Anyone try Moog 5664 front springs on a 2wd Vanagon?

[JoeVanagon]

Has anyone installed Moog 5664 front coil springs on a 2wd Vanagon. If so, what was your experience installing, and the ride? My findings show them to be a little larger wire size than the 5660 (.765" vs. .718") and a spring rate of 707 lb/inch vs. the 5660 at 598 lb/inch. I'm afraid they are too stiff for my non-camper van, but I want as much lift as possible, and I don't think the 5660's have enough height. Thanks in advance!
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Joe Vanagon
1990 Carat with EJ25 SOHC

[psych-illogical]

Try doing a search for 'lift springs' or maybe even 'GoWesty lift springs.' I remember there was a kinda long thread on here a few months back and somebody in there had put on the Moog springs. IIRC, they don't provide the same lift as the GoWesty springs or even the stock '85 Vanagon springs. Good luck with your search.
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83 1/2 Westy waterboxer
'57 Beetle-sold
Coupla '81 BMW motorcycles (R80G/S; R100RS)
'96 BMW R1100GS

[JoeVanagon]

I've read every post on ride height and springs I can find, but I can't tell if anybody has used the 5664's. I've seen lot's of 5660's, someone tried installing 5662's, but gave up. I have a feeling no one has done 5664's yet. I'm willing to give it a shot though. Anyone have the dimensions of the GoWesty front lift springs, wire diameter, inner/outer diameter, and free length?
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Joe Vanagon
1990 Carat with EJ25 SOHC

[buildyourown]

I have the 5658 and they provide quite a bit of lift over the stock ones. I think if you go much stiffer than the 5662, you are going to be out of suspension travel.

I suppose they are cheap enough to warrant a try. Rock auto has Rasbestos brand for <$50. They get you on shipping though.

[JoeVanagon]

5662's have a higher spring rate than 5664's, so I think I'll try the 5664's out. I might get them at my local NAPA. More expensive, but no shipping, and if they don't fit, I can take back without questions, or extra shipping charges. I'll let you know what my results are. Thanks!
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Joe Vanagon
1990 Carat with EJ25 SOHC

[PDXWesty]

One of the posts mentions that Amazon sent the wrong springs when ordering 5660 springs. The poster said that he tried to install them but found that the wire daimeter was slightly too large to make them fit right. You may run into the same trouble.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=354563&highlight=springs
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[PDXWesty]

[JoeVanagon]

Hmm, I got my Moog info from another chart. Now I don't know what to believe. But it makes sense that the fatter coil diameter has a higher spring rate. Maybe I'll go with the 5662's then. If I just can't get them to fit, I'll take them back and put 5660's on and add spacers if there isn't enough lift for me.
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Joe Vanagon
1990 Carat with EJ25 SOHC

[a914622]

If your looking to lift a vanagon with a bigger spring you should hit the wrecking yard and look for a chevy s-10. Im running 2 inch lowering springs for the s-10s. They ride great and are the height of a carat spring when installed.
If you do the math stock s-10 springs should give you about 1/2-1.0 inch taller than stock vanagon.(none carats). Or are you looking for a lower bigger dai spring.

I talk to paul when Amazon shipped him the wrong ones. It didnt seem like the 5662?? were going to fit in the top spring pocket .


jcl
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87 gl powerd buy 2.5subaru
75 914 getting 2.2t subaru scratch that SVX subaru

[presslab]

The 5660s are a tight fit in the rubber spring seat. I imagine the 5662s will be do-able but it could be a struggle.
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1986 Vanagon Westfalia EJ25
1988 Subaru GL-10 EJ20G --- 2000 Honda XR650L
2010 Titus El Guapo --- 2011 On-One 456 Ti

[JoeVanagon]

Well I pulled the trigger on the NAPA equivalent to the 5662, which is their part number NCP 2773175. Their specs show it with a .750 dia, 4.085 ID, 13.23 free length, 10.75 installed length, and a 649 lb/inch spring rate. This is less that the Moog 5662 at 748 lb/inch, so it should be half way in between the 5660 and the 5662. I'm looking for more lift than what the 5660 can give me, so that's why I am trying something else. I have a strategy for the rubber isolator on top of the spring (electrical tape to keep it on until the weight of the vehicle is on it) so we'll see if I can make it fit. If not, I can return it to the store (which is why I didn't order Amazon or Rock Auto) and get the 5660, but then I'll still probably install spacers to get the lift I am after. I'll keep you posted once I install, probably this weekend with ride height measurements. Thanks all.
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Joe Vanagon
1990 Carat with EJ25 SOHC

[Volksaholic]

Yes... definitely keep us posted. I'm interested in doing the same thing on my Wolfsburg... I really dislike the lowered stock setup.

Paul
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1988 Wolfsburg Edition, 2001 Subaru EJ251

[ALIKA T3]

pictures,dimensions?? don't hide

[ddonnell]

I'd stay with what works. I even took a step back from the known edge at the time and went with the 5658s. If you get the 5664s what are you doing for the rear? I had a Carat and also disliked the lower stance. I did the 5658s and just went with some westy rear springs and airlift air bags to pop it up some more. I am very happy with my set up although I need to go switch out my shocks. I got a bad front one and have been too lazy...


Here's my thread with pics:
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=424501&start=0
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1990 Vanagon Carat-SOLD
1995 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 V10
1966 Baja "The Beast"

instagram #bajabugproject

[greggearhead]

[a914622]

Yes thats right 87 ish 2 wd.
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87 gl powerd buy 2.5subaru
75 914 getting 2.2t subaru scratch that SVX subaru

[Franklinstower]

with those springs you ordered, I would also suggest getting a set of ball joint spacers. Gowesty or Burley sells them. They help correct the ball geometry when you lift the front end.

Paul
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'89 Westy - EJ25/22 Frank 4.44 5mt
'75 Miami Blue Sunroof FI Standard Bug
YITB

[JoeVanagon]

Well I finally was able to install my NAPA 277-3175 springs, $80 for the pair. I had a few other projects to finish up (like a Subaru 2.5 install, etc.!). The springs work great! My strategy of using electrical tape to keep the upper rubber isolator on during install worked perfectly. I used an internal spring compressor to ease the install, checked out from O'reilly auto parts, so no cost if you don't have one. I'm not sure you could get the spring in and seated without one. I added upper ball joint spacers from GoWesty. My front height is now 18" exactly. I also installed Bilsteins all around while I was at it. Now I just need spacers in the rear to bring everything level, and new tires to go with my Van Cafe steelies. The ride is nice, while not being too stiff. No more nose dive on braking. Sorry no during pictures, but here's some shots after. Looks like it belongs there!

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Joe Vanagon
1990 Carat with EJ25 SOHC

[PDXWesty]

Before getting to crazy with spacers, drive it around for 3 months to let the springs and shocks settle in. Then you'll be able to level it better.
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89 Westy 2.1 Auto

[dubbified]

Curious where this is at today?

Anyone using 16 inch rims with this sorta setup?

Thanks!