In a message dated 98-09-20 20:35:59 EDT, ltim@BELLSOUTH.NET writes:

<< > > << I was intrigued  by Marvin Peitz's note stating that 88-and-later
GL's were
 > >  at least a foot longer than 87-and-earlier. I've owned almost every year
 > >  from 86 to 91 and never noticed a difference.  Having an 88 and an 87 in
 > >  the driveway at the moment, both GL's,I dashed out and measured them
both,
 > >  headlight-to-tailight.  They were exactly the same, 169 inches.
 > >   >>
 > >
 > > but did you know they are taller too???  yes, about 5/8 inch..  its
because
 > > the thickness of the metal.  the '88 and later GL's are made with good
metal,
 > > instead of the bad metal that the earlier vans were made of.
 > > personally, i'd stay away from the earlier vans, because of the quality
of the
 > > metal.
 > >
 > > chris
 >
 > Yea, and that makes them much heavyer as well! Of course, they have to
 > be to support their lead brain drivers!
 >
 > Tyrone
 > Big Pine Key, FL
 >
 > 81,85,87,85 Westy?
 A higher load range tire is needed because of the extra weight and they
 stand taller with the greater inflation pressures required, so we need
 to be sure to check the vertical clearance in our garage doors before
 we go to the trouble of clearing the extra foot of length required in
 our garages. >>

and if any of you still think this thread is serious....  you need help :<)

chris