All of us are hanging by our fingernails to hear your report of how it all went!  173,000 is about exactly 100,000 miles less than mine.

    On Tuesday, March 12, 2019, 6:18:22 PM PDT, Pete O <pnoceanwesty@GMAIL.COM> wrote:  
 
 Just completing all new bushings, springs, shocks, ball joints. Also went
with the GoWesty big brake and hub kit. This will go with the Van Cafe 16"
Carrot wheels and AT Grabbers. Looking for some improved handling!  Our
1987 Westy has 173,000 on the frame.  Did a top end rebuild on the stock
2.1 about 6 years ago.

Pete O
1987 Westy "JoesVan"

On Tue, Mar 12, 2019 at 7:07 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
wrote:

> I have owned my 1985 Vanagon GL for 30 years.  It is a 4 speed manual,
> tintop, with GoWesty 16" wheels, and has power steering.  I now have
> 273,000 miles.  I am planning on keeping if "forever".  I'm wondering...is
> there a rule of thumb regarding suspension components and when it might be
> wise to consider replacement of bushings, ball joints, and such?
> I have only replaced the front and rear shocks; no other work has been
> done to the suspension.  I currently have no issues with vibrations or
> unusual tire wear.  The alignment is true, and the vehicle drives nicely.
> I mostly drive highways and freeways.  I drive gently.  Only very
> occasionally on dirt roads, probably a total of 400 miles out of the
> 273,000.  Just like I did when I converted my perfectly running 1.9 to a
> 2.2 Subie engine, I tend to lean towards preventing problems when parts and
> service is "relatively" easy to do, rather than having much stress in 5-10
> years from now.  Plus, the enjoyment of a stronger ride.
>
> Was wondering if you had any words of advise?
>
> Thanks,
> RichSan Diego
>