Brent, the 86-87 Syncros have different lower control arms that later
models. The early ones are built up out of sheet metal and the new ones
are solid steel. The hole in the older ones for the lower shock end
appears smaller and this means that there is less room to tilt the
spring/shock while installing the top end of the shock. Also the strut
bar connects differently on the new one. These differences are not
documented in the Bentley, which only shows the older type. The 2 WD
Vanagons have a similar old and new style which is shown on Bentley
pages 40.2 for up 84 and 40.7 for 85 and newer. I have done front shocks
and springs 4 times on the old style Syncro. I never used a spring
compressor and it was never fun. 4 hours at least and a helper for the
worst parts. I am not sure which year the Syncro changed but I think it
was 88.

Mark

Mark

Mark

BRENT CHRISTENSEN wrote:
>
>    Part 1.1Type: Plain Text (text/plain)