I think what would also come in very handy is a wheel backspace
calculator to see if a particular wheel will fit the 2WD Vanagon.
Funny enough ET values are in mm while wheel width is in inches.
Backspace is the distance from the wheel mount surface to the inside
lip of wheel.  So backspace measure is a handy way of figuring out if
the wheel will clear the upper ball joint.

I know that 16J7 ET37 fit, soo...

backspace in mm = (width * 25.4 / 2) + ET sooo..  absolute max
backspace = 7 * 12.7 + 37  =  126 mm

So factory backspace for aluminium wheels is 6*12.7+30 = 106 mm
While factory backspace for steels is 5.5*12.7+39 = 109 mm
and backspace for Rhein alloys is 112.5 mm.

Why use backspace in mm instead of in?  Because spacers are sold in mm
sizes, so you know if your backspace calculations come out to 130mm
you need at least a 4mm spacer to make things work.

Now, this will illustrate ET:
http://www.haywood-sullivan.com/vanagon/Vanagon_tire_section.gif

You also have to be concerned about scrub radius which puts another
kink into the calculations
(http://www.lancerevoclub.org/faq/img/kingpin.gif) and is why you
really don't want to mount wheels that are very wide, such as 8'', on
the front.  I'm not a scrub radius expert, but have read about the
subject a few times.

2009/1/8 miguel pacheco <mundopacheco@gmail.com>:
> Wow, does someone have a lot of time on their hands? Or, how about
> using that great mind to create a relative tire/wheel size
> calculator......don't get me wrong, I'm enjoying it, but damn!?
> Here's an alternative : enjoy those low gas prices while you can! That
> statement is made relative to what you can expect in the near
> future.....gee whiz batman!
> Miguel
>

--
Chris S.
Disclaimer: "Death and serious injury may occur"