Doka Gangsta Lean

[Achilles3588]

Hi all,
My '91 Syncro Doka is showing signs of age (I think). The vehicle leans, or droops, left - that is, towards the driver's side. About 3/8 inch at the front axle, and about 1/2 inch at the rear, when measured from ground to the top of the wheel arch.

This is with the truck effectively unloaded, no more than a few light tools stowed in the treasure chest, and nothing (including passengers) either in the cab or in the bed. About 1/2 tank of diesel in the tank, but it looks this way regardless of fill level. It wasn't like this when I bought the rig two years ago. Doesn't seem like much but it is noticeable, at least to my eye.

Had 114K km on the working odometer when purchased but the PO was not sure if if had been rolled over (it's a Euro import); I suspect it has been rolled, but only once, based on general body / undercarriage wear condition. So let's say for talking purposes, 135K miles on the rig at this time.

This thing has 16" wheels / tires but I can't say whether the springs and/or shocks had been replaced to accept the larger wheel setup. These bits do not look 'new' to the eye or like they have been replaced, in part because the undercarriage had been undercoated.

I'm just wondering what might be likely candidates for why the rig has settled into this kind of stance. Would replacing the shocks / springs be a good first option? Any help is appreciated.
_________________
Larry V.~
'91 Syncro Doka 1.9L TDI 'AFN'

[dobryan]

You should measure from the center of each wheel hub/axle to the bottom lip of the fender. This will eliminate any issues with tires.

Let us know what you get for results.

Minor differences can be addressed by adding spacers above the front and rear springs, but there are limits as to how much can be done.

Here is an example for the rear, which can be adjusted the most.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=732253&highlight=spacers
_________________
Dave O
'87 Westy w/ 2002 Subaru EJ25 and Peloquin TBD

"To travel hopefully is a better thing than to arrive." Robert Louis Stevenson

MD>Canada>AK>WA>OR>CA>AZ>UT>WY>SD
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=620646

Building a bus for travel in Europe (euroBus)
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=695371

The Western Syncro build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=746794

[Crankey]

I think maybe an alignment shop might be the first stop.
Any accidents in the dokas past ? If not then maybe just springs ? If your shocks are really in old or need an upgrade, then go for those too.

[Alaskaberrys]

I’m guessing you’ve throughly inspected the springs, shocks and perch(s) already? Since the rear is leaning more, perhaps it has suffered some past overload event that is now catching up and causes the front to lean also. Shock mount ok?

I carry a spare 5 gal of diesel around and tend to leave it in the chest on the passenger side since I’m often the only inhabitant.

Got pictures?

Mark
_________________
'91 Westfalia, Bordeaux Red Pearl 2.1L 2wd Auto
'91 T3 Syncro Doka, Escorial Green 1.9L TD AAZ “Gremian” (to provoke, irritate, exasperate, vex...)

[Achilles3588]

[Achilles3588]

[dobryan]

[Achilles3588]

[Achilles3588]

[Alaskaberrys]

[Achilles3588]

[syncrodoka]

Spacers are typically used to correct for the westy lean, a truck shouldn't need it.
I would look at the springs and suspension bushings, they can be worn and do some wierd things. Make sure the rear jack points and trailing arms where the springs ride are in good shape.
Rebuilding the suspension makes a huge difference.

[Achilles3588]

[syncrodoka]

Look at the rear spring coils carefully, sometimes a broken/split coil is hard to identify. You can remove the rear coils easily if you want to compare their lengths, jack it up and unbolt the rear shock and the trailing arm will extend enough to remove them by hand. I would start there really.

[Achilles3588]

[Achilles3588]

[tarandusVDub]

I recently bought a 1990 syncro doka with less than 100km on the clock. It had had a lot of body work done so that part was in great shape. But the suspension was all original. I debated whether to replace springs and shocks because it rode pretty well. Once I pulled the trigger tho, I found this:

Given the relatively low mileage, and great condition of body (indicating light use over time), I was surprised at the terrible condition of the suspension components, rust notwithstanding.

So I replaced with Bilstein rear, OME front struts, Schwenk standard no-lift springs, and powder coated a replacement mustache bar. Also all new motor mounts needed. Those were horrible.

Here is post-replacement stance. Note this is a Syncro 16" so it rides a little higher anyway.

I guess based on my experience I'd say replace it all!
_________________
1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
________________________
Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD.

[tarandusVDub]

Curious if you got it figured out?

I just realized mine leans to the passenger side. RR=19.5"; LR=20".

Half inch doesn't seem like much, but visually seems noticeable.
_________________
1990 Syncro 16" DoppleKabine 2.1 DJ 112i
________________________
Sold: 1972 Bay Campmobile; 1984 Westy, base model, 2WD.

[Ahwahnee]

I can't say if this is appropriate for a Doka but like many or most, my Westy leans to the driver's side, possibly due to the weight of the kitchen,
water tank, propane tank & storage areas. Oh yeah, and the driver.

I resolved that lean with these:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001AMA96W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Now it sits level:

I don't go crazy with the air pressure, just enough to correct that annoying fraction of an inch.