suspension upgrades

1
Hello all,I would like to improve the ride height and suspension of my bus.
Is any one using aftermarket springs,where are they from,what do you think of them?
Anyone have any experience with GoWestys 2inch progressive springs?(BenT or Turbovans)
I am using old man emu shocks now,what shocks do people recomend with taller springs.
Its only early days of research on this topic for me,any comments or links would be appreciated.
BenC
2
I have the gowesty 2" lift springs on my syncro camper aswell as old man emu shocks. How well the set up works for you depends on your vans weight. I had to install shock extenders as my old man emu shocks were topping out badly on the rear with the 2" lift. This was largely due to my syncro being too light and ultimately my ride height of 22" was extreme. After installing the camper interior the van settled down an inch.
 
 The gowesty springs give plush ride much like the stock springs but prevent the nose dive issues I found to be a problem with the stock springs. The progressive nature does give the best of both worlds however If you have an extremely heavy syncro you may find the gowesty springs to coil bind which would negatively affect the ride quality in my opinion. I personally have nothing negative to say about this set up though and will add I have not experienced any spring sag since fitting my springs.
 
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
From: bencroft96@yahoo.com
Date: Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:55:57 +0000
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] suspension upgrades

 
Hello all,I would like to improve the ride height and suspension of my bus.
Is any one using aftermarket springs,where are they from,what do you think of them?
Anyone have any experience with GoWestys 2inch progressive springs?(BenT or Turbovans)
I am using old man emu shocks now,what shocks do people recomend with taller springs.
Its only early days of research on this topic for me,any comments or links would be appreciated.
BenC


3
Thanks Eric,my van is light.It is not a camper.
Your info and what I have just googled suggests that with the lift I will need shock extenders.
Some forums suggest that GW progressive springs are not good for light vans such as mine.
I have found another spring set from Schwenk springs in CA.(What do our US friends know about these springs.)They(Schwenk) believe their springs are better than GW for lighter vans.

Eric,you also have changed the CVs as well,from what I remember.Can you tell me what you know about the ride height and the affect on the CV angles.Also have you changed ball joints or spaced them.Thanks.

I have known that it is acceptable to raise the rear with spacers,but have only just learnt of people raising the front also with spacers.Has any one any experience with front spacers?

Not happy with my height,
BenC

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, erik Hoeflinger <erikhoeflinger@...> wrote:
>
>
> I have the gowesty 2" lift springs on my syncro camper aswell as old man emu shocks. How well the set up works for you depends on your vans weight. I had to install shock extenders as my old man emu shocks were topping out badly on the rear with the 2" lift. This was largely due to my syncro being too light and ultimately my ride height of 22" was extreme. After installing the camper interior the van settled down an inch. The gowesty springs give plush ride much like the stock springs but prevent the nose dive issues I found to be a problem with the stock springs. The progressive nature does give the best of both worlds however If you have an extremely heavy syncro you may find the gowesty springs to coil bind which would negatively affect the ride quality in my opinion. I personally have nothing negative to say about this set up though and will add I have not experienced any spring sag since fitting my springs.
> To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
> From: bencroft96@...
> Date: Fri, 22 Jul 2011 09:55:57 +0000
> Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] suspension upgrades
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> Hello all,I would like to improve the ride height and suspension of my bus.
>
> Is any one using aftermarket springs,where are they from,what do you think of them?
>
> Anyone have any experience with GoWestys 2inch progressive springs?(BenT or Turbovans)
>
> I am using old man emu shocks now,what shocks do people recomend with taller springs.
>
> Its only early days of research on this topic for me,any comments or links would be appreciated.
>
> BenC
>
4
With the Suby engine be careful as your CVs wont last long. How about a 25mm spacer to lift the rear. Easily available.



> Ben <bencroft96@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> Hello all,I would like to improve the ride height and suspension of my
> bus.
> Is any one using aftermarket springs,where are they from,what do you
> think of them?
> Anyone have any experience with GoWestys 2inch progressive springs?(BenT
> or Turbovans)
> I am using old man emu shocks now,what shocks do people recomend with
> taller springs.
> Its only early days of research on this topic for me,any comments or
> links would be appreciated.
> BenC
5
http://campervanculture.com/2011/02/lifting-front-suspension-on-vw-t25-t3-syncro/
What do you think?
BenC

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, plander@... wrote:
>
> With the Suby engine be careful as your CVs wont last long. How about a 25mm spacer to lift the rear. Easily available.
>
>
>
> > Ben <bencroft96@...> wrote:
> >
> > Hello all,I would like to improve the ride height and suspension of my
> > bus.
> > Is any one using aftermarket springs,where are they from,what do you
> > think of them?
> > Anyone have any experience with GoWestys 2inch progressive springs?(BenT
> > or Turbovans)
> > I am using old man emu shocks now,what shocks do people recomend with
> > taller springs.
> > Its only early days of research on this topic for me,any comments or
> > links would be appreciated.
> > BenC
>
6
OK Phil,thats what everyone says about gearboxes too!lol.
I expect to replace CVs with Porsche CVs,if I raise the height too much.
My bus already is higher at the back,I want to bring the front up more,then the back if it needs it.
What do you think of the front spacers?
What do you know about restretching the standard springs?
BenC

