They may look good but if you were to redo  your whole suspension you will find
all rubber bushings are no longer functional and lower ball joints may be worn out.
U can't tell untill suspension is apart. I ve done 2 complete suspensions recently on Vanagons
that seemed to be ok. Lots of work but it is matter of safety. Taking suspension apart is
relatively easy but replacing bushings and ball joints could be done by machine
shop(automotive) or if you have press and some tools you can do it.
Catastrophic failures? I doubt it very much but it's a handful to drive Vanagon with
worn out suspension.
Leon
85 Subwagen Westy

11/17/01 4:06:47 PM, Martin Jagersand <jag@CS.UALBERTA.CA> wrote:

>On my attempt to pass Alberta Out of Province inspection the
>mechanic failed my vanagon due to old rubber in the caster
>strut bar (front) bushings.
>
>Yes, the rubber is obviously old (1982), but still good and
>springy enough to keep the front end tight.
>
>The guy argued that old rubber can split suddenly and cause
>catastrophic failure. I never heard of this happening to
>any vanagon so I was sceptic.
>
>What is the list experience with this? Anyone ever heard of
>these rubber bushings failing suddenly and causing an accident?
>
>Thanks,
>Martin
>
>