Author |
Message |
IoWesty Samba Member
Joined: February 17, 2014 Posts: 181 Location: Iowa
|
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 4:59 am Post subject: Suspension Suggestions |
|
|
I've decided to work on ride quality this winter. What can I do to upgrade the suspension on my 1991 Westy? Looking to maintain originality, but a better ride. Thanks. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
dhaavers Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010 Posts: 7733 Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
|
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 5:02 am Post subject: Re: Suspension Suggestions |
|
|
Pretty subjective area...criteria, please? _________________ 86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
|
Back to top |
|
|
unibagel Samba Member
Joined: December 02, 2004 Posts: 528 Location: Bflo, NY
|
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 5:08 am Post subject: Re: Suspension Suggestions |
|
|
I went with Yokohama Geolandar tires on 15" Mercedes wheels, GoWesty Zero lift springs, Koni Red Adjustable shocks and am in the process of installing Powerflex bushings.
So far it has been a night and day difference in stability, off-road ability and handling. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
dhaavers Samba Member
Joined: March 19, 2010 Posts: 7733 Location: NE MN (tinyurl.com/dhaaverslocation)
|
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 5:23 am Post subject: Re: Suspension Suggestions |
|
|
Now that I think of it, I admit I'm looking forward to a few hundred "spare"
so I can pull the trigger on the new T3 Technique anti-roll bar & bushings...
_________________ 86 White Wolfsburg Westy Weekender
"The WonderVan"
<EDITED TO PROTECT INNOCENT PIXELS> |
|
Back to top |
|
|
IoWesty Samba Member
Joined: February 17, 2014 Posts: 181 Location: Iowa
|
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 6:58 am Post subject: Re: Suspension Suggestions |
|
|
I'm wondering if I get more bang for my buck with new springs or bushings. I'm kind of committed to the 14'rims, as I recently scored a set of BFG ATs. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
bobbyblack Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015 Posts: 4332 Location: United States, Iowa
|
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 7:55 am Post subject: Re: Suspension Suggestions |
|
|
I think both dhaavers and unibagel are onto something. I spoke with Christopher at T3 at length on your very topic. His answer pointed at just about exactly what they are saying. It also included going with the slightly lower Carat springs. I know they pop up once in a while on the classifieds, and of course, they would be used, but keep it in mind. Since you are keeping with the 14's, you'd have no problem with the slightly lower stance and that would help your stability.
Glad to see another Iowa'n on here, from the map I had been wondering if I was the only one!?!
https://www.zeemaps.com/map?group=1562320&location=USA&add=1# _________________ '87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
|
Back to top |
|
|
hans j Samba Member
Joined: May 06, 2006 Posts: 2713 Location: Salt Lake City UT
|
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 9:06 am Post subject: Re: Suspension Suggestions |
|
|
Define "better ride". _________________ 1986 Canadian Syncro Westy TDI - 1989 Syncro Single Cab - 2001 Audi S4 - 1981 VW Caddy ABA - 1980 VW Caddy EV - 1973 VW T-181 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
IoWesty Samba Member
Joined: February 17, 2014 Posts: 181 Location: Iowa
|
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 9:16 am Post subject: Re: Suspension Suggestions |
|
|
So the GoWesty zero lift springs and the T3 Powerflex Bushings? Yellow or purple? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
bobbyblack Samba Member
Joined: May 21, 2015 Posts: 4332 Location: United States, Iowa
|
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 9:45 am Post subject: Re: Suspension Suggestions |
|
|
IoWesty wrote: |
So the GoWesty zero lift springs and the T3 Powerflex Bushings? Yellow or purple? |
T3/Chirstopher's remarks to me, in regards to his happiest, and most demanding customer, were:
LOWER the stance == get Carat springs
UPGRADE anti-roll bar + end bits
PowerFlex Purple.
Keep original DIAMETER tires, regardless of rim size. I.E. 25.5 inches using exacting inflation specs updated to modern information pertaining to tire choice.
Get it aligned.
That is just from multiple conversations I had with him, so I may have not fully tied together everything he was explaining. I am really just condensing what I understood from him tho. Maybe I could suggest actually ASKING the Expert, he is really great to work with! _________________ '87 Westy 'Flossie','86 Westy 'R1','86 tintop GL - Subi2.2 'J2','83.5 stock tintop L 'ZoomBus','74 Karmann Ghia, '63 Notch |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Merian Samba Member
Joined: January 04, 2014 Posts: 5212 Location: Orygun
|
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 12:06 pm Post subject: Re: Suspension Suggestions |
|
|
hans j wrote: |
Define "better ride". |
not sitting on top of a pogo stick - but that is the fundamental Vanagon Experience - maybe he knows that? _________________ .... |
|
Back to top |
|
|
hans j Samba Member
Joined: May 06, 2006 Posts: 2713 Location: Salt Lake City UT
|
Posted: Thu Dec 01, 2016 1:46 pm Post subject: Re: Suspension Suggestions |
|
|
Merian wrote: |
hans j wrote: |
Define "better ride". |
not sitting on top of a pogo stick - but that is the fundamental Vanagon Experience - maybe he knows that? |
It doesn't have to be You never know though, I personally can't stand a lot of suspension setups. Stock springs and OE shocks feel pretty good to me... _________________ 1986 Canadian Syncro Westy TDI - 1989 Syncro Single Cab - 2001 Audi S4 - 1981 VW Caddy ABA - 1980 VW Caddy EV - 1973 VW T-181 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|