The only problem is that my van is an 85' and 85's are very tall....almost
16" from

center of the hub to fender.....I don't think airlift will work because
there is

already too much space between the snubber and the lower control arm.

And besides shims can be made for less than $5....either using Nylon cutting
board or

special industrial plastics.  I am leaning towards an aluminum shim screwed
into

place.

Malibu Tony    85' Westy 1.9 L

rear measurement from ctr of hub to fender is 15 3/4
frnt measurement from ctr of hub to fender is 16 1/2

Looks like a one inch spacer will work fine.....no current leaning problem.

-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Stann [mailto:ChrisS@Informs.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2001 3:52 PM
To: Smola, Tony; vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: RE: To Shim Or not To Shim........That is the question

Here's what you want.  An air-bag-type helper.  You can vary your bag
pressure for different loads and adjust according to need.

http://airlift.r-catalog.com/listparts.asp?mmid=102073&fldnum=0&prod=3

Use the website to find a dealer near you.  I'm getting mine soon.

Chris.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com]On Behalf
Of Smola, Tony
Sent: Wednesday, December 12, 2001 5:39 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: To Shim Or not To Shim........That is the question

I'm pretty sure that I've decided to shim my 85' Westy 2WD in order to level
her out......sagging rear you know.

Is there a simple template that I can make for the rears?

What material should I use?

How thick of a shim can be installed safely?

Thanks,

Malibu Tony     85' Westy    1.9L    6 degrees BTDC