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Subject:Re: Front Suspension Lifespan
From:Pete O
Date:Wed, 13 Mar 2019 10:10:03 -0400

Still in progress!

Here are some pix from the work:
https://photos.app.goo.gl/qShXntSWP67VeCAn8

Congrats on getting all those miles out of your bus!  Hope my stock 2.1
lasts that long!

Pete Owsianowski
1987 Westy
"JoesVan"

On Tue, Mar 12, 2019 at 9:26 PM Richard Koerner <rjkinpb@sbcglobal.net>
wrote:

> 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
> >
>