think Bilsteins do great with stock springs and probably with GoWesty springs. _________________ 1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD
"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali |
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randywebb Samba Member

Joined: February 15, 2005 Posts: 3195 Location: Greater Metropolitan Nimrod, Orygun
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 8:26 pm Post subject: |
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compilation
 _________________ 1986 2.1L Westy 2wd Auto Trans. |
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burleymotorsports Samba Member

Joined: July 17, 2005 Posts: 120 Location: santa barbara ca.
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 8:33 pm Post subject: |
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| madspaniard wrote: | Juan
I think Presslab tried the Moog 5660 and Bilstein HD in the front and found that combo too soft. Based on my own experience I think Bilsteins do great with stock springs and probably with GoWesty springs. |
Can anyone tell me what the stock spring rate is ? and the different 2wd uninstalled front spring lengths please. I know an 84 is the longest and provides the tallest ride height.
I do believe given these stock specs I can help with some spring selections.
I have made some interesting spring application discoveries in my research on a different custom project I am currently working on for a customer.
Once we have the springs figured out the rest is easy.
Burley Motorsports upper control arms make getting a proper alignment a non issue , no matter how much lift you have, or lowered , slammed too.
Our arms are easy to install, we make 4 different 2wd production versions as well as custom orders. Check these out and also read our reviews.
http://burleysmotorsports.com/index.php?main_page=...qvpm4uj392 _________________ www.burleysmotorsports.com world class custom Syncro parts |
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kuleinc Samba Member

Joined: August 10, 2007 Posts: 1409 Location: East Bay Area, California
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 8:46 pm Post subject: |
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| randywebb wrote: | compilation
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Van 6 is an 87 with stock westy springs, and 185r14c kumho tires... _________________ 1987 Wolfram Gray 2WD Vanagon GL Westy (1.8T Powered!)
2001 ALH Jetta TDi (Hers)
1998 ALH New Beetle (His)
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=496946 |
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juanb Samba Member

Joined: December 03, 2009 Posts: 341 Location: San Francisco, CA
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 9:45 pm Post subject: |
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| madspaniard wrote: | Juan
I think Presslab tried the Moog 5660 and Bilstein HD in the front and found that combo too soft. Based on my own experience I think Bilsteins do great with stock springs and probably with GoWesty springs. |
How can this be? From looking at past threads, it seems like if anything, the 5660s are stiffer than stock, is this not so? _________________ 1989 Westy AT, 2.2 GoWesty.
We're driving to Argentina: http://www.vanenvan.com |
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presslab Samba Member
Joined: September 29, 2008 Posts: 1736 Location: Sonoma County
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 9:51 pm Post subject: |
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| juanb wrote: | | So my question is: should I get those Syncro springs in my 2wd Westy? Would the Bilsteins do better with them than the stock shocks? |
I ran Syncro rear springs for a little while. The 2WD shock won't have much downward travel at all with those in there; the topping out was pretty annoying and not good for things. In any case the rear will be too high compared to the front. I then, uh, modified the Syncro springs to lower them, and they actually worked quite well, but I wouldn't recommend modifying them like I did.
For the rear the easiest DIY options are the cutting-board spacers and/or coil-over shocks. And then there are the pivot trailing arms, air bags, etc. for the more ambitious DIY.
| madspaniard wrote: | | I think Presslab tried the Moog 5660 and Bilstein HD in the front and found that combo too soft. Based on my own experience I think Bilsteins do great with stock springs and probably with GoWesty springs. |
Yes. The Bilstein shocks did not have enough rebound damping for the stiffer 5660 springs. They were not terrible, but not the controlled ride that I wanted. _________________ 1986 Vanagon Westfalia EJ25
1988 Subaru GL-10 EJ20G --- 2000 Honda XR650L
2010 Titus El Guapo --- 2011 On-One 456 Ti |
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presslab Samba Member
Joined: September 29, 2008 Posts: 1736 Location: Sonoma County
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Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2012 9:58 pm Post subject: |
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| burleymotorsports wrote: | | Can anyone tell me what the stock spring rate is ? |
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=443308#5003638 _________________ 1986 Vanagon Westfalia EJ25
1988 Subaru GL-10 EJ20G --- 2000 Honda XR650L
2010 Titus El Guapo --- 2011 On-One 456 Ti |
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j_dirge  Samba Member

Joined: August 08, 2007 Posts: 3329 Location: The Outer Sunset, San Francisco, CA
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Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 7:17 am Post subject: |
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| presslab wrote: | | juanb wrote: | | So my question is: should I get those Syncro springs in my 2wd Westy? Would the Bilsteins do better with them than the stock shocks? |
I ran Syncro rear springs for a little while. The 2WD shock won't have much downward travel at all with those in there; the topping out was pretty annoying and not good for things. In any case the rear will be too high compared to the front. |
Hi Presslab.
Do you recall how much taller the syncro springs were compared to the Moog 5660s?
Juan will be loaded down on his way to Argentina.. I may be old, old school .. but I'd be inclined to be a little taller in the rear to handle the expedition load.
Your thoughts?
The Moogs are 17" in front.. The stock syncro springs were 17.5", IIRC. _________________ 89 GL Westy, orig 2.1L WBXR.. Will it ever blow?
Well.. yes. It blew.. a big hole in the case. Time for a new engine.
| danfromsyr wrote: | those are straight line runs with light weight race cars for only 1/4mile at a time..
not pushing a loaded brick up a mountain pass with a family of 4+ inside expecting to have an event free vacation..
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VWDruid Samba Member

Joined: June 14, 2008 Posts: 1094 Location: San Francisco, CA
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Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 12:02 pm Post subject: |
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Hi sf Vanagon peeps
Just a heads up that there is a Vanagon at the Salvation Army Drop Off Location on mission, I was told it's not sale till it passes smog.
the rear window on the passengers side and the hatch glass are busted out.
I'll post some cell pics asap.
EDIT: I cant get the photos off my cell sorry _________________ 70 Westy, 2027cc "dual DRLA 40 m130 i55 wjdoc a165 p33 v30 "w100 straight cut 040 polished heads 1.25 rockers 1.5 A1sidewinder supertrapp muffler trans 091 coil SUM-850500 CDI universal svda Pertronix
http://www.storyofstuff.com/
It's not the straight cut gears It's the T.A.R.D.I.S. engine.
wanted Chameleon Circuit |
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juanb Samba Member

Joined: December 03, 2009 Posts: 341 Location: San Francisco, CA
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Posted: Tue Apr 03, 2012 2:57 pm Post subject: |
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| j_dirge wrote: |
Juan will be loaded down on his way to Argentina.. I may be old, old school .. but I'd be inclined to be a little taller in the rear to handle the expedition load.
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Even given that, I'd be very hesitant to run with a spring/shock combination that overextends the shock that much. _________________ 1989 Westy AT, 2.2 GoWesty.
We're driving to Argentina: http://www.vanenvan.com |
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