TheSamba.com :: View topic

Tue Feb 18, 2020 4:47 pm

Finally, someone who understands me.

Signed, personality B. (for anyone who didn't already know that)

Tue Feb 18, 2020 4:54 pm

Y'know, when you spread all that looking and reading and thinking out over a couple of years, it doesn't really seem so bad. It's not like we're obsessed or anything.

Tue Feb 18, 2020 5:23 pm

Jake de Villiers wrote: joetiger wrote: Russpauly wrote:

Sounds like I'm going back to my first idea. Mood 5658's, Westy Rear springs with pads if needed, T3 sway bar and Bilsteins.

I think it's important to note that I went through many suspension iterations on my van before I was finally happy with the setup.

It can be quite the journey, along with your wheel Vision Quest:

joetiger wrote: You basically have two choices.

Option 1:

You'll search high and low for a good deal on some wheels that may or may not fit. You'll research fitment, and after a SOLID week in the "wheels and tires" thread, will find that they're so close but need machining, spacers, longer lugs/studs, lug holes drilled out, or any combination of these toils. You'll remember seeing a post somewhere about which Porsche studs some guy used on his '81 Westy but you just can't pinpoint where it was. You'll search. You'll search again. You'll use a million terms but where the hell was that POST?

While compiling this information, you'll be looking for tires. Tirerack.com, tireseasy, tirecrawler, etc. You'll then need to research whether the tires you like meet the load requirements of the Vanagon and you'll search thread after thread for others' reviews of said tire. You'll find that the tires that are a great deal just barely won't do it, and you'll end up finding, after days of reading about BFG Long Trails on Pathfinders and about whether or not Continental Vancos really do suck in the snow that the proper tires just plain cost money.

In the meantime, you'll be doing the math. You'll find that the wheels you were getting a great deal on will, after much research, definitely require modifications to either the wheel, your lugs/studs, center hole bore, or all three, which will nullify that great deal you were thought you were getting.

The end result? After your hours and days of sleepless research and lost work time and lost play time in which friends and family will think you've spectacularly lost your marbles, you will add it all up and find that the modified wheels and the tires (after shipping and mounting/balancing) come out to right around $1100.

Option 2:

Buy a wheel/tire set from one of the vendors for right around $1100.

What you'll do:

Initially, you'll choose Option 1. We all do. (We're rugged individualist Vanagon drivers, for heaven's sake.) But then when it's time to pull the trigger, your true personality will reveal itself:

Personality A:

You'll realize that Option 2 was there all along. You're an efficient person who likes to make sharp decisions based on all data available. You're eager to solve this problem and move on to the next one. You'll save yourself a lot of headaches by choosing Option 2, and you'll have correct-fitting, properly-rated wheels and tires in a snap. You'll sleep well in the knowledge that you checked all avenues but in the end, you trusted the professionals and went with a very solid choice. Your friends, family, and peers will laud your decision, and you will continue on your path to Vanagon Happiness.

(And then you'll naturally move on to "engine conversion vs. rebuild" research.)

Personality B:

You'll see Option 2 out there and know that it's there for the taking, but you're stubborn and a bit prideful. You won't want your days of red-eyed research to be for naught. You'll stick with Option 1 and fight tooth and nail until you get the very specific tires you want on the very specific rims you want. It might take massive shipping costs. It could require the extreme modifications mentioned above, along with a nice sprinkling of blood, sweat, and tears. None of this matters. You will not be thwarted in the quest for your own singular version of Vanagon Wheels and Tires. They will be a badge of honor upon your Vanagon. Sure, that guy over there withn the cherry '87 Weekender has awesome Mefro Steelies and Nokians and they look great, fit perfectly, and do everything they're supposed to, but did he suffer for them the way you did for yours? Hell no.

You will leave a trail of destroyed friendships in your wake. Your family will consider an intervention. But it won't matter, none of it will matter, because regardless of what they think, they'll never have the ability to see an Audi A6 rolling down the street and think to themselves:

"5x112 15x7.5 ET45, 57MM centerbore, 12mm lug holes. 15mm spacers front. Centerbore holes drilled to 66mm. Lug holes drilled to 14mm. Longer lugs in front, longer studs in rear."

