Listees,

Here's a good jack solution.  You've all seen the Hi-Lift offroader's
jack?  Well, the Canadian version is called the Jackall.  It's rated at
8,000 lbs and is 48" long, giving an easy 36" or so of lifting.  The
advantage of the Jackall over the Hi-Lift is that Atlantic British at
www.roverparts.com has an attachment called the "Defender 90 bumper
adaptor" that fits perfectly into the jack lift holes on a Vanagon.

The disadvantages are that it is more expensive, it is not carried at
all the local off-road stores like the Hi-Lift is, and the handle isn't
removable, making it more difficult to store.

Slight modifications are necessary in order to store this under the
Westfalia seat/bed.  I shortened the bar from 48" to 42" using a cutoff
wheel.  The base must have a 1/4" hole redrilled so the cotter pin will
fit the shortened bar.  You could shorten the bar less if you wanted.  I
store the bar way back under the seat, and the rest disassembled in the
overpriced jack bag.

This brute will handily lift the entire side (ie, both wheels) of a
Syncro Westfalia off the ground.  Specter Off-Road at www.sor.com sells
an oversize Hi-Lift jack base for jacking on soft surfaces that is
easily adapted to the Jackall.  And many people add shackles, chains,
cables, or whatever, and use these jacks as come-alongs for winching out
stuck vehicles.  (I have not tried this).

I have no connection with any of these companies.  Just passing along a
suggestion.

John Welsh, San Diego
87 Syncro Westfalia GL
81 Triumph TR8