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

[wpicotte]

Hi everyone - I have a manual 87' Vanagon camper (Clio) with 15" wheels. I'm considering an upgrade to GoWesty's 16" all-terrain bundle, and would greatly appreciate any insights that you can share based on experience with 16s on a Vanagon.

My rationale for the upgrade:

> The existing tires are at the end of their life, so I have to plunk down for new rubber regardless. That's 25% of the total cost of this upgrade package, any which way I go.
> We're frequently off road on rough jeep roads / double tracks (Clio also sports Peloquin's LSD), in very remote locations like Three Corners, on the Owyhee in eastern OR. My assumption is that beefier tires will decrease the likelihood of a puncture in such locales, at least relative to what standard 15" tires can withstand.
> Clio's original suspension is still functional, but not that tight (she has about 160k original miles and leans through turns like a drunken lady). We carry kayaks on the roof on a regular basis, and my expectation for the suspension upgrade would be improved handling (ha ha) in general, and greater stability when carrying stuff on the roof.

The 15s are a nice wheel upgrade to begin with, and I guess I'm trying to determine whether the assumed improvements or safety benefits described here are (1) realistic and (2) enough to justify the upgrade's hefty price tag

The package includes 215/70-16 BFG All Terrain tires mounted on 16" wheels, springs, fox shocks, spacers for the lift, etc. (GoWesty also recommends their calibrated speedometer, as well, due to the larger tire size). The shocks are another 25% of the upgrade's cost, and I really have no idea if going higher end has any real benefit. The standard replacements are half the cost, and I've been told that there is very little difference in terms of performance or build quality across the range of available options.

Thanks in advance for any feedback you can provide!

Wesley

[MsTaboo]

Remember, if you have a stock engine, the larger tires will slow you down.

You might be better off staying with the 15" wheels you already own, get some 15" BFGs, OME (Old Man Emu) shocks and save some serious coin. Money better spent would be on rebuilding the suspension with new bushings, etc.
You don't say what size tires you currently have, but keeping closer to stock size gives better performance, Plus if you do go with a larger diameter tire than stock, the 15" wheel will give you more sidewall. Better for airing down off road.
_________________
Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec

The information age has morphed into the age of disinformation and willful ignorance. Agnotology!
When you stir up shit you're bound to get some on yourself.
Resist Kleptocratic Oligarchy (and Idiocracy)!

[kbeefy]

$2500 is quite a bit of money. There is a significant difference in shocks, I'm sure the Fox's are worth it but not sure they are going to fix any handling issues that a normally functioning shock wouldn't also fix.

The stiffer springs would probably reduce the leaning, but the added height from the springs and tires would probably offset it.

Have you considered just replacing your existing tires with an LT rated tire
(if available). Given the lack of power I'd probably avoid doing anything to reduce my final drive ratio. I have slightly larger tires than that package along with a subaru 2.5 and would definitely appreciate lower gears.


Have you checked the condition of bushings etc? at 160k it should all have been replaced, probably a couple times by now.
_________________
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/

[kbeefy]

haha..... What they said!
_________________
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/

[wpicotte]

Very helpful feedback. The van still has the original engine and I'm also researching a replacement for this, but that's in the offing. Had not considered the implication to overall speed of the larger wheels / tires. The current tires are 15" LT - don't know the exact size. I certainly like the idea of saving money--the price tag is hard to swallow.

Thanks for weighing in.

[kbeefy]

If you already have LT rated tires then you probably won't gain a whole lot of puncture resistance. Keeping the higher aspect ratio of the 15's have several benefits off-road, the only benefit of the 16 might be better on-road handling (along with a harsher ride) and maybe more tire options.
_________________
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/

[syncrodoka]

[insyncro]

I have those shocks and have used the springs before.
If budget minded it is a good place to start but there is much better available, my opinion, if you are willing to spend a bit more money.
It all depends upon what you are looking for, true offroad performance or just a cool looking van.

[insyncro]

I also agree with the other comments.
If you are not planning on refreshing all bushings and bearings, along with CV halfshafts, you may not be overwhelmed with the performance gains and will definitely hear your van making some noises it hasn't ever made before.
This is a geometry thing and with all new parts plus a proper alignment, you will be very pleased.

[wpicotte]

[wpicotte]

[insyncro]

Stock is stock, no way around that, BUT stock Syncro is pretty darn good if you ask me.

The sky is the limit for upgrading.

My advice, get as many ride alongs in differently set up vans with drivers of different styles and you will find the combo of parts that matches your needs perfectly.

[syncrodoka]

You should start from the beginning. Bushings- stock rubber or poly and work from there. Shocks and springs are a hot topic but build it on a solid foundation.
Shocks, springs and tires can take up a lot of your research time while refreshing the suspension bushings is gratification that you can feel quickly.
Do a search on GW springs there are topics where some people are happy while others aren't as much.
Custom control arms, custom trailing arms, custom valved shocks, full custom suspension that requires body mods, flamethrower out the tailpipe there are lots of options depending on what you are willing to spend.

[insyncro]

Right on Mario.

$yncro

[syncrodoka]

If their GW link is correct they are rolling a 2wd adventure vehicle.

[luVWagn]

Also note that BFG AT tires are not that great according to this tire review from Expedition Portal. I'm likely to take their lead and do Cooper Discoverer AT3 for my set of 16" tires.
_________________
'91 Double Door Transporter

[DontBeAfraid]

Hey,
It is quite a bit of coin for all that gear.
I can't speak for the performance of any of this equipment, but I will share my setup with you.
I purchased syncro.org 2wd springs (similar price point to GW springs) and Monroe 58253 front and 58632 rear springs and installed them myself. I also added General Grabbers 27x8.5R14LT onto stock alloys. At the same time I added fresh tie rod ends and upper ball joints.
I had similar aspirations as you do, and a similar budget, it sounds like. The more expensive setups were very appealing, but in the end I decided to go the cheaper route. The Grabbers were the most inexpensive tires available for the 14" alloys (and the tread pattern is ideal for what I (and you) want), the shocks were $140 for all four, and the springs were around $300. I can always change the shocks later, or add the taller springs if I want.
All told my setup ended up costing less than $1200 and it rides like a different vehicle from the worn out stock setup.
We just arrived back from five days in the Mojave for New Year's, and I am very impressed with the capability of Klaus given the roughly 18" ride height and larger offroad tires. We took several "4x4 only" roads, and granted we had to turn back eventually, we made it through some hairy spots with only two wheels working!!
Of course I have to give you a disclaimer about my setup. The Grabbers do not meet the ideal load rating for Vanagons. After 10,000 miles I have had no catastrophic failure. The Monroe shocks are nearly bolt on, but they are not stock for Vanagons. They work great, and many users here have enjoyed problem free service from this budget option.
Let me know if you want some detail about the Monroes; I compiled all the info from thesamba I needed to make a decision/install them into one document, and I'd be happy to share it with you!
_________________
Dave
1989 Westfalia 2.1 Four-on-the-Floor

[Jeff's Old Volks Home]

[insyncro]

I really enjoy my Syncro.org springs as well.

[DontBeAfraid]

FWIW here is my van now:

[img]

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_________________
Dave
1989 Westfalia 2.1 Four-on-the-Floor