lifting a 2WD

baghall · Posted: Sat Mar 21, 2015 11:37 pm Post subject: lifting a 2WD

Hi,
I have just been reading some of the posts on lifting a 2WD but didn't find anything on using syncro springs to do this. I was wondering whether I coud use front and rear springs to lift my bus, as I was told to get springs from a ford for the front. Was hoping that the sycro springs would do. They are in good condition. Also wondering what, if any, other mods are needed, particularly to the front, such as steering, sway bar etc.
Thanks

Included 2 photos from a trip I did near the end of 2014 with her. Over 2000kms covered in 2 weeks finishing with a Kombi Klub weekend.

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rubbachicken · Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 12:27 am Post subject:

welcome

i think syncro springs are actually shorter, the list is done through different suspension, and an added subframe.
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baghall · Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 2:23 am Post subject:

insyncro · Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 5:24 am Post subject:

Dont waste your time, they are shorter.

GW 1.5s, Schwenk 1.5s or Burley parts will lift a 2wd van.

Steve M. · Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 6:02 am Post subject:

Well if you don't want to read that, read this instead!

http://www.gowesty.com/library_article.php?id=1113

http://www.gowesty.com/ec_view_details.php?id=23689&category_id=91&category_parent_id=

Do some research before blindly going where others have gone before.
there is more than enough information in the threads to keep you reading for a few daze. Do a search.

crazyvwvanman · Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 6:04 am Post subject:

While the Syncro front springs are too short and won't help you the Syncro rear springs are longer and will definitely raise it up. Maybe too much. Watch the shock absorber travel range and CV joint angles.

Mark

djkeev · Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 6:12 am Post subject:

Follow this link into the FAQ section.....

Lots of information, many have blazed a trail for you to follow!

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=6236054#6236054

Dave
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DAV!D · Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 6:01 pm Post subject:

On this same topic, I've read in the past, that the 84 and 85 Westys had the tallest front springs of all Vanagon in stock form. I was wondering if the 84 and 85 springs are the same? I've seen some people say both model years and I've seen others say just the 85 was the tallest.

Assuming the 84 springs are the same as the 85, would swapping a set of 84 springs which I have, lift the front of my current 2wd front end on my 86 Van? If so does anyone know how much I'd gain?
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shadetreetim · Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 6:24 pm Post subject:

Since you're driving a tintop, you can run Westy springs in the back to gain some lift.
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benandmj · Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 7:46 pm Post subject:

I've been sitting on a pair of Syncro rear springs for a while now. I guess I need to be the guinnea pig to see haw they pair up with my yall 85 front springs. I have a feeling they'll give me too much lift but we'll see. I've got a saggy ass that needs attention...
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DAV!D · Posted: Sun Mar 22, 2015 8:11 pm Post subject:

baghall · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 3:40 am Post subject:

Ok guys thanks for the tips very much appreciated. I am definitely using the syncro rear springs was just hoping the fronts were longer as well. I actually got all four springs for $200 which seems like a good price in aussie land. My understanding is the rears will give nearly 2" lift. This may compensate some of the rear sag but will need to pack the drivers side due to the cabinets I am installing.

Looks like I might have to get the Gowesty fronts at some time. I already have an inch lift in the front due to tyre size but am not satisfied with what I have on the rears ATM as they are just too large a diameter, and I am worried about breaking the transaxle.

It's all fun and games till you break something!

benandmj · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 5:38 am Post subject:

There's an Austrailian guy who posted in the Prerunner Vans thread with an 85 panel with syncro springs in the back. Not sure whats in his van, it may be light, but it looks pretty raked.
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insyncro · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 6:02 am Post subject:

if GW or Schwenks are going to be purchased....all 4 are recommended.

DAV!D · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 1:34 pm Post subject:

I figured I'd give a little research I just did on my own vans..

My 86 2wd (which I'm converting to a Syncro) & the 84 Donor Westy which I have seem to have the exact same ride height.

I measured from the center of the wheel hub to the bottom of the wheel well.

On both vans the front was 17 & 1/8" the Rears were roughly 17 & 1/2"

On my Syncro which doesn't have a motor or rear shocks.

The front was 19 1/2" the rear was 20".

Measuring like this means tire size has no influence and I was able to quickly tell that it seems my 86 tin top has the same springs as the 84 donor.

Another thing to note, is I've removed the roof of the Westy for my pop top swap as well as the rear folding seat/rear cabinets. The Tin Top is also empty inside.

Also keep in mind I've completed the rear half of my Syncro conversion, so the motor/trans sits a bit lower, the gas tank is in the rear and the motor is actually a bit lighter than a stock WBX. Meaning there is still a chance that the Westy springs might give a small amount of lift to the rear but it seems to be the same in the front.
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idahoskier · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 5:16 pm Post subject:

Been running syncro rear springs with my stock 85 fronts for a few years now. I really like the spring rate of the syncro springs... With four bikes on the back it barely squats at all. I really wish I could get fronts with the same spring rate. I have added monroe coil over shocks in front and they help a little. The van is still raked but not too bad 18.25" front and 19" rear axle center to fender. Its functional Very Happy

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oldskewlsk8ter · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 5:39 pm Post subject:

benandmj · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 6:10 pm Post subject:

idahoskier · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 9:20 pm Post subject:

Oldskewl - Years of happiness and adventure with this van. Thanks again Exclamation

Benandmj - No issues... yet Laughing

I have in excess of 20,000 miles like this and I installed new CVs around the time of the lift. I repacked once and flipped them. They looked OK to me at that time. I would wager that they will have a shorter life expectancy because of the lift but I am OK with that. I do not believe there is much of a weight difference between the EJ22 and VW 2.1.
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85 Westy w/ 2.2L Subaru
91 Westy w/ 2.5L Subaru - sold

jackbombay · Posted: Mon Mar 23, 2015 9:58 pm Post subject:

My Westy had Carat springs, so it was "lowered", but I put notably larger wheels and tires on it t bring it back op, so overall height remained about the same, or slightly lower, so I didn't have an MPG penalty from lifting the van, but ground clearance was significantly increased. If Im going to go "offroading" it'll be on 2 wheels or on foot, but the extra ground clearance was nice and came in handy here and there.
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