I'm convinced that caster is my problem.  Thanks, Dennis.  I've been to
several alignment shops and no one can seem to get it right.  Does anyone
know of a quality alignment shop in southern California?

Bob Trousdale
'90 Westy

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] 
> On Behalf Of Dennis
> Sent: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 5:47 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Tire Choice Question
> 
> Personally, the 356's are just lousy tires but they alone 
> should not be scary to drive on. Was the suspension properly 
> inspected for loose/worn components and properly aligned? In 
> particular, the front radius rod bushings need to be checked 
> carefully. The radius rods are the rods that attach� the 
> lower control arms to that front sub-frame. The bushings may 
> look OK but can still be bad. These bushings set the front 
> wheel caster angle. Caster is one of the most important but 
> miss-understood angle of the front suspension. Caster gives 
> the vehicle that "go straight" feeling and returns the 
> steering to center after a turn. Caster angle differences 
> from side to side, (cross caster) is what often causes that 
> sideways pull.
> The caster is also affected by different size tires 
> front/rear and vehicle loading. A really good alignment guy 
> will also consider tire width when adjusting within the allowed range.
> 
> Dennis