Don't for get the lower control arm bushings, the strut bar bushings and
sleeves, along with the sway bar mountings. The Stering rack mounts and
the 2 coupling discs are also items to consider. As for upgrading the
brakes, you will need the spindle assemblies, (steering knuckles) and
all the brake parts from an 86 or later along with the brake hoses.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf
Of Aaron
Sent: Tuesday, March 22, 2005 4:18 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Front suspension upgrades and more

Hello all. I just have a few questions about the front suspension. I'm
having a birthday party for my single owner '85 vanagon. I've got new
shocks and would love to also put in a few parts that are probably worn
out. I'm not sure of exactly what should be replaced after 20 years and
280,000 miles. I've got the help of a mechanic so I'd love to do
whatever I can now and have had the van parked for the last 2 years
saving to get it ready for the next 10 years. I just finished putting
in the subaru engine...very nice. Now I would like to turn to other
mechanical parts.

Here are some front-end parts that I found on the busdepot site. Should
they be replaced?
- Upper Ball joints
- Lower Ball joints
- Upper Control Arm busing
- Tie Rods

My next thought is brakes. They are OLD...as in original calipers old.
I currently need new rotors, so I thought that perhaps I should get new
calipers as well. I remember reading something about the 86+ calipers
being superior and was thinking about an upgrade. Is this true and do
they work better. Do they hook right up and bold on? My calipers are
not leaking and are currently working just fine. Is there a large
difference? I would assume I would get '85 rotors,  not the 86+ rotors
if I decided to upgrade the calipers.

Rear brakes were done 10,000 miles ago.

Other things on the list are the steering rack boots (1 is torn), fuel
lines and in the near future a transmission, front blower motor and
windshield (still all original). Any other thoughts?

Thanks!
Aaron