In a message dated 1/2/03 1:03:57 AM Pacific Standard Time,
mcnock@EASYSTREET.COM writes:

<< Problem: I have an 85 westy with a sagging rear end.

 My fix:

 1) bought "high torque" SS hose clamps McMasterCarr 1" - 2 1/4 inch
 extended range - 5/8 wide, extra thick band. (5 for $8).  >>

Andrew,

I would be less worried about how long they would last as I would be worried
about my wheel wells withstanding the impact of those clamps once they "ping"
off. Since your front seats are on top of those front wheel wells, isn't your
solution akin to sitting on the barrel of a ballistic weapon? How about
passersby? Couldn't one of your breaking hose clamps "...shoot (their) eye
out..." as they said in that Christmas BB gun story?

Spring (pardon the pun) for newer springs or slip a piece of shaped nylon
cutting board under the sagging culprit instead. The latter has been
discussed in this forum many times. In that solution, your vehicle's springs
are working with you instead of against you.

BenT
 <A HREF="http://hometown.aol.com/bentbtstr8/myhomepage/index.html">Vanagon
Cafe</A>