TheSamba.com :: View topic - Has there been a thread on skidpad numbers for the Vanagon?

Wed Aug 26, 2015 7:23 am

... preferably with differing results from small tweaks like different inflation, bigger ones like bigger rims, and others, like swapping out the sway bar. No, I'm not expecting to be surprised that my van outhandles my '73 Porsche 914 (a VW-Porsche, to maintain some purity in the stock in the driveway). And yes, I once drove a '66 Splitty from Boston to Guatamala and back (well,most of the way), so I know about the never-quite-tamed VW van tendency to change lanes when the wind gusts. Yes, that was tempered by two rounds of re-design, but there must be a few tricks that can be documented (with numbers) to foster a more relaxed driving experience on long trips.

Wed Aug 26, 2015 7:35 am

your lane changing problems might be as simple as replacing worn springs/shocks and new/proper rated tires.

I've taken my stock suspension van from Maine to Florida and back a few times up and down the twistiest roads I can find and long slogs on the interstate at ~75mph and rarely a gust will cause a white knuckle.. maybe on the Chesapeake bay bridge one time.
took the Tail of the Dragon and the Smokey (and Blue Ridge) Mtns last fall at as fast or faster than speed limits.. :oops: taken the Kanc a few times and every steep hill I can find.
I do roll on 205/70/15 rated (100) Nokians

stock front only sway bar
stock springs (near carat height though)
stock shocks. nuthin fancy.

vented brake rotors.. that's what I'm lacking.

Wed Aug 26, 2015 8:03 am

I totally rebuilt the front end on mine, nothing upgraded except using T3 bushings everywhere. No chance of a lane change now. Passing 18 wheelers is no issue, cross winds do not cause problems, major improvement over worn out components.

Your bus with proper tires and new suspension parts will handle just fine. After 25 years and 200,000 miles they don't do well and should not be expected to. :D

Wed Aug 26, 2015 8:40 am

Addenda: My wheels are the VW 14-in alloys, but the tires are new and high quality: General "Grabber AT2" (big tread, almost a snow tire-- for dirt roads, sand, snow) 27X 850 R14 LT on the rear. And at the front, Falken "Sincera Touring SN 221" 205/70 R14 93T. So both are wider than the original factory tires. I've been running a bit over 40 on the front, and about 45 on the rear. I've replaced f wheel bearings, all brakes, the steering box/tie rod ends, and put on Koni shocks (currently set at the middle position). Some notion of going to a 25mm f sway bar, but I want to know what has worked well for others.

Wed Aug 26, 2015 9:02 am

I was always very happy running 215/70r14s all around on my Multi, they gave the car a nice balance, though not quite as good as the stock 205/70r14s did. The General AT2, 27x8.5r14s that are on there now definiitely wander a bit more.

I really don't think much in the way of modifications needs to be done to one of these rigs to keep them handling well, just replace what has gotten worn out and sloppy.

Wed Aug 26, 2015 9:06 am

your "93T" front tires are not properly rated for your vanagon.
add in that you are maybe raking your suspension stance and then they are mixed breeds.. rears would be pushy into/onto the fronts..