Addco - Won't return phone calls or emails

[scottjk]

I've been trying to get a hold of Addco for over two weeks and cannot get anyone to respond. I'm having a major issues with their 719 kit on my 1985 Westfalia. The bushings do not properly fit on the body and bar causing banging and too much movement.

Does anyone who has worked with them in the past have any suggestions on how to get my issues resolved?

I just emailed AndySports where I purchased the kit to see if they can help.

Thanks

Scott
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1985 Westfalia 2.5L EJ

[furrylittleotter]

Sorry to hear they are slacking. Customer service is lacking these days.
Personally, if i am having an issue I tent to fix it myself. Getting "Help" never seems to.

If it's moving too much try clamping one of these to the inside of each clamp? Grease liberally.

http://www.partsreplacementstore.com/product/Doubl...QgodEiYAlw

A one inch sway bar sounds awesome. Hope you can get it the way you like.

[insyncro]

There are a few build threads here using those bars.
Some upgrades can be made at the attachment of the bar.
Universal bushings and holders can be used for more clamping force on the bar.
I dont have the specifics on the brain right now, but perhaps a search of some threads may help.

[Gauche1968]

Are they still in business?
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1984 Vanagon GL
1984 Vanagon Westy

[[email protected]]

I have the 719 on mine, and the bar is about 1 1/2-2" too narrow for the T3. I used 1" collars to prevent the bar from sliding side/side and making a loud banging noise. It was either that or use a stack of washers on each side, but those 3/4" bolts are a bear to tighten/loosen due to the excessive thread, so I chose the collar method of restraint.
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[scottjk]

Worst company I have ever dealt with. I will never purchase anything from them again!

Explained the problem with the 1985 and older Vanagons that the bushing mounts at and angle and not on the flat frame surface like the 1986-1991. Sent them a picture of the bar fitted to the van so they could definitively see what the issue is.

They said they would send me new bushing and brackets out. They did, but the were the EXACT same as the original 719 kit.

So for you 1985 and older Vanagon owners... DO NOT BUY ADDCO 719U for your van. It won't fit!
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1985 Westfalia 2.5L EJ

[insyncro]

Aftermarket parts usually need some ingenuity and mods to make work.

If you are looking for stock fit and finish, I would recommend sticking with stock parts.

How you deal with the curve balls separates the hitters from the........

[Gauche1968]

The bar will fit on older vans, just not perfectly. Moreover, if you lube up the bushing too much and tighten the bolts past a certain point, the drop link can pop out over the bushing. Some 2" OD and 3/4" ID washers on the wheel side of the drop link should prevent this. Why Addco didn't think of this is a mystery, but it is what it is.
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1984 Vanagon GL
1984 Vanagon Westy

[BIRD84WESTY]

I have the Addco sway bar, with over 40K miles on an 1984 Westy. When I did swap the sway bar, I switched to later model drop links, running 15 " Mercedes wheels, Carat springs, new KYBs with Nokian tires. Got an alignment, and I have been loving the way it handles. Hitting triple digits with the Bostig!
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1984 Westy w/Bostig in the trunk

[insyncro]

[furrylittleotter]

Just finished a full suspension restoration and got an alignment. Now you guys have me pining for a beefier sway bar. I did put flaps polyurethane swaybar bushings on, just stacked some washers under one side, no big deal. Not bad for $12.
Neil

[Gauche1968]

[r39o]

I made it work and there is a longish thread about Addco bars.

Look in section 40 of the FAQ in Front Suspension.
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....

Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently)

[Gauche1968]

[Hodakaguy]

[goffoz]

[r39o]

[insyncro]

Sorry Dudes, but from my vantage point, questions should be asked before any product is purchased.
Bashing a vendor because you lack the knowledge to install there product is complete BS.
So you Guys are getting detailed instructions with all of the aftermarket products you are buying for a Vanagon???
Com'on, get real.
If so, why do so many people have issues and especially with alignment.

This and the other thread that was locked in a matter of minutes goes to show that questions were not being asked, just bashing.

You reap what you sow.

If it ain't working for ya, trying hiring a qualified wrench to git r dun

[Gauche1968]

The OP claims that Addco did not return his calls in a timely fashion and then misinterpreted his request for help. Of course, we don't know how the conversation for help went, but the failure to return a customer's calls in a reasonable time frame is deserving of some bashing.

How is a customer supposed to know what questions to ask before he buys something if it is advertised as fitting their application?
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1984 Vanagon GL
1984 Vanagon Westy

[Hodakaguy]