I have an '85 Wolfsburg Westy myself.  The front end was really high, even
with a full tank and two adults, and the rear sagged horribly.

I got a set of springs from a '91 GL and put them on.  Lowered the ride
height but, even with Airlift bags in the rear springs, the rear end was
really low.

So, I left the GL springs in the front and put the original '85 springs back
in the rear along with the airlift bags.

The ride height is lower but not too low, and level with a load:

www.josephtrussell.com/Transporter.html

So, if anybody needs any '85 front springs or '91 rear springs, let me know!

Joe T.
Denver

>From: Chuck Baird <westyman71@YAHOO.COM>
>Reply-To: Chuck Baird <westyman71@YAHOO.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Re: vanagon spring rate color coding for different models...READ!!
>Date: Sat, 14 Oct 2006 17:26:39 -0400
>
>Back to my 85 Westy Wolfsburg.....
>
>I had the stock springs on when I bought it.  Distance from center of
>front wheel hub to external wheel arch lip was 18 1/8". I obtained a set
>of "lowering" springs from a friend that he had on his 86 passenger bus(he
>got them from CIP).  It lowered it significantly (like 5").  The handling
>improved significantly, particularly in curves, darn near "sports car"
>like.
>
>As much as I loved the better handling, I took them off after a year and a
>half, as I wanted more clearance for camping.  The ride was firmer, but
>much harsher, too.
>
>Went back to the stock springs, but have been looking for "Carat" or later
>model springs, as it appears that they lower the bus some, but not as much
>as the CIP lowering springs.  My goals are slight lowering, as I have
>clearance issues with my garage and the higher springs, a bit better
>handling, but also to maintain most of the better ride.
>
>Chuck

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