GW 2wd lift springs with an Auto Trans CV question

[Herr Motorspiele]

For those that have installed GW lift springs with an auto trans did you have to replace your CV's as GW has suggested because of the angle with the shorter axle? If so, did you go with the 930's or 944's?
Thanks!

[Red Beard]

It probably depends on the condition of your CVs and your final ride height, but I will say when I put the zero lift springs in the rear with a spacer, which brought me up to 17 3/4 inch, my CVs immediately started clacking. I went to the 944 CVs and all seems well for the last 5 to 7000 miles.

[nesurfer99]

I have the GW lift springs on my 89 tintop 2WD automatic trans and I have 16" wheels.

I made it about 20k miles on the original CVs after installing the springs.

I got about 9k out of replacements half-shafts (from FLAPS).

I just installed GW EMPI half shafts and am hoping to make it from AZ back to FL early next month. Then I will rebuild my originals probably with 930s. Note that GW does not list the 930 CV as a separately orderable part, only as part of their 930 axle kit. When I sent them an email on this, they said they do sell them separately. Burley lists the 930 CVs on his website.
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89 Carat on the road and collecting (s)miles

[PDXWesty]

I just had to replace a drivers side CV this year in my van. Can't say how many miles are on it but the shop did say it was because the van sits high. I'm at 17"-17.5" in the rear.
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[Herr Motorspiele]

Good to know you can get the 930 cv's separately from GW. I recall seeing them on Burley's site now that you mention it.
I've actually been looking at the 944 cv's. Van Café sells them as does Amazon with free shipping
From what I understand 944 cv's bolt right up with no issues. 930's need the stub axles and flanges replaced in addition to the axle shaft and cv's.

What I'm unclear of with 944's is should you:
-Replace/swap all 4 cv's (with new 944 cv's) on 2 used OEM axle shafts
or
-Install new complete 944 axles and not have to swap the cv's (preferred method)

I think in a manual 2wd and Syncro the 944 axles are the correct length, I haven't found where that's the case with an auto trans. Wondering if the auto 944 axles are also compatible?

Red Beard,
Curious what you did, if yours is an auto, since you're running 944's. It's interesting that they started making noise with the zero lifts!

Thanks for all the input so far.

[Red Beard]

Just to be clear, installing springs lead to my stock cvs clacking.

I Installed the 944cvs on my OEM shafts. Most sources suggest keeping the oem shafts if possible, better quality than most the aftermarket options.

[Herr Motorspiele]

Thanks Red Beard, I’m just surprised that they started clacking with the zero lifts. I guess your old springs were pretty worn out? I’ll probably just wait and see what happens with the lift springs before swapping out my cv’s. If required, I’ll go with 944 cv’s on stock shafts unless someone can confirm 944 auto trans axles fit.

[llilibel03]

Van Cafe sells 944 cv joints for $225.
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87 syncro tintop
90 gl tin top
85 westy 2.0 tiico automatic (present)

[Herr Motorspiele]

Actually the assembled axle is $225 (manual trans only).
The 4 joint kit is $265 which is what I'll go with if necessary.

[RambleVan]

Lifted with an auto trans. Everything was fine for a few months but then the cv's started clacking while we were on a camping trip. At first it was just on tight curves and steep grades but by the end of the trip just about any hill would cause them to make some noise. Replaced with 944's on original axles and Rockford boots. Purchased from T3 Technique.

[Herr Motorspiele]

Thanks for the real world feedback Ramblevan. What shocks are you running?

[blackglasspirate]

I've got the lift springs with an auto trans and haven't had any problems yet with the CVs going bad (knock on wood). That's with a lot of rough road and mountain driving.
Currently I run EMPI CVs. After putting the springs on I drove another 22k on them before replacing them, not because they were bad, but just as a precaution before heading to South America. I've put 6k on my newer ones and haven't had problems yet.

Everyone's mileage varies though, especially when it comes to EMPI CVs.
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'87 Vanagon GL Westfalia
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[hozbee]

[RambleVan]