>There is no reason to switch to these wheels because your 14 inch wheels
>will mount as big a tire as you can use without regearing. Re gearing is a
>huge deal and costs many thousands of dollars.<

Re-gearing is not a big deal (imho), especially if your gearbox is apart
already.
New/used  gears in just about any ratio are available from some of the list
transmission specialists. I paid about $145 a few months ago for a taller
4th for my syncro from Chris Weedle.  Well worth it.
Drops the RPMs about 500 at highway speeds.  You are still well within the
power band, I don't notice having to downshift more than before.
No regrets at all.  I would not change the ring and pinion though, which
would be the same as increasing tire diameter.  I just wanted to reduce the
RPMs on the highway, and thats what changing 4th does. Acceleration is the
same.  Noise is reduced, and it may give better gas milage.

Contrary to list opinion, I found that the vanagon gearbox, syncro and 2wd,
are not difficult to rebuild.  Automatics from the 1990s are not any easier.

If I ever get another vanagon and have the gearbox out for a clutch job or
whatever, I would throw in a taller 4th, replace the 3-4 slider and put in
new syncro rings.  Should cost less than $300.

Gary Lee
Calgary, Canada