Or pull up to the grocery store and see a 1992 Mercedes C Class:

"5x112 15/6.5, ET 41. Or maybe ET37. 5mm spacers up front. Lug holes drilled from 12mm to 14mm."

Or perhaps see a Jag with cool wheels and think,

"5x114.5. Won't fit."

Or always keep an eye out at the U-pull-it yard for Merkur Scorpios, which you KNOW are nonexistent, but which came with extremely unique 5x112 wheels that could...maybe...fit....

So there are your choices. Nobody can make these decisions for you. It is a path upon which we all have walked and occasionally stumbled, but in the end, it's all part of your initiation. Some, myself included, have walked the path several times. I think it's a form of cleansing, really, like wandering into the desert and fasting.

Signed,

Ronal R9 15/7.5 ET23 66MM centerbore 14mm lug holes (conical seat) wrapped in Yokohama Geolandar 215/70/15's.
Joe, this is one of the best posts I've ever read on The Samba. You've captured the Sambanista mindset perfectly - pure gold!!! :D

Beautifully said. And dammit, so true too. My wife is going to flip her shit if she hears something along the lines of “wheels and tires” again in the house.

Tue Feb 18, 2020 11:05 pm

Wha? There are others out there who think like this? There should be an Internet forum for people like us.

Signed: sometimes A, sometimes B, sometimes choosing Option 1, sometimes Option 2 (we can all get along, can’t we?)

Mon May 11, 2020 11:47 am

Hello Prerunner Professionals! I have a 2wd Prerunner related question, and thought I post it on this thread.

Here's my current suspension setup on my 1986 Tin Top 2wd Van:

- GW front and rear zero lift springs
- About 1 inch of leveling disks in rear
- Bilstein HD Shocks
- Front Ball joint spacers
- T3 Front Swaybar with HD End Links
- Healthy suspension with mostly polyurethane bushings
- Van sits about 17.75 inches, center wheel to fender arch lip
- 215/75/R15

As much fun as it is riding around at this height, I realistically spend most of my time on pavement and highways. Half the time I am on the highway I experience crosswinds 20mph+, and despite my badass suspension, I still get blown around a bit which is thankfully more annoying than dangerous right now. I've decided to stiffen up the suspension by swapping my GW springs for Schwenk 2wd springs.

Here is my question: I expect the Schwenk springs to lower my van. The description of these springs claim I will not need any ball joint spacers in the front. For people running similar suspension setups, is this the case? Were you able to achieve good suspension alignment without the spacers? If I removed the ball joint spacers when installing the new springs, should I have the van re-aligned?

Thanks!!

Mon May 11, 2020 4:52 pm

2WD handles some light off roading

Wed May 13, 2020 9:15 pm

Thu May 14, 2020 2:59 am

[joetiger]Or always keep an eye out at the U-pull-it yard for Merkur Scorpios, which you KNOW are nonexistent, but which came with extremely unique 5x112 wheels that could...maybe...fit.... [/joetiger]

They do, they do! :lol:

Thu May 14, 2020 4:19 am

:D
Lucky !
8)

Thu May 14, 2020 9:47 am

Steve M. wrote: [joetiger]Or always keep an eye out at the U-pull-it yard for Merkur Scorpios, which you KNOW are nonexistent, but which came with extremely unique 5x112 wheels that could...maybe...fit.... [/joetiger]
Here's 60 other vehicles with 5x112 rims.
Since I can't get bbcode tables to work here, it's gotta be an ugly cut-n-paste from my spreadsheet
Lots of commas added for those who may want to import the text to a spreadsheet as CSV text
Data sourced from: https://www.roadkillcustoms.com/wheel-bolt-pattern....41-inches

