Skip to main content
Gerry | Vanagon
Checking account...
← vanagon.com home · Continue the discussion in the forum
Subject:Re: lifting a 1990 Carat
From:Jon VO
Date:Wed, 16 Sep 2015 18:30:02 -0600

I changed my '90 Carat springs because they had gotten really soft, but
the lowered ride height was not an issue. In fact even Carat height
Vanagons have lots of clearance. Even I could have gotten Carat springs
that were stiffer, that would have been fine.
Jon

On 9/16/2015 2:59 PM, SDF ( aka ;jim lahey' - Scott ) wrote:
> You could install GL springs in your Carat of course.
> I wouldn't though ..
> I own one ( the first 'carat' ...the 87 Wolfsburg Special Edition ..has
> all the features that Carats have ) .
> It it is stiffer riding than a GL for sure, which isn't that bad.
>
> I think it looks just great at stock lower height   ( ..it also did not
> come with the side gladding, thankfully.  )
> I think mine  would look stupid raised up to GL height personally.
> It would mess up the only true 'sports car' factory version of a
> Vanagon, IMO.
> scott
>
> On 9/16/2015 6:21 AM, Dan N wrote:
>> hi all,
>>
>> as far as I know (according to measurements of the vans we have) - from
>> center of wheel to the wheel arch (front wheels - all vans are
>> tin-top) -
>> all vans are sitting level, none has sagging rear...
>>
>> - Carat: 15.5"
>>
>> - GL:  17"
>>
>> - Syncro: 19"
>>
>> so the Carat is the lowest and I would like to lift it up a bit, not as
>> high as the Syncro but as hight as the GL would be nice...
>>
>> I just entertain this idea but a bit afraid of taking away the unique
>> characteristic of the Carat...
>>
>> so... if I do it... what's the best way to lift it up? (at reasonable
>> price) - as it is now the Carat has stock springs with Red Classic
>> Konis at
>> stiffest setting...
>>
>> thanks for any idea...
>>
>> dan
>>