> Date:    Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:15:09 -0400
> From:    Chris S <szpejankowski@GMAIL.COM>
> Subject: Re: Rear Westy suspension
>
> Maybe this will help:
>
> http://www.knology.net/~vw/vanagon/sag/
>
>
> 2008/9/29 john schaper <tahljohn@sbcglobal.net>
>
>
>> My '84 Westy's rear is starting to sag.  How difficult is it to remove and
>> replace the rear springs and shocks?  My concern is that they will be rusty
>> and impossible to take off or that things will break when I try to take them
>> off.
>>
>> Are there any websites with instructions on their removal and replacement.
>> I checked Bentley's, but there is little to no information on this subject
>> of value.  Also, besides the springs and shocks, what other ancillary parts
>> should be purchased to do the project?
>>
The above link shows the basic procedure for shimming the springs.  R&R
of the springs is very simple.  Jack it up, remove the wheels, remove
lower shock bolt, swing the control arm down, and pull the spring out.
No spring compressor is required.  I've been running with these shims
(on driver side) for several years now, with no problem.  A couple of
years ago I installed the lift springs from Van-Cafe
(http://www.volkscafe.com/vanagon_parts.jsp?pa=p&p=859919852&pct=1780162992&ct=1648386494)
and have been very happy with the results.  Still need the spacers
(about 1 1/4" worth in my case) on the left rear spring to make it sit
level due to all the weight on that side (also, I have a Tiico
installed, and that adds additional weight on the drivers' side).  Once
the shims are cut, it should take less than an hour to install on both
sides.

Keith Hughes
'86 Westy Tiico (Marvin)