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syncro4wd16
Samba Member
Joined: December 17, 2007
Posts: 29
Location: Stockholm, Sweden
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 Posted: Sun Dec 14, 2008 4:53 am Post subject: |
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Hi ,
I use the liftkit from busman.be
Thats spacers on the rear and a stronger springs in the front.
I used to have 245/70/16 on standrad wheels, thats shi*, the tire is to widt for the rim.
Now i run 215/85/16 on widenth orginal 16" steel wheels, car is running like a dream.
As i have a 16" (pic in the vanfest 08 topic, thanks Eric!) i still have space to go bigger. But the front will be a problem as it will be rubbing against the wheelarches and you wont be able to do offroading anymore without rubbing all the time.
Erwin |
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vinnyvango
Samba Member
Joined: March 15, 2007
Posts: 72
Location: Clinton, MS
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| Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2009 7:55 pm Post subject: |
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| presslab wrote: | I have an '86 2WD Westy with a modified suspension. In the rear are air bags (no springs), so I can set the height to whatever I want. In the front I am using some springs off a Chevy S-10, they fit perfect. Moog 5660, $54/pr shipped at Amazon. 17" fender to hub center and a good bit stiffer than stock.
Spring spec's:
4.08" ID, 0.718" wire, 598 lbs/in, 13.26" free length
http://presslab.us/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=3954 |
I wanted to post an update. After pestering Presslab about this extensively, I pulled the trigger on the Moog Springs. I was doing a complete R&R on the front end of my 84 Wolfsburg Westy. I had the typical nose high late 84/85 ride. I just returned from a 1600 mile family adventure (trip report coming soon). On the very nice roads of Florida the ride was fantastic. Interstate travel at 70-75 mph was totally different. I should quantify that my suspension was COMPLETELY worn out. But the ride is fantastic now. Sway in the front was almost completely gone. The ride is firm but not harsh. The only thing the suspension did not completely swallow is expansion joints. I'm currently running the Konis at a half turn out. The simultaneous drop of the wheels over the joints feels a little uncontrolled so I may try stiffening them some. Ride height is a little over 17"
Just had to let everyone know, Presslab did his homework. The ride and control is much better. I also used his idea about the resistor on the fuel pump. 1600+ miles and all is well.
Thanks Presslab! Now, lets find something with a similar spring rate for the rear.
Shawn
84/90 Westy/Soob |
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mathieux46
Samba Member
Joined: October 21, 2006
Posts: 108
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| Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2009 11:55 am Post subject: |
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Hey Vinnango,
Do you think those spings could work with other shocks than Koni? Do you think it would it be too bouncy with regular shocks?
Thanks
Mat |
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vinnyvango
Samba Member
Joined: March 15, 2007
Posts: 72
Location: Clinton, MS
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| Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 7:40 am Post subject: |
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I don't know about other shocks. The advantage of the Konis is the adjustablility. I also feel like the KYBs I was running were up to taming the worn out stock spring. Maybe Bilstein HDs?
Shawn
84/90 Westy/Soob |
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1621
Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2006
Posts: 2024
Location: Okinawa, Japan & Portland, OR
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| Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 8:20 am Post subject: |
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Having just made the switch from Bilstein HDs to the Konis, I can say the difference in handling and ride is truly night and day. The Bilsteins are a nice shock, but roughly the same compression/rebound settings as came stock on these vans. Manufactures leave a lot of fudge room when setting the relative firmness in these suspensions, and the extra weight of the Westy package can make for a too soft IMO.
With heavier rated springs (by close to 150 lbs per inch I believe), I imagine the "bounce" could become more pronounced without firmer shock absorbers. Purely my speculation and opinion, but I think the Konis are a better option in this instance.
