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Subject:Cutting board spring spacers
From:Stephen Grisanti
Date:Mon, 27 Jan 2020 01:25:54 +0000

In order to cure the "Westy lean" I tried this fix on the left-rear of our van and it worked.  Found a 5/16" thick cutting board big enough for me to get five pieces out of it, about 6" diameter with a 2" hole.  These fit above the spring pad on the rear.  Wheel off and with a floor jack beneath the trailing arm I removed the bottom bolt holding that shock and let it drop.  Needed more to get the spring out and back in so undid the CV at the diff on that side and got the extra movement.
The install was pretty straightforward but for the dribble of grey goop from the CV joint and the hassle of trying to restart the six bolts on it.
The result?  Raised that corner from 15 1/2" to 17" (measured from the hub center up to the bottom of the wheel arch for consistency) and made ride height at all four corners approximately even.  A sagless Westy, quite an acceptable outcome. 
This may not post due to my ongoing difficulties with the list.
Stephen