Due to the lack of maintenance and non proper maintenance of the po half of
the front end needed replaced, so while in there I replaced it all!

Velma 82 na diesel westy
On Jan 9, 2013 10:52 PM, "Dennis Haynes" <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Inspecting suspension parts is not a difficult science or art. Lift the
> front so wheels are off the ground and then grab each tire top/bottom, and
> then side to side and move them hard. If anything is loose it will be
> obvious. For the lower ball joints,, the check them get a large pair of
> grove lock (Channel Lock) pliers. Again with the wheels suspended grab the
> upper and lower mounts and squeeze. If much more than 1/8" play they are
> really toast. New there is no play and after pressing they are often stiff.
> The lower ball joints really support all the weight on the front. The
> uppers
> really just keep the tire upright. The lower joints are the same for both
> the 2WD and Syncro. On the 4WD the load is in tension, pulling them apart.
> On the 2WD the load pushes them together. (Did I get that right?) Either
> ball joint or a tire rod separation makes for a wonderful event. You will
> come to a sudden stop, You just don't know where.
>
> As for the rubber stuff just look for signs of distortion or the bushings
> not being where they should be. Sometimes the lower control arm mounts have
> moved to the point the arm is wearing the bracket on the chassis. Then for
> fun the bolt and bushing sleeve have corroded as one and will need to be
> cut
> out. That sleeve really puts up a fight for the saw all. And then get those
> radius rod mounts.
>
> Dennis
>
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
> John Goubeaux
> Sent: Wednesday, January 9, 2013 9:18 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Re: Front End Suspension - 1985
>
>   I too am in the planning stages of front end part(s) replacement.
>
> SO,
>
> Q:  taking into account what Scott says about not replacing too many items
> at once ( especially when unsure  what is actually worn & where the noise
> are coming from) Does it not make sense to replace the Top Ball Joints and
> the Upper control Arm bushings in one session ( these both appear to be
> part
> of the same removal steps) with the top ball joints being likely to have
> worn before the lowers ??
>
> Then evaluate after that before tackling the lower Ball joints and bushings
> on the bottom end.
>
> I ask this b/c I can see the downside to taking everything apart and
> assuming that replacing all the bushings at once will automatically be
> better when the original parts might in fact be OK. Of course I am assuming
> to do all the work myself, where labor costs and time are not necessarily
> costing me, AND  I do not mind doing the work in sections.
>
> Of course I can see that if someone is doing a "complete restore" and has a
> lot of time and space and maybe does not need the vehicle, they might opt
> to
> take it all apart and do a complete replacement of everything at once. But
> still I see the point Scott is making and it makes sense to me and my
> situation.
>
> -john
>
> On 1/9/2013 5:25 PM, Scott Daniel - Turbovans wrote:
> > I'd call those 'washers' or 'dished washers' ..
> > they are not any kind of 'plate' really.
> >
> > it's hardly a wear item unless yours are very rusted.
> >
> > things are not always better when people replace too many things at once.
> > naturally I account for 'labor penalty' ..
> > like if it's far harder to do something else later..
> > do it now of course ..
> > otherwise ...original high quality parts in good condition ....'tis
> > good, and new cheaper stuff may not be as good .
> >
> > I take pride in spreading themoney and effort out to best advantage..
> > like do 'just the right thing' and nomore.
> > that takes more skill too.
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > On 1/9/2013 12:15 PM, Jeff Lincoln wrote:
> >> Stabilizer Bar washer plate - http://www.busdepot.com/251411043
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> --
> >> Thanks,
> >>
> >> Jeff
> >> '85 GL (Gertie)
> >> '78 Bus (Melissa) Patty's Bus
> >>
>