_________________
'85 Westy
"Years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the tradewinds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." —Mark Twain |
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BlackDogVan
Samba Member
Joined: December 21, 2007
Posts: 856
Location: Vancouver Island
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| Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 8:31 am Post subject: |
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| I couldn't get my koni's to fit with the GW lift springs, they are about a inch shorter at full extension. I'm happy with the bilstens FWIW. |
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jrobewesty 
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007
Posts: 1178
Location: Wisconsin
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| Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 6:41 pm Post subject: |
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My stock 85 2wd sits at 19.25 in the front. I've heard the 85 sit high but that is higher than the "lift springs".
I had to put 3 layers of the cutting board in the rear to level it out then my rear shocks were too short.
I'm running 225 75 15 with an ET28 all the way around.
_________________
****4th Annual MidWesty in WI Aug 2-4 2013****
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=535316&highlight=
For Sale...Modified Subaru Wiring Harnesses
http://youtu.be/uy--MW0rT6Y
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| jfats808 wrote: | | Most, some, few is not all. You can always learn something from everyone , even the fool. |
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914 mike
Samba Member
Joined: May 03, 2005
Posts: 405
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| Posted: Tue Mar 24, 2009 9:22 pm Post subject: |
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Wow! Jorob, are you saying that is factory height for your 85 springs in the front?
I just picked up a set of 85 westy springs because I have read they are the tallest from the factory, but I had never heard anyone say they were that tall....
Measuring from the fender lip to center of hub, yes?
It certainly looks tall......nice looking rig.
How did you deal with the shocks too short in the rear/what shocks are you running?
Mike
84 westy 2.2 suby |
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jrobewesty
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007
Posts: 1178
Location: Wisconsin
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| Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 12:46 am Post subject: |
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Yep, measuring from the center of the axle to the bottom of the fender lip. But I haven't heard of any other 85 sitting that high.
I used some Syncro/Chevy Astro Van shocks. They were Monroe's and they measured 23 1/4 fully extended.
Jeff
_________________
****4th Annual MidWesty in WI Aug 2-4 2013****
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=535316&highlight=
For Sale...Modified Subaru Wiring Harnesses
http://youtu.be/uy--MW0rT6Y
http://youtu.be/ntuhuxtH_cI
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| jfats808 wrote: | | Most, some, few is not all. You can always learn something from everyone , even the fool. |
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vw7266
Samba Member
Joined: April 28, 2004
Posts: 2587
Location: the point, ohio
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| Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 9:10 am Post subject: |
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| jrobewesty wrote: | My stock 85 2wd sits at 19.25 in the front. I've heard the 85 sit high but that is higher than the "lift springs".
I had to put 3 layers of the cutting board in the rear to level it out then my rear shocks were too short.
I'm running 225 75 15 with an ET28 all the way around.
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my front on my 85 is only at around 18....Im jealous...I also put 3 layers of cutting board on the rear too...but I also just got my friend to cut me some new spacers out of various thicknesses of steel so I can mix and match as I need to get the height i want...Just need to figure out what shock I need in the rear?
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aka: Brad |
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jrobewesty
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007
Posts: 1178
Location: Wisconsin
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| Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 9:28 am Post subject: |
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I looked on rockauto website under Syncro shocks and it showed that they were the same as Astro vans. So I looked under the Astro vans an there were a lot more options. I went with the middle of road Monroe's, they were the longest.
Went I got them they were a little wide to slide in the shock mounts. I'm not sure if the mounts are smaller from me tightening in the last shocks I had. They seemed smaller so when I tightened them it sandwiched the mount til it hit the shock.
I took a angle grinder to the metal sleeve that goes through the rubber bushing on the shock and made it a little narrower.
Like I said this might be because of the last shocks I had on.
Jeff
_________________
****4th Annual MidWesty in WI Aug 2-4 2013****
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=535316&highlight=
For Sale...Modified Subaru Wiring Harnesses
http://youtu.be/uy--MW0rT6Y
http://youtu.be/ntuhuxtH_cI
--------------------------------------------------------
| jfats808 wrote: | | Most, some, few is not all. You can always learn something from everyone , even the fool. |
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914 mike
Samba Member
Joined: May 03, 2005
Posts: 405
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| Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 10:10 am Post subject: |
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Very bad ass.....syncroesque!
