I remember having mine dismantled once, and upon reinstalling remembering the
springs being easy to get oriented wrong. My guess is that this is your
problem. Go find another Vanagon, and take a real close look at the spring
orientation. How about the tire - is it the same?  I swapped spares once, the
new tire had a fatter profile, it fit, but with added interference. Also, you
didn't perchance move a heater or a coolant hose out of it's original
position - this could be in the way.

Let us know...
Good Luck

Brian Doss
Butler, PA
'88 Weekender