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Whydah
Samba Member
Joined: November 10, 2015
Posts: 20
Location: Mid-Atlantic
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 Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2015 6:43 am Post subject: Front end height |
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My 1985 'Westy' sits noticeably higher in the front. When recently getting it aligned, the technician commented on the height difference from the rear as unusual.
A local VW/Porche mechanic who owns Vanagons says its normal, and the weight of the fuel tank and driver level it out, which it does, I've noticed.
So, whats the deal? |
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0to60in6min
Samba Member
Joined: November 27, 2006
Posts: 3462
Location: OR & CA (Oregon/California)
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Farf
Samba Member
Joined: July 12, 2009
Posts: 463
Location: Colorado
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| Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2015 9:59 am Post subject: Re: Front end height |
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From the stickies, "Part it Forward"
| Farf wrote: |
Just leveled up the rear of the van. Have 4 white - 11/16" x 6" diameter HDPE "cutting board" doughnuts with 1.75 " hole in center These were cut with hole saws, the center holes need to be enlarged slightly. The edges clean up nice. I don't think most vans would use more than 2 of these. I had to supplement the left rear with an additional 3/8" doughnut.
Loving the look and the ride.
Price: $10.00 per 2, donated to "The Samba", I'll cover postage.
PM me if interested.
Mike |
These spacers follow the 1st link that "0-60" posted above. Measure up your van and see if these might work for you. |
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hdenter
Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2008
Posts: 2966
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
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| Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2015 3:31 pm Post subject: Re: Front end height |
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for some reason VW gave the '85 vans a taller front spring than the other years of vans(except for carats, of course). For this reason you can always spot a '85 standing tall and proud, like mine does. While I don't know for certain, I think the spring is softer and allows the van to ride at about the same height as the rest when loaded up.
Hans
_________________
'79 triple white convertible bug
'84 sunroof vanagon
'85 weekender |
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Whydah
Samba Member
Joined: November 10, 2015
Posts: 20
Location: Mid-Atlantic
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| Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2015 3:54 pm Post subject: Re: Front end height |
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Hmmmm. The cutting board fix could simply short-cut suspension travel, I would think. Looks to me that replacement with proper springs is the best long-term fix. But, as I mentioned, once someone is sitting in either of the two front seats the Westy levels up. If I were to raise the rear would the front not sit lower with passengers?
Funny, but I really don't notice height difference except when its parked in certain places. Looks almost level sitting in the driveway.
I think I will just live with it for now and see how things go. |
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Christopher Schimke
Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005
Posts: 5550
Location: PNW
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| Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2015 4:24 pm Post subject: Re: Front end height |
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| Whydah wrote: |
| Hmmmm. The cutting board fix could simply short-cut suspension travel, I would think. Looks to me that replacement with proper springs is the best long-term fix. |
You do lose a bit of downward travel when you raise the rear end, but springs that raise the suspension would do exactly the same thing. As long as you only raise the rear enough to match the front height when loaded/with you in it, you will not lose enough downward suspension travel to make any difference. The stock springs do not get shorter when you add shims above them (the body simply moves upward in relationship to the shim thickness) so you do not lose any upward travel at all. You actually gain some upward travel.
_________________
"Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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hdenter
Samba Member
Joined: October 14, 2008
Posts: 2966
Location: San Luis Obispo, CA
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| Posted: Sat Dec 12, 2015 6:25 pm Post subject: Re: Front end height |
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Hey Chris, can you comment on the '85 front springs and how they compress compared to the other front springs? Are they softer or stiffer? It seems to me that my '85 will bottom out about the same as my '84 when I go through a deep dip, but then, I haven't driven the '85 in a couple of years.
Hans
_________________
'79 triple white convertible bug
'84 sunroof vanagon
'85 weekender |
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Yellow Rabbit
Samba Member
Joined: August 31, 2005
Posts: 1169
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| Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2015 8:21 am Post subject: Re: Front end height |
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| hdenter wrote: |
for some reason VW gave the '85 vans a taller front spring than the other years of vans(except for carats, of course). For this reason you can always spot a '85 standing tall and proud, like mine does. While I don't know for certain, I think the spring is softer and allows the van to ride at about the same height as the rest when loaded up.
Hans |
I have a couple 1985 dealer sales brochures. All of the vans pictured have the tall ride height on the front and the back. None of them have a lower rear. They sat level when new. |
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Colorado Yeti
Samba Member
Joined: August 25, 2013
Posts: 356
Location: Ft. Collins, Colorado
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| Posted: Sun Dec 13, 2015 8:36 am Post subject: Re: Front end height |
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| hdenter wrote: |
for some reason VW gave the '85 vans a taller front spring than the other years of vans(except for carats, of course). For this reason you can always spot a '85 standing tall and proud, like mine does. While I don't know for certain, I think the spring is softer and allows the van to ride at about the same height as the rest when loaded up.
Hans |
Exactly. Everyone assumes my '85 is a syncro even though I have never modified the ride height. But my van sits evenly between the back and the front. |
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