Using 27/8.5/14 tires will up the gearing by about 5.5 %. Using
215/75/15 will raise it by about 10 %, depending on brand/model of tire.
I have both sizes on my 2wd Vanagons currently. Both fit in the spare
tire wheel too, but it takes some modifications. The 215/75/15 rub
slightly at times when I hit a bump with the front wheels turned just
so. The 215/75/15 required making a replacement for the spare tire clam
shell. I think you need full height springs for both these, not the
lowered Wolfy and Carat type but I have not verified this.

Mark

Mark A. Kreuzer wrote:

>I have the stock LT195/75R14 tires.  I see where the 15" would bring down
>the rpm's a little.  Can't remember, with stock suspension how big can we go
>on a 2WD?
>
>I'm checking with Bostig to see what kind of mpg increase I might expect and
>how much better the drop in rpm would be for the engine.  In any case, it's
>gonna take a pretty long time for the payback at $1000.  $500.00 would make
>that decision a lot easier :-)
>
>Another reason I'm considering it is because my tranny is starting to get
>squirrelly.
>
>-- mark
>
>-----Original Message-----
>From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
>John Reddick
>Sent: Sunday, April 02, 2006 8:38 AM
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: Zetec Westy Site
>
>I think 1000 bucks is a little pricey for a 10% reduction in rpm. The .77 or
>.70 4th gears are only 240 bucks.  I think it might be more cost effective
>to go with a little taller tires. I have one automatic van with (with a 2.5
>Subaru) that I would love to have a taller R&P, but that I can't justify
>that price for such a small change.  I would probably be willing to shell
>out 500, but not a grand.
>
>John
>Vanaru.com
>
>
>
>