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TheBlueTurtle
Samba Member
Joined: July 03, 2007
Posts: 346
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| Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 10:30 am Post subject: |
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| jrobewesty wrote: | My stock 85 2wd sits at 19.25 in the front. I've heard the 85 sit high but that is higher than the "lift springs".
I had to put 3 layers of the cutting board in the rear to level it out then my rear shocks were too short.
I'm running 225 75 15 with an ET28 all the way around.
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is this so for stock 85 2wd gl springs too?
_________________
85 Vanagon GL w/ Massive Sunroof...woot! |
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psych-illogical
Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2004
Posts: 1190
Location: AZ
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| Posted: Wed Mar 25, 2009 11:08 am Post subject: |
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| jrobewesty wrote: |
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I really like the faux syncro look. I've seriously considered the GW springs and a set of BFG ATs. I hesitate a bit though because my ride and handling are all very good right now and I don't want to upset the apple cart. Last weekend I was on as rough a road as I want to subject my van to. It was very rocky and I was having a pretty good time but after 7 miles my wife got pretty tired of getting bounced around. Anyway I had no clearance issues. My ride height measures at 16 1/4" front and rear.
_________________
83 1/2 Westy waterboxer
'57 Beetle-sold 
Coupla '81 BMW motorcycles (R80G/S; R100RS)
'96 BMW R1100GS |
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tomnglo
Samba Member
Joined: March 05, 2009
Posts: 28
Location: Pismo Beach
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| Posted: Thu Mar 26, 2009 7:36 am Post subject: |
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jrobewesty
Very clean looking set-up! Was wondering what tires you are running?
thanks  |
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Franklinstower
Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2006
Posts: 1006
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 10:11 am Post subject: |
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| vinnyvango wrote: | | presslab wrote: | I have an '86 2WD Westy with a modified suspension. In the rear are air bags (no springs), so I can set the height to whatever I want. In the front I am using some springs off a Chevy S-10, they fit perfect. Moog 5660, $54/pr shipped at Amazon. 17" fender to hub center and a good bit stiffer than stock.
Spring spec's:
4.08" ID, 0.718" wire, 598 lbs/in, 13.26" free length
http://presslab.us/gallery2/main.php?g2_itemId=3954 |
I wanted to post an update. After pestering Presslab about this extensively, I pulled the trigger on the Moog Springs. I was doing a complete R&R on the front end of my 84 Wolfsburg Westy. I had the typical nose high late 84/85 ride. I just returned from a 1600 mile family adventure (trip report coming soon). On the very nice roads of Florida the ride was fantastic. Interstate travel at 70-75 mph was totally different. I should quantify that my suspension was COMPLETELY worn out. But the ride is fantastic now. Sway in the front was almost completely gone. The ride is firm but not harsh. The only thing the suspension did not completely swallow is expansion joints. I'm currently running the Konis at a half turn out. The simultaneous drop of the wheels over the joints feels a little uncontrolled so I may try stiffening them some. Ride height is a little over 17"
Just had to let everyone know, Presslab did his homework. The ride and control is much better. I also used his idea about the resistor on the fuel pump. 1600+ miles and all is well.
Thanks Presslab! Now, lets find something with a similar spring rate for the rear.
Shawn
84/90 Westy/Soob |
I have been reading this post and I am very intersted in the Moog 5660 Spring set up Presslab and Vinnyvango are using. My current ride height is about 16.5" up front and 16" in the back (out of gas). Shawn, you said your ride height is just a bit over 17" up front, has it settled at all? I do not want to go too high that I max out the shocks (HD Bilstiens) or need to use the Ball Joint Spacers so I am curious if you guys think the 5660's are not too tall. Also I want to level out my rear end and do not want to add too much in spacers to get it up to the level of the front and have to change to a longer rear shock.
