re:  and i do believe the westy syncro weighs more (than '71 bus)

It's of course not the weight of the vehicle, but the manufacturer's
gross vehicle weight rating that matters.  Probably still a Vanagon
(with 184-14 tires) has a higher GVWR than a '70s bus--anyone know for
sure?  Also, the fact that the early '70s through the early '90s van
use the same wheel does not answer the question whether there is a TUV
approved 15in steel wheel for Vanagons.