In a message dated 1/5/03 3:36:43 PM Pacific Standard Time, berky@wwt.net
writes:

<< Now we're getting somewhere.... I'd love to increase my ground clearance
just a
 tad on my automatic westy with 15" wheels and bigger tires but then a taller
 tire = greater circumference = fewer revolutions per mile and a very low
power
 vanagon gets even weaker! Is there the possibility of changing the ring and
 pinion (sp?) gear set in the differential of the automatic. Heck, while I'm
at
 it is it possible to put a limited slip set-up in the differential or even a
 "locking differential"? >>

Bob,

What do you have on now? You can go to a 205/70/14 to see if you can live
with the ratio changes. Many folks use 215/70/15 on their vans. That usually
necessitates some grinding at the front seam of the rear swingarm for
clearance.

As for locking diffs on auto trans, you may want to check with Daryl at
http://www.aatransaxle.com/ or Chris at Weddle Engineering.

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