Matthew:

I noticed a profound improvement by doing all of the following at the same
time:

1. OME shocks front & rear
2. Betts Springs (version 1.0) front and rear
3. Replace ball joints, upper & lower (251 407 361 and 251 407 187)
4. Replace wheel bearings (I did this strictly as a PM since I had the
fronts completely apart anyway)  Even after 200k miles they still showed no
signs of wear, though.  (unbelievable!)
5. Replace upper control arm bushings 251 407 077
6. Replace lower control arm ("track control arm") bushings. 251 407 183

I might also suggst replacing the radius arm bushings, but I have not done
this yet. (251 407 175 [2 per side] and 251 407 179 [2 per side]

This also had the benefit of quieting all the incessant squeaking.
-Brent

>From: Matthew Pollard <poll7356@UIDAHO.EDU>
>Reply-To: Matthew Pollard <poll7356@UIDAHO.EDU>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: increasing safety (handling) of the syncro
>Date: Fri, 15 Mar 2002 09:51:07 -0800
>
>i have an 86 syncro westy. This is my wife's daily driver as it is the
>safest car for her and our son (5.5 months old).
>
>What can i do to make the handling better and in general make the bus as
>safe as possible?
>
>I have 14" alloy rims and don't want to convert to 15", so the bigger
>brakes are not an option. And the 14" brakes are pretty good if adjusted
>correctly (i've had this bus in a 4 wheel skid once so i know they are ok.
>Damn Moose). I have good bg goodrich commercial tires, yadda yadda yadda.
>
>Suspension? I'm getting the SA shocks. What about springs, front bushing
>thingees. I really don't know what is up there, etc regarding this.
>
>Thanks.
>matthew

Brent Christensen
'89 GL Syncro Westy
Santa Barbara, CA

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