Stock 2wd Diesel Vanagons have the tranny nose mounted much higher than
gas Vanagons due to a different nose bracket used in diesels for this
purpose. This means the CV axles are always at a greater angle in those
diesel 2wd models. When you are trying to change the springs the
limiting factor can be the operating angle of the CV joints limiting the
range of motion of the axle as you push down on the drum. It will only
move so far before the CV joints bind. Loosening the CV bolts at the
tranny end lets the axle get more angle without requiring the joints to
flex more. You may need to remove the CV upper bolts and loosen the
others a lot. Don't forget to release the parking brake too.

Mark

Ben wrote:
> Hi Mark,
>
> Can you elaborate why the diesel Vanagon's require this additional procedure?
>
>
> TIA,
>
> BenT
> sent from my electronic leash
>
> On May 17, 2013, at 11:48 AM, mark drillock <mdrillock@COX.NET> wrote:
>
>> If it is a diesel Vanagon you may need to loosen the CV bolts a
>> few turns at the tranny flange. This can help in all vans if the springs
>> are longer than stock.
>