TheSamba.com :: View topic - New Gowesty springs ver 2.0 impressions...?..

Fri Jan 20, 2012 1:32 am

Thanks for the info Dylan

Here is my dilemma. As I explained before, I'm not too happy with my earlier version of the syncro.org springs and it looks like I'm not alone. Most of the people that have reported issues with those springs are driving Westys. Those people, including myself, are reporting sagging or van lean after installation, requiring spring spacers to level out plus general softness affecting braking (nose dive) and cornering. The extra weight and higher center of gravity doesn't help. It looks like so far you are testing the version 2 springs on lighter vans compared to a Westy so your testing is not going to help Westy owners. Have you considered testing on a stock Westy? By the way, thanks for taking the time to test and report.

Besides that, your testing is being conducted after the springs have been distributed and are on sale. I do believe you have some kind of relationship with syncro.org, either professional or just friendship, please correct me if I am wrong. If that is true, I would be inclined to believe we won't hear a lot of bad things about them, please don't take this the wrong way, I'm just trying to explain what my thoughts are. Believe me when I say I do want to believe this version 2 springs are better because so far they seem to be my prefered choice but I got burned the first time around and don't want to spend another $400 plus installation on springs that might not work for me. The GoWesty progressive springs would not work for me down the road when I do an engine conversion.

I wish some testing would have been done before distribution or syncro.org springs with results presented to potential customers to make an informed decision, similar to what the brit guy is doing with the ring and pinion for auto trannys. Like somebody said before, why we don't get to see the spring rate?

Another point is that I believe there are more Westy with Bilsteins than Westys with Konis. It is great that the Konis can be adjusted, that helps a lot, I think the Bilstein HD shocks are a bit softer or bounce a bit more compared to the Konis range. Switching to Konis to tune my suspension and make it a bit stiffer would be costly.

Anyways, just wanted to share where I stand, most likely I will wait to hear more feedback on these version 2 syncro.org springs mounted on a Westy before I make up my mind. Another option is Small Car springs but I have not heard any reviews on them. Maybe 2WD Fox springs? My wallet already screams...

Fri Jan 20, 2012 9:08 am

We could use a more up to date spring thread for the stickies.

As noted by several the information available is spread out all over the place and the decisions made around the subject of springs is arguably more confusing than that of wheels or tires.

Perhaps we can brainstorm a format and start collecting impressions of the various springs currently on the market.. and get it into a place where new and veteran member scan find the info?

Thoughts?

Fri Jan 20, 2012 10:15 pm

insyncro wrote: Ok.....this is a 2wd thread right?

Actually its a Syncro spring thread that seems to have gone 2wd.

The springs in question were the Syncro springs.

Sat Jan 21, 2012 9:10 pm

In my last post I was just answering Insyncros question from earlier where he asked if the thread was 2wd or not.

I didn't mean for any of the current posts to be edited out. There was some good info there :roll:

Sat Jan 21, 2012 9:40 pm

Anyway, I'm still happy with my GW springs. I like the firm ride the OME's provide, although, I have not been off road to really give a objective opinion. I hope to address anti-sway and steering with Powerflex in the future.

Mon Jan 30, 2012 10:01 pm

I'm going to powerflex, burley, Addco or similar bars, and gunna see how much better this is. I think the extra flex on light trails is going to be better than I'm prepared for, I've only been driving mine onroad, which.. I get asked daily..... Is that a syncro?

:shock:

I think I then need to get some pictures for the Nature thread, see how well the GW 2wd+2"'ers do. :)

Mon Jan 30, 2012 10:41 pm

I put these springs and new Koni shocks on my 82 diesel this past weekend. So far, so good... much better than before. My van was sagging to the left big time. Even with the new springs I had to use a few extra spacers out back to get it level with full water and propane tanks. I'm sitting right about 18" all the way around now and it feels just like a lotus in the corners... ha ha!

Tue Jan 31, 2012 9:04 am

airsweden wrote: I put these springs and new Koni shocks on my 82 diesel this past weekend. So far, so good... much better than before. My van was sagging to the left big time. Even with the new springs I had to use a few extra spacers out back to get it level with full water and propane tanks. I'm sitting right about 18" all the way around now and it feels just like a lotus in the corners... ha ha!

That is awesome news, I've got the springs and shocks and am waiting on the my new set of Burley A-Arms to show up. How many pads did it take to level up in the rear? I bought one set when I get the springs. Guessing it will be enough, but I'm curious how it worked out on yours.

Tue Jan 31, 2012 11:32 am

I have 2 stock black rubber pads plus one homemade "cutting board" type on the drivers side. The pass side has just the one original pad. It seemed excessive to need 2 spacers on the left but it is a westy, tanks are full and maybe the diesel engine hangs a little that way too.

The only thing I have to compare these to are the 30 year old stock pieces I pulled out. Now the van sits roughly 2" higher and feels smoother, more stable but not too harsh.

One funky thing I noticed is that the swaybar end links might want to occupy the same space as the spring from time to time. I can hear what sounds like a coil getting hung up and then snapping free whenever I put one front wheel in a hole or over a curb at slow speed and full steering lock, like when doing a u turn. There paint is now chipped off the spring in the area of the link too.

Tue Jan 31, 2012 12:47 pm

bosruten wrote: Anyway, I'm still happy with my GW springs. I like the firm ride the OME's provide, although, I have not been off road to really give a objective opinion. I hope to address anti-sway and steering with Powerflex in the future. :bay_blue: X2 love mine, and yes I've been off road and they work great. I got the old man shocks with them, love gas shocks. :D