From the factory there was a thick shim on top and a thin damper shim on the
bottom. The factory springs have thin coil turns at the ends. The original
shims have a depression for these coils to seat in. If you add shims you
need to use the original against the spring. With the springs out carefully
check for corrosion near these turned down ends. If any it is time to
replace them. They tend to break here and it the break at the bottom the
springs can come loose. Same it the control arm spring post is rusted off.
If your luck the loose spring will jam against the shock and stay there. If
not it can fall out and the driver of the car behind you will not be happy.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Eric Caron
Sent: Tuesday, September 22, 2015 5:05 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: rear lift shim question

Hi folks,

        I have a new set of rear shims for over the springs in my 85
Westfalia.  There is already a shim in the van on top of the spring.  Can I
safely put in a second shim on each side?

Did the van originally come with a shim over the rear spring or did someone
already add one?

Eric Caron
85 GL Auto Westfalia