GoWesty All-Terrain Suspension Bundle -- Worth It??

[tarandusVDub]

IMHO the fox shocks are mucho overkill for a 2wd. We did the GW 1.5 springs, bilstien HD shocks, 16" GW rims and Yoko Geolandars for tires. If I did it again I'd go Reins 15". Also added a peloquin during Trans rebuild. Fantastic 2wd setup haven't been stuck yet!
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1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
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Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD.

[hans j]

Find some vans local to you to ride in and decide after that. Personally: I feel the gowesty springs are too stiff. Shocks will help a ton with dive and roll, maybe bilstein HD or sport (I prefer something from their off road catalog). I've driven on some pretty sharp rocks with my BFG AT and love them, 25k miles on them so far. But tires are an emotional purchase, so go with your gut on that one. And definitely do bushings before spending money on other stuff!
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1986 Canadian Syncro Westy TDI - 1989 Syncro Single Cab - 2001 Audi S4 - 1981 VW Caddy ABA - 1980 VW Caddy EV - 1973 VW T-181

[kbeefy]

Compared to springs, shocks have a pretty small effect on roll. Unless compared to a failing shock. Shock Damper rates are usually in the 50-150# range, the wheel rate of springs can be much much higher.

In a perfect world, springs control roll (they do tons more than that, but for this comment I'm focusing on body roll since thats what has been brought up). Shocks dampen springs, they are matched to the spring more than the vehicle. The dampening value can be changed to affect other handling aspects, but ultimately shocks are meant to control springs.

When that doesn't work perfect (as it almost never does) things are tweaked to compensate for shortcomings. Enter the Sway/Anti-roll bar. Enemy of shock tuners everywhere.

Anyways.... Identify and correct the problem, don't put a bandaid on it and ignore it.
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86 syncro CHC, NorthWesty subbie 2.5, decoupler, locker, custom interior, 225/75r16 Duratrack's on CLK's, Toyo cabin heater, ARB fridge, 300w Zamp Solar, Gowesty bumpers/skid/rails, Fiama awning

'86 Syncro Westy. Stock for now.

2000 F350 7.3 CC LB 11' Northland Cabover

2006 Subbie OBXT

2002 Tacoma DoubleCab 4x4

1969 Mustang Basket Case 351c/FMX/9

http://kbeefy.blogspot.com/

[hans j]

Springs hold up the vehicle, shocks control the spring. I'm running softer than stock springs and stiffer than stock shocks. Minimal body roll and dive
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1986 Canadian Syncro Westy TDI - 1989 Syncro Single Cab - 2001 Audi S4 - 1981 VW Caddy ABA - 1980 VW Caddy EV - 1973 VW T-181

[levi]

Here's my opinion on part of your intended setup.
This is with an 85 hightop, about the same weight as your van.

Never tried syncro.org springs, but I have the gowesty 1-1/2" all around.

In the rear, a very noticeable difference in feel, and after a year, no appreciable sag, still about 1-1/2" lift.
I am really glad about the results there and have no problem recommending it.

For the front I thought it was much too soft, different shocks could have helped, but then they sagged about 1-1/2".
Too their credit gowesty does replace them if they sag, but you still have to pay shipping both ways of course, including shipping the old springs back to them.

I admit I am wondering if the new set will sag like the others...time will tell there.

Previous to this, I had a set of moog 5660 on the front.
Those, I really liked.
The van handled very well with those, they were much stiffer than the gowesty 1-1/2, and they were only 50$ for the pair from the local flaps.

Even if the new set of gowesty springs don't sag I may very well go back to them.
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One of these days I'm gonna settle down,
but till I do I won't be hangin round.
Going down that long lonesome highway,
gonna see life my way

https://youtu.be/cSrL0BXsO40

[madspaniard]

I have the latest gen of syncro.org springs, sold by VanCafe, and Koni shocks. Poly bushings, Nokian tires, Burley tubular arms and front anti sway bar. Really happy with this set up, it took me a while to find the correct combination of parts, a lot of trial and error when you deviate from OEM. I recommend you install the anti sway bar, T3 Technique offers a new one.

I also have tried Moogs 5660 in the front but ended up sticking with syncro.org springs. My low-miles Moog 5660 are for sale in the classifieds for cheap.
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1991 Westy auto w/ Peloquin TBD

"The only difference between me and a madman is that I'm not mad” - Salvador Dali

[Jake de Villiers]

Levi and Mad: do either of you have a ride height number for the Moog springs?

Thanks!
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'84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7.5 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
@jakedevilliersmusic1
http://sites.google.com/site/subyjake/mydixiedarlin%27
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
www.thebassspa.com

[madspaniard]

[Jake de Villiers]

[Merian]

I just don't understand what magic the fox shocks would bring if don't race off-road. Remote reservoirs exist to limit heat problems which should not be a big issue in normal use.

what you want: digressive, magnetorheological

what you want to understand what shocks do: your Soph. physics course covered this - just write out the equations of motion for the wheel displacement for a bump, and differentiate it - you're there! right there in DHO heaven!

[insyncro]

[davevickery]

Regarding the Moog 5660. I recommend the 5658 which has a lower spring rate, but still pretty stiff (maybe more than I like but the handling is worth it). The 5660 fit fine, but the 5658 fit PERFECTLY. I'd say the the ride height is only 3/8" less than the 5660. So if ride height is your priority, maybe the 5658 aren't better. But I have used the 5660 and the 5658 and I would recommend the latter. 16.75" ride height on a Westy (just measured it again after a year-no sag). Matched to GW zero lifts in the back.

[levi]

[hans j]

In my experience, only the rears need to be external reservoir for off road use. My front shocks are ice cold after very rough roads.

I believe the Fox are only rebound adjustable, and it just changes the size of the oil bleed off orifice. I feel the Bilstein digressive valving is the best overall.

It's all personal preference though. Ride in a couple before you spend the money!
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1986 Canadian Syncro Westy TDI - 1989 Syncro Single Cab - 2001 Audi S4 - 1981 VW Caddy ABA - 1980 VW Caddy EV - 1973 VW T-181

[levi]

So in looking back at my records the 5660 initially added about 1-1/2".

Keep in mind though that this was a heavy van at the time, several hundred pounds from the high top, several hundred more with the tube bumpers, and at least another 1,000 pounds of tools and crap inside.
_________________
One of these days I'm gonna settle down,
but till I do I won't be hangin round.
Going down that long lonesome highway,
gonna see life my way

https://youtu.be/cSrL0BXsO40

[Merian]

sounds like somebody needs to manf. an adjustable shock w/o a remote res.

hard to believe no one has taken the shocks off of a late-model caddy and adapted them to a Van - I know you guys will try anything...

[Merian]

[Jake de Villiers]

Thanks, guys! I'm not looking to raise the van as much as that. I'm running Carat springs and would like the front ride height to be about 1/2" higher...
_________________
'84 Vanagon GL 1.9 WBX
'86 Westy Weekender Poptop/2.5 Subaru/5 Speed Posi/Audi Front Brakes/16 x 7.5 Mercedes Wheels - answers to 'Dixie'
@jakedevilliersmusic1
http://sites.google.com/site/subyjake/mydixiedarlin%27
www.crescentbeachguitar.com
www.thebassspa.com

[DAV!D]

[hans j]