----- Original Message -----
From: "Stephen Steele" <steeles@HORIZONVIEW.NET>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sun 21 March 2004 21:38
Subject: Re: saggy westfalia butt

> Jeff, et al:
> While I agree with all that Don in PHX has posted regarding springs and
> shocks, new shocks did not heal the sag in my 87 Westy (it sagged exactly
as
> you described).
>
> The following is a post that was forwarded from M. Wagner a year or so ago
> when I made the same request as yours. I followed his instructions last
> summer and the van now sits level and I've experienced no adverse effects
in
> ride, bounce or shock absorption.
> HTH

>SNIP Instructions<

> FWIW, I only needed to use two of the "doughnuts" on each side.  I also
used
> a 4' 2"x4" and an 8"x8" block as a fulcrum instead of using a spring
> compressor.
> Stephen Steele
> Chillicothe OH
>
> '87 Westy      "Franz"
> '84 Westfalia  "Fritz"  Son #2 is trying to sell his 68 Karmaan Ghia so he
>                         can buy this wonderful Westy!!!
> '82 Caddy VW Diesel P.U.     Unknown future????
> '74 MGB  My first car...yep, I've kept it since '74
> '93 Chevy S-10
> '91 Jetta Diesel   My daily driver
> '02 Jetta Wagon VR6  Wife's car
> Ex Vans:
> '91 Caravelle  "Hans"...1995-2003  Now with Son #1
> '81 Vanagon  from 1985-1990

Some things to note on this:

What you are doing is "preloading" the springs.  By doing this, you shorten
the spring which stiffens the effective spring rate.  Some cautions are in
order about this process, however.  Depending on how much the springs are
compressed, coil bind can be an issue.  This is where under heavy
compression, the coils of the spring come in contact with each other.  This
is bad because it will cause wear and will rub the paint off, which may lead
to rust.  And if enough of the coils get together, you essentially bypass
the spring, and have "solid" suspension.  This can cause some interesting
handling issues if you hit a big enough bump.

But as long as you are careful with how much preload you apply, it can work
fine.  Motorcycle shock/spring units used this method for years to
compensate for load changes (carrying a passenger for instance).  Of course
the best option is to replace the springs with new ones.

If they are available.

And you are rich.

Don in Phoenix, AZ - still looking for the mythical under $4000 WaterWesty!