What about the Moog 5658 Springs? It looks like these will drop the ride height down about 1/4 to 1/2" with a similar, slightly less spring rate.
My neighbor just told me has a spring rate measuring tool from when his Stock Car racing days, so i might measure what my current spring rate is.
Also, Presslab, what type of bag are you using in the back?
I just installed 215/70/16 tires and want to stiffen the front so I will not rub on dirt, rough roads - I haven't rubbed yet - but I think If I bomb into a dip I might. thanks for the info.
The Moog 5658 state the following specs:
Id - 4.085" ; Wire Dia - .690" ; Load height - 10.750" ; Spring rate - 579 in/lbs ; Free height - 13.176" ; Spring force - 1405
Paul
_________________
'89 Westy - EJ22 |
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jrobewesty
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007
Posts: 1178
Location: Wisconsin
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vinnyvango
Samba Member
Joined: March 15, 2007
Posts: 72
Location: Clinton, MS
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| Posted: Wed Apr 08, 2009 7:31 pm Post subject: |
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| Franklinstower wrote: |
I have been reading this post and I am very intersted in the Moog 5660 Spring set up Presslab and Vinnyvango are using. My current ride height is about 16.5" up front and 16" in the back (out of gas). Shawn, you said your ride height is just a bit over 17" up front, has it settled at all? |
Nothing so far.
| Franklinstower wrote: | | What about the Moog 5658 Springs? It looks like these will drop the ride height down about 1/4 to 1/2" with a similar, slightly less spring rate. |
Presslab and I looked/discussed those very springs. I decided not to use them for precisely the same reason. I wanted to be at 17"+. I have a late 84, and I was approaching 18 in front with the old worn out springs.
As for the shocks, I do think one tops out occasionally. There's one bridge abutment/expansion joint on the way home from work that results in a sharp BANG on the passenger side only. I'm gonna try dialing in some more rebound. Otherwise I'm very happy with the control and ride now. Just need to find something (including $) for the rear.
Shawn
84/90 Westy/Soob |
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mathieux46
Samba Member
Joined: October 21, 2006
Posts: 108
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| Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 6:03 pm Post subject: |
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I just finished installing moog 5660 on my 2wd van. I have Napa shocks not sure of the model but they're yellow and they costed about 60$ each. I tought it could be helpfull to post since I don't use Koni shocks. I have 205/65R15 Michelin Agilis tire.
I have a Hiroof so, the original front spring were too soft. The ride now is great, it's a lot more firm and I can handle curves like I never did with my van ( and with any vanagon btw! ). It really improved the handling, feels like driving a GLI!
My van was at 15.75 in before and now I'm sitting at 17.25 in.
Thanks a lot Presslab!!! Now I need bigger brakes!
Mat
'87 2wd EJ22 |
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Franklinstower
Samba Member
Joined: September 21, 2006
Posts: 1006
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Mon Aug 24, 2009 9:41 pm Post subject: |
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| mathieux46 wrote: | I just finished installing moog 5660 on my 2wd van. The ride now is great, it's a lot more firm and I can handle curves like I never did with my van ( and with any vanagon btw! ). It really improved the handling, feels like driving a GLI!
My van was at 15.75 in before and now I'm sitting at 17.25 in.
Thanks a lot Presslab!!! Now I need bigger brakes!
Mat
'87 2wd EJ22 |
Excellent, thanks for posting your results, i just got my Westy back from 3 months of paint/bodywork hiatus so I am now going to work on the springs again. How did they fit the upper spring rubber cups? I had a set of the 5662's and could not get them in the rubber spring bushing things. the wire diameter was too big. Jeff - A914622, has been working with another spring brand made for the S10 trucks etc. Those are for the carat stance though and bit stiffer.
With the 5660's sitting at 17.25, I might go for the 5658's if I can find them. My westy sits about a 1/2 inch lower than that.
Paul
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'89 Westy - EJ22 |
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