> So now what?  Do I eat the $300 that I spent on these new tires and get
some
> reinforced ones or live with the terrible handling?  I used to be able to
> get on the road and sit back and cruise in a very relaxed state, but now
> that is not possible and makes the van miserable to drive.

Bill,

I think part of problems you have is you've got used to the high
performance tires like Pirelli 6000 with the size of 205/70-14 and now you
went "back" to the mediocre and smaller Yokohama Y370B 195/75-14 tires.  I
like the performance on my Michelin MXT's and I always suggest people to
use MXT's (205/70-14 99T Reinforced) on Vanagon.  It may be a bit more
expensive ($91 from Tire Rack) but it worth it.  I've seen from our post
that you can get it cheaper, like $75 from Discount Tire (mail order) or
$79 from Cosco (?) in California.  I've always believed that there is no
free lunch and you will get what you're paying for (at least most of time).

Some tire stores offer exchange (to other tires) warranty if you're not
satisfied on tire performance within several hundred miles.  I'd call Tire
Rack to see if it is possible to exchange the Y370B to MXT's.   It won't
hurt to call and ask.

Good luck!
Yi-Ruey Wei
87 Vanagon GL Syncro w/leaking cylinder head & MXT tires
85 Jetta GLI w/168,000 miles
Dallas, Texas
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