It all swaps over, but oh what a job.
You'll be removing the fuel tank to replace coolant pipes. They should fit
just fine, I'd think, can't see why not. 
If you want to retro fit power steering to an 83 or earlier vanagon, there's
a little frame metal to cut out for the PS pipes to pass through. 
I much prefer the 85 type front suspension and all that, if there's a good
reason to swap it into an earlier vanagon.
Scott
www.turbovans.com 

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
neil N
Sent: Friday, November 09, 2007 12:28 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: 85' parts van questions (yes one is about tires! --- ;^)

Hi all.

This for a 85 Vanagon. (Transporter model)

Do most 1985 body/suspension/steering parts swap into 81-85 Vanagons?

Will the stock steel coolant lines fit over the gas tank in my 81 Westy?

Anyone know if the "Nordic" winter tires (Michealin I believe) are decent?

Many thanks for any help. Archives aren't working today.

Neil.

--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia -
"Jaco"  (Bustorius)

http://web.mac.com/tubaneil