1 , Year and Model ,.. (, Bolt Pattern , Hub Center Bore , Offset , Stud Size , Torque ft-lb , OEM Wheel Size , )
2 , ALL AUDI 200 ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , H , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 15 X 6 , )
3 , 1979-90 AUDI 5000 TURBO ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , H , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 15 X 6 , )
4 , 2006-08 AUDI A3 2.0T, 3.2 QUATTRO ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
5 , 1996 > AUDI A4 ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , H , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 16 X 7 , )
6 , 1996-08 AUDI A4 ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
7 , 2008 AUDI A5 ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.6 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
8 , 1995-99 AUDI A5 2.8 ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
9 , 1995 > AUDI A6 ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , H , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 15 X 6.5 , )
10 , 1995 > AUDI A6 1.8T (LARGER CALIPERS) ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , H , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 15 X 6.5 , )
11 , 1995 > AUDI A6 2.7T, 4.2 (LARGER CALIPERS) ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , M , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 15 X 6.5 , )
12 , 1995-08 AUDI A6 2.7T, 4.2 (LARGER CALIPERS) ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
13 , 1995-08 AUDI A6, 6.8, 3.0, 3.2 ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
14 , 1997 > AUDI A8 & A8L ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , M , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 16 X 7 , )
15 , 1997-08 AUDI A8, A8 4.2, A8 6.0 & A8L ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
16 , 1995 > AUDI ALLROAD ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , H , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 15 X 6.5 , )
17 , 1995-05 AUDI ALLROAD ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
18 , 1979-94 AUDI QUATTRO ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , H , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 15 X 7 , )
19 , 2007-08 AUDI RS4 ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
20 , 2003 > AUDI RS6 ,….....(, 5x112 , - , H , , , - , )
21 , 1993-08 AUDI S4 (LARGER CALIPERS) ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
22 , 2000 > AUDI S4 (LARGER CALIPERS) ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , M , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 17 X 7.5 , )
23 , 2008 AUDI S5 ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.6 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
24 , 2001 > AUDI S6 (LARGER CALIPERS) ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , M , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 17 X 7.5 , )
25 , 2001-08 AUDI S6 (LARGER CALIPERS) ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
26 , 2001 > AUDI S8 (LARGER CALIPERS) ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , M , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 18 X 8.5 , )
27 , 2001-07 AUDI S8 (LARGER CALIPERS) ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
28 , 2008 AUDI TT 2.0-3.2 ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
29 , 2004 > CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.5 , H , 12 X 1.5b , 75-85 , - , )
30 , 2004-08 CHRYSLER CROSSFIRE ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.5 , - , 12 X 1.5b , 75-85 , - , )
31 , 2004-08 MAYBACH 57 ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.5 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
32 , 2004-08 MAYBACH 57S ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.5 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
33 , 2004-08 MAYBACH 62 ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.5 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
34 , ALL MERCEDES BENZ 107 CHASSIS ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.1 , - , 12 X 1.5b , 75-85 , - , )
35 , ALL MERCEDES BENZ 116 CHASSIS ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.1 , - , 12 X 1.5b , 75-85 , - , )
36 , ALL MERCEDES BENZ 124 CHASSIS ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.1 , - , 12 X 1.5b , 75-85 , - , )
37 , ALL MERCEDES BENZ 126 CHASSIS ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.1 , - , 12 X 1.5b , 75-85 , - , )
38 , ALL MERCEDES BENZ 129 CHASSIS ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.1 , - , 12 X 1.5b , 75-85 , - , )
39 , ALL MERCEDES BENZ 140 CHASSIS ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
40 , ALL MERCEDES BENZ 163 CHASSIS ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
41 , ALL MERCEDES BENZ 170 CHASSIS ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.1 , - , 12 X 1.5b , 75-85 , - , )
42 , ALL MERCEDES BENZ 201 CHASSIS ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.1 , - , 12 X 1.5b , 75-85 , - , )
43 , ALL MERCEDES BENZ 202 CHASSIS ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.1 , - , 12 X 1.5b , 75-85 , - , )
44 , ALL MERCEDES BENZ 203 CHASSIS ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.1 , - , 12 X 1.5b , 75-85 , - , )
45 , ALL MERCEDES BENZ 208 CHASSIS ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.1 , - , 12 X 1.5b , 75-85 , - , )
46 , ALL MERCEDES BENZ 210 CHASSIS ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.1 , - , 12 X 1.5b , 75-85 , - , )
47 , ALL MERCEDES BENZ 215 CHASSIS ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.1 , - , 12 X 1.5b , 75-85 , - , )
48 , ALL MERCEDES BENZ 220 CHASSIS ,….....(, 5x112 , 66.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
49 , 2007-08 VOLKSWAGEN EOS ,….....(, 5x112 , 571 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
50 , 1992 > VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , H , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 15 X 6.5 , )
51 , 1992 > VOLKSWAGEN EUROVAN ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
52 , 2006-08 VOLKSWAGEN GTI ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
53 , 2008 VOLKSWAGEN GTI R32 ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
54 , 2005.5-08 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA (2005 MID-YEAR B.P. CHANGE) ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
55 , 1998 > VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , H , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 16 X 7 , )
56 , 1998-08 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT PASSAT W8 03-04 ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
57 , 2002-08 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT PASSAT WAGON 06-08 ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
58 , 2002 > VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT V-8 (LARGER CALIPERS) ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , H , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 16 X 7 , )
59 , 2003 > VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , H , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , 16 X 7 , )
60 , 2004-06 VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )
61 , 2007-08 VOLKSWAGEN RABBIT ,….....(, 5x112 , 57.1 , - , 14 X 1.5b , 85-95 , - , )

