>  >the 2WD Vanagon pales to a 2WD Bay in the off road traction.   I believe
>that
>>  this is primarily from weight distribution.
>
>I've had both and I always thought the loaf was better than the 2wd vanagon
>off road because of the suspension rather than the weight distribution...
>maybe the suspension and the weight in general.  my old 76 loaf was so light
>and nimble she would climb over almost anything.  but then, that was a long
>time ago... maybe my memory is fogged.

I think it's the old torsionbar suspension and extra groundclearance
of the Splits and Bays which made them so good offroad.
Responsiveness and really long travel allowed the rear tires to
remain in contact with the ground over really lumpy going.  They
aren't light vehicles either.

--
Andrew Grebneff
165 EvansSt, Dunedin 9001, New Zealand
<andrew.grebneff@stonebow.otago.ac.nz>
Ph: 0064 (3) 473-8863 fax: 0064 (3) 479-7527
1986 Toyota Corolla 1.8DX CE80 diesel sedan
1989 Toyota Corolla 1.8DX CE96 diesel van
1989 Toyota Corona 2.0D Select CT170 diesel sedan
1992 Toyota Estima Lucida 2.2 turbodiesel MPV (=narrow "Previa")
1984 VW Caravelle GL (to be fitted with 260hp Subaru SVX flat-6 &
Porsche G50 trans)
Seashell, Macintosh, VW & Toyota van nut