>Martin wrote:
> >
> > We have an 85 and 87Vanagon.  Used to have a 72 Westy.  It seems that each
> > newer Van has a poorer ride!  The 87 is a "Westburg" and rides terrible
> > compared to the 85.  We changed the shocks to KBs then to OEM shocks
> with no
> > improvement.  Can we change the springs?  Would this help?  It seems that
> > the shocks work, that is we don't bounce, but the bumps in Chicagoland
> > winter roads jarr your teath and rattle your head - in short its darned
> > unpleasant.  Any ideas, could it be the springs?
> >
> > LJ

Martin,
         You may want to try one of the many spring/suspension shops in the
greater Chicago area.  Spring rates and shocks play a major role in ride
comfort.  I've hit a few potholes in a friends '89 and then driven the same
road in my '82 westy.  The westy took the bumps much better.  I know that
the westy has different springs than other Vanagons, so this isn't a direct
apple to apple comparison, however weight may have played a major factor
also.  Back when I drove American vehicles, the heavy-duty vans and trucks
were always a bone jarring ride when empty.  This might be at the root of
your loose teeth.

Good Luck
Chris Smith
Outer Chicagoland (so when will it rain enough to wash the streets?)
'82 Westy
'74 Thing
Some cars that run