Fri May 22, 2020 12:32 am

Here is my Outlaw.
Currently working on lifting her using standard synchro springs in rear and then Ford Falcon springs in front. Hoping for a 2 inch lift although she already sits high and running 27x8.5 AT tyres on 14 inch merc rims. Also have a set of Audi 15 inch running 27.4x8.5 MT as well. With new springs wheel arch to hub centre is 19 1/4 inch so about to swap out CVs for 944 ones.
Absolutely love taking her offroad and surprising 4wd owners with her ability. Plan is to get a peloquin fitted when I get transaxle rebuilt.

Fri May 22, 2020 11:15 am

my 84 Caravelle at work this morning

Sun May 24, 2020 12:49 am

OK, this is more of a prerunner look than my last ones I posted. Wish I had these tyres on for the trip in the above photos, Might not have got stuck.
Also the lift I now have with the synchro rear springs in.

Mon Jun 13, 2022 9:38 am

[quote="sanchius"] Steve M. wrote:
Here's 60 other vehicles with 5x112 rims.
Since I can't get bbcode tables to work here, it's gotta be an ugly cut-n-paste from my spreadsheet
- , )

There is a lot more to it than just "5x112". Most of those are going to require studs, and spacers, if not machining. In general, FWD cars will have a terribly wrong offset for us to use.

Tue Jun 14, 2022 8:18 am

As a general rule the T3 is best/easiest matched with 16" Mercedes rims, and the T4 with 16" VAG rims. I would strongly encourage folks to avoid aftermarket rims, and stick to the vastly superior OE versions out there.

Sat Oct 29, 2022 6:03 am

I have an Epytec big brake kit on my van so have to go 16”.

I’ve always thought 215/70/16 was the biggest that can be fitted on a lifted van.

Sure I have seen 225/75/16 fitted on thesamba somewhere. 🤔 anyone advise me on what size I can go on a lifted van? Would like 215/75/16 if possible.

Thanks 🙏🏻

Mon Jun 26, 2023 9:50 am

Hello everyone!
I just bought a 1987 T3 Multivan.
There it is very low and I want to raise it!
I have read almost everything and I take away this:
-Do not exceed 18" from hub to fender edge.

I want to fit 205/80R16 tires (We have them in France ;) )(radar/renegade-a-t-5/205-80-r16-104t)
The question I don't know how to answer is: what ET on 16" rims so that the tire doesn't rub?

Anyone have the answer?
THANKS!

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Bonjour à tous!
Je viens d'acheter un T3 Multivan de 1987.
Là il est très bas et je veux le remonter!
J'ai quasiment tout lu et j'en retire ceci:
-Ne pas dépasser 18" du moyeu au bord d'aile.

Je veux monter des pneus 205/80R16 (On en a en France ;) )
La question à laquelle je ne sais pas répondre c'est: quel ET sur des jantes 16" pour que le pneu ne frotte pas?

Quelqu'un aurait il la réponse?
Merci!

Mon Jun 26, 2023 1:46 pm

The wheels from campervan culture have the correct ET and weight rating. They sell a 15x6 and 16x6. They are ET30

https://campervanculture.com/?s=VW+T25+T3+Vanagon+...1&fs=1

Mon Jun 26, 2023 3:28 pm

That company is also based out of the UK. So the import fee should t be too high.

Mon Jun 26, 2023 3:36 pm

tjet wrote: The wheels from campervan culture have the correct ET and weight rating. They sell a 15x6 and 16x6. They are ET30

https://campervanculture.com/?s=VW+T25+T3+Vanagon+...1&fs=1

Thanks