John,

You are correct about the "U"-shaped spacers, w/serrated washers. They
are essential. I read Robert's comments in respect to the one and a half
inch OD round washer which "comes with" Lobro CV boots I have replaced.
That washer is model specific.  If I have confused the issue, Mea Culpa.

Regards,

Tom Hanlon
Palm Springs, CA
84 Westfalia,

John Anderson wrote:
>
> >From what i understand, the spacers are included in the kit because the
> >boots fit many year models of these vehicles.  I asked the same question
> >as you when I was installing joints and boots on an 84 Westy, and the
> >List consensus was that the spacers were model-specific. I omitted them
>
> Model specific?  If we are talking about the little double washer thingies
> that go under 2 bolts (each with its own serrated washer) there has not
> been a change in these things from '72-'92.  All are the same, all fit proper
> boots (with the correct stamped flanges) perfectly.  They are not of course
> the same as say Rabbit or Jetta ones (well they are the same as some of
> the Jetta which are the same diameter and bolt pattern as the Bus/Van.)
> But anything that left Germany with that boot left it with those little spacer
> washer thingies as well, if you don't have them, they were removed.
>
> I would not leave these out personally as they are a firmer piece of metal
> for the serrated washer (which itself is supremely important) to grip rather
> than the cheesy thin steel the boot flange is stamped from.  CV boot bolts
> come out and it isn't good when they do, they need everything they are
> supposed to have.  Kits don't come with them cause the don't go bad.
>
> John
> jander14@wvu.edu