| Author |
Message |
connorsvw2
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2008
Posts: 347
Location: Denver, CO
|
 Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 3:29 pm Post subject: 85 suspension uprights |
 |
|
Hoping someone can shed some light on this for me.
I SUSPECT my right side spindle/upright to be slightly bent, as the last time I had an alignment I was told they had a hard time getting into spec, and I recall a low speed slide on ice into a curb years ago on the right side.
As I am rebuilding the front end on my Subie Vanagon, I bought a used passenger upright from the Samba, supposedly from an 85 Vanagon with power steering; my Wolfsburg has power steering as well.
Looking at the 2 spindles side by side, I notice that the steering arm length in the castings is identical, but the drilling center for the tie rod end is offset on the steering arm by about 1/2-3/4" between the 2, with mine being a bit shorter than the replacement. I know that the steering arm lengths are different from non-PS to PS-equipped Vanagons to allow for different leverage requirements, but is this how they accomplished that-a subtle change in drilling centers on the same casting/forging, or are the steering arm lengths noticeably different and I'm making a big deal out of nothing? |
|
| Back to top |
|
 |
Christopher Schimke
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 5391
Location: PNW
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 3:53 pm Post subject: Re: 85 suspension uprights |
|
|
| connorsvw2 wrote: |
| I know that the steering arm lengths are different from non-PS to PS-equipped Vanagons to allow for different leverage requirements, but is this how they accomplished that-a subtle change in drilling centers on the same casting/forging, or are the steering arm lengths noticeably different and I'm making a big deal out of nothing? |
The steering arm lengths are indeed the same (as are the rest of the castings), but the holes are drilled in different locations to give different leverages, like you said. The side effect of different leverages is also different steering angles for a given position. In other words, you can not mix and match the two. Not that you were considering that, right?
_________________
"Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
connorsvw2
Samba Member
Joined: August 16, 2008
Posts: 347
Location: Denver, CO
|
| Posted: Tue Nov 10, 2009 4:13 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Not now! That would create some "interesting" steering angle changes I don't want to be a part of...
Anyone need a non-PS '85/earlier pass side upright for cheap?!!
I'm going to try and re-use mine, as there is no visible difference (bending) between the 2, and hopefully by replacing everything else they can get me back into spec. |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
MarkWard
Samba Member
Joined: February 09, 2005
Posts: 17155
Location: Retired South Florida
|
| Posted: Wed Nov 11, 2009 12:48 pm Post subject: |
|
|
While you have the wrong one, perhaps you can compare to see if yours is actually bent. They are pretty stout. Lay both on a flat surface and make some measurements.
_________________
☮️ |
|
| Back to top |
|
|
|
