On Wed, 7 Jul 1999 09:11:15 -0700 (PDT), Adam Culp wrote:

> Robert-
>     YOu have helped me greatly and led me in the right direction as far
> as modifications go.  Maybe you can help me a little further in my
> quest for the ultimate vanagon.  My engine runs for now, still stock
> 95bhp, so I am going to upgrade the suspension first so it can handle
> it's new power when it arrives.  I am wondering where you got your H&R
> springs.

There was another company but their price was @$50higher

The Tire Rack

http://www.tirerack.com/suspension/frames/hr_f.html

Is the page for the price and part number.

>Also, why you chose those over other brands.
>I can find
> plenty of springs, but as far for a vanagon I am a little more in the
> dark.

I looked on the web and the H&R springs were the only brand that I came up
that had them for the Vanagon.

>What springs should I be looking for to fit my '87 wolfie.  I
> jwant to lower it an inch or two and increase the tension a bit.  It is
> too unstable on turns the way it is.  Any info. leading to a company to
> purchase them from would be a great help.  Thanks in advance!
>

My 88 Wolfsburg came with the lowered factory springs. It was lowered about
1.5" from the standard ride height of the earlier vanagons.  The H&R springs
lowered the front @1" lower in the front(the ride height at the front
spoiler is at 9").  The rear was lowered about 2".  The front ride height
did not decrease because the angle the van was at is closer to horizontal
now.  The rear dropped more than the front thus now decreasing the front
clearance much.

The cornering has improved a lot.  Curves that required me to slow down, now
give me no trouble.  I might still add sway bars to improve the handling
further.

 I feel the bumps a little more now, but I felt them with the old springs
also.

I had been concerned with the springs carrying extra weight in addition to
myself and the van, But I am more.  I had an extra 500 pounds in my van
(family members) and the rear sank down about a quarter inch.  The ride did
not get harsher either.

IMPORTANT: If you and when you change the springs GET an alignment before
you drive much to avoid extreme tire wear. ALL the angles are changed.  You
will chew the inside edge of the tires up.  Plus remove the side covers
before the alignment: left single and right rear quarter panel so they can
get to the rear adjustment bolts.

Robert

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