To Harry
Can't you install some washers over the rear springs on your syncro?
That's how I leveled my '90 westy 2 wd. It was sagging on the left from
the extra weight of the camping furniture. I was only able to do this on
the rear.
I tried those rubber wedges they sell in auto stores. They really messed up

my ride. Had to fabricate my own washer from solid 1/2" vinyl board.
I would not put more than 1/2" over the spring. This only works on the
back.
Harald  Olympia WA

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> From: Harry Yates <hyates@BCIT.BC.CA>
> To: Vanagon@GERRY.SDSC.EDU
> Subject: Syncro springs and shocks (long)
> Date: Friday, October 03, 1997 1:44 PM
>
> Hi Everyone.  Well, during the summer I mentioned to the list that
> the rear springs of our '90 Syncro Westy have apparently sagged.  The
> rear wheels are 3/4 of a degree out of camber (tops of wheels leaning
> in), and the alignment adjuster is at its max.  Many of you suggested
> not to worry about it, as it's so slight, etc. Well, I've also
> noticed the van is sitting noticably lower to the ground as well.
> The front shocks seem a bit "soft" as well.
>
> So, I've done some research on this topic and I'd like to share this
> with the list.
>
> First of all, NOBODY makes replacement springs for this van other
> than VW.  I've been in contact with 3 spring shops, and they can't
> get a replacement.  I've also dealt with a major flaps (Lordco), and
> they can't help either.  Same for the front shocks.  Again, VW is the
> sole supplier of these parts.
>
> Once coil springs sag, they are rendered useless.  If they have a
> model, they can custom build springs for about $150 CDN each.  BUT,
> there are no guarantees, etc.  They will measuring wire diameter to
> figure out the spring rate, and they will only have a collapsed
> length, and will have to guess as to it's full height, etc.  Since
> the only model I know of is on my van, this isn't good.  The turn
> around is about 4 to 6 weeks to get these made locally.
>
> So, here's the poop... Now, sit down, take a deep breath.... these
> are NOT typo's
>
> front spring   251 411 105F 952  $456 CDN EACH
> rear spring    251 511 105E 952 $506 CDN EACH
>
> front shocks  251 413 031C          $354 CDN EACH
> rear shocks   251 513 031D          $242 CDN EACH
>
> TOTAL :  $3116.00 CDN
>
> Now, this is serious money.   Also, my dealer has checked his
> computer tracking system, and in the past 18 months since they've had
> this computer system have NEVER sold springs or shocks for a Syncro.
> Of course it's my luck that it's my van that has this problem.  Gee,
> I don't even go off road!
>
> I'd like to know why the springs have sagged.  Any ideas?  The spring
> shops couldn't tell me the exact reason.  My van sits 5 months of the
> year (unladen), and I wonder if this static load could have caused
> this.
>
> Of course, there are other ways to get VW parts (ie. Kyle, etc), but
> it's pretty scarey with these prices.
>
> Am I the only one, or have other Syncro owners had spring/shock
> problems?  Are there any gas shock replacments for this van?
>
> Thanks for any input.
> Harry.
> ---------------------------------------------------------
> Harry Yates, Langley, BC, Canada
> '90 Syncro Westfalia www:   http://syncro.cr.bcit.bc.ca/hyates
> '87 Golf Diesel      email: hyates@bcit.bc.ca
> '91 Miata (Millie)