VW lowered the later vans for some reason/reasons. Personally lifting a van
for off road clearance is silly and can even be dangerous. Most lifts are
done by just using taller springs, adding shims etc. One design
consideration is suspension drop. As tires need to fall into pot holes,
ruts, etc. the suspension has to allow the wheel to drop. If not enough drop
room is there the vehicle has to then dip on the corner. Same goes for a
flat tire, blow out, tread separation or even a wheel falling off. Upset the
vehicle enough at speed and hold on tight as it rolls over. And I have seen
my share of Vanagons that have made it on its side so I know it happens. 

Dennis  

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
John Reynolds
Sent: Tuesday, December 06, 2011 10:08 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: 2mpg reduction in fuel economy: confirmed when sporting a roof
rack.

Also, it has been observed lowers fuel ecomony of cars.� Perhaps less air
flow under the vechicle, perhaps less frontal area.�� I wonder how lifting a
van 1.5 to 2" affects fuel economy.� 
�
While I love the idea of a ready for rough road vanagon - you have to wonder
if a slightly lowered van with front air dam is really the van to go for a
long. long road trip. 
�
John