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, plander@... wrote:
>
> With the Suby engine be careful as your CVs wont last long. How about a 25mm spacer to lift the rear. Easily available.
>
>
>
> > Ben <bencroft96@...> wrote:
> >
> > Hello all,I would like to improve the ride height and suspension of my
> > bus.
> > Is any one using aftermarket springs,where are they from,what do you
> > think of them?
> > Anyone have any experience with GoWestys 2inch progressive springs?(BenT
> > or Turbovans)
> > I am using old man emu shocks now,what shocks do people recomend with
> > taller springs.
> > Its only early days of research on this topic for me,any comments or
> > links would be appreciated.
> > BenC
>
7
Hello Ben,

In my opinion, the GW progressive springs are too stiff for a light "tintop" Syncro. They appear designed primarily for a heavily-laden Syncro full Westy which tips the scales a couple thousands more. I have assisted with the install of a set on such a Syncro. The springs were so stiff that it required four people (nearly 800 lbs.) standing on the edge of the front bumper to compress them. An ordinary spring compressor would not fit. The resulting ride with unextended OEM shocks were firm and reasonably comfortable on the bitumen. I did not the opportunity to try it on rough terrain. The springs are tall enough to require some re-engineering of your suspension regardless of what GoWesty says, IMHO. The front ball joints end up at such an extreme angle that getting a proper wheel alightment will present challenges. This can be remedied with balljoint spacers or custom upper control arms available Burley Motorsport or John Wessels -- probably others too. The CV's will need additional travel as Erik mentioned. I have also riden with the same springs on a much lighter Syncro Doublecab (Doka) with the exact same OME shocks as the previously mentioned Syncro. It stood high and proud just like the Westy. Highway driving felt firm but acceptably compliant. Anything ressembling rough terrain will encourage you to wear a kidney belt. They are too stiff IMO. Westy was about 5600 lbs. The Doka was less than 3600 lbs. Both wore BF Goodrich All Terrains. The Westy had factory steel 16" wheels. The Doka used T4 steelies with spacers in front to correct offset.

As for Schwenk springs, they offer a softer ride but are not designed to give any additional lift. At least the former versions weren't. They are stiffer than the stock springs. The resulting ride is firm but comfortable enough on the highway. Like the GW springs which came years after, they designed with a heavy camper in mind. I've riden and driven in a few Syncros with these backed by OME shocks. Steve Schwenk has been working on a new batch which might be taller. He said a set for lighter tintop campers and Dokas are in the testing phase.

A better solution would be an adjustable spring perch with custom springs such ones sold by John Wessels and Burley. Prices are significantly higher than GW/Schwenk springs. These also require CV's with more travel and upper control arms with revised geometry. These are not for the feint-of-wallet though the Burley ones are more affordable.

As far spacers, they are designed to lift more than anything else. Suspension travel is limited by spring. Since the spring is unchanged, it should ride close to stock but gives you the appearance of a lifted Syncro and resulting wheel clearance. To expect dive from sudden braking to change.;-)


BenT
sent from my electronic leash

On Jul 22, 2011, at 2:55 AM, "Ben" <bencroft96@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Hello all,I would like to improve the ride height and suspension of my bus.
> Is any one using aftermarket springs,where are they from,what do you think of them?
> Anyone have any experience with GoWestys 2inch progressive springs?(BenT or Turbovans)
> I am using old man emu shocks now,what shocks do people recomend with taller springs.
> Its only early days of research on this topic for me,any comments or links would be appreciated.
> BenC
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
8
On the topic of springs and shocks again, does anyone have any experience or comment on the trailmaster springs or shocks? See various bits here: http://www.syncro-services.com/index_vip_eng.html

According to this site the springs would only give you approx 40mm or 1.57 inchs of lift, not 2 inch. This could be very annoying on that day when you get stuck by .43 of an inch.

These shocks at least would avoid the need to extend OEM or OME...?

Sam

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, BenT Syncro <syncro@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Ben,
>
> In my opinion, the GW progressive springs are too stiff for a light "tintop" Syncro. They appear designed primarily for a heavily-laden Syncro full Westy which tips the scales a couple thousands more. I have assisted with the install of a set on such a Syncro. The springs were so stiff that it required four people (nearly 800 lbs.) standing on the edge of the front bumper to compress them. An ordinary spring compressor would not fit. The resulting ride with unextended OEM shocks were firm and reasonably comfortable on the bitumen. I did not the opportunity to try it on rough terrain. The springs are tall enough to require some re-engineering of your suspension regardless of what GoWesty says, IMHO. The front ball joints end up at such an extreme angle that getting a proper wheel alightment will present challenges. This can be remedied with balljoint spacers or custom upper control arms available Burley Motorsport or John Wessels -- probably others too. The CV's will need additional travel as Erik mentioned. I have also riden with the same springs on a much lighter Syncro