Wouldn't it be easier to remove the bolts from the trans mount to body and
just lower the tranny some?

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
mark drillock
Sent: Friday, May 17, 2013 3:19 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Rear spring question

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.