Hi Vanagon Types;

The recent discussion on list vs Facebook reminded me that list members might value my encounter with the rear spring base (AKA spring perch) on my '85 Westy. I write this in part to make it a part of the archive. The original post was under "Westy Lean".

In my continuing effort to mitigate rust, I discovered that the spring perches on my '85 were rusted more than halfway through.   In an example of not knowing where to stop, I decided to pull the trailing arms on both sides and rebuild them.  Along the way, I rebuilt the rear brakes, installed new bushings, replaced several brake lines, used all new bolts, and greased and torqued everything.  This week I will retorque and go on a test drive.

In brief, three of the four trailing arm bolts came off easily, the fourth had to be cut out.  I used the bushings from T3, which went in easily.  I decided to replace the wheel cylinders, brake springs and pads, and also installed the GoWesty heavy drums.  As I said, as long as I was in there, I was all in.

On the trailing arms, there was no rust except on and under the spring perch.  I mention this as others, like me, might not realize that they are rotting away unless you go digging under all the dirt.  I drilled them off, and found the area under the perch was rusted and dented in slightly in the shape of the spring, which I understand is common.  I did rust removal, fortunately the rust was not through, and painted with POR15.  Then, to counter any structural weakness, I had a local welder add a 3/16 steel plate where the perch had dented the trailing arm, and then weld the new perch on top of that.  I think it is as strong, or stronger than, new.

I thought rebuilding the trailing arm would raise my rear wheel clearance about an inch, but there is no change.  The difference between left and right was 5/8", now just over a 1/4".

Dave B
Boise