What did you end up using for tires and do you now have a matched set? Yes,
matched front and rear is important even for the two wheel drives. The main
idea is that when a side gust hits, you really want the the front and rear
to be effected somewhat evenly. Otherwise, Not only does the van move over,
it will change direction. Ideally, if the rear moves more than the front,
then the vehicle will steer into the wind providing some self correction.

Have you had wheel alignment done yet? THis will further evaluate the
condition of the front suspension. Again, Caster is an extremely important
angle. If the shop does not know how to check and adjust or the importance,
move on.

The Van is a broad side vehicle. It will be affected by wind gusts.

Dennis

>From: Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
>Reply-To: Don Hanson <dhanson@GORGE.NET>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: Front end ?
>Date: Fri, 11 May 2007 21:45:43 -0700
>
>Another rookie Vanagon question.
>  Recently I have been unhappy with the directional stability of my 84 GL.
>I went through switching tires with The List, and that certainly helped
>significantly, but I am thinking it could still do better.  I have been
>under the front and done a quickie exam of the steering components.  Pulled
>on wheels, checked tie rods, wheel bearings, etc etc.  Nothing seems to be
>worn, loose, wrong.  And yet, when it gets gusty, the nose of the van gets
>blown off course...Not nearly as bad as before, when I had some "mushy side
>tires" but still a bit unnerving.
>   Is a worn steering rack something that happens?  Or the mounting
>bushings for the rack?  Anybody have any hints as to where to go looking,
>when all the 'usual suspects' like tie rods, wheel bearings, etc. look
>fine?
>
>   Thanks, Don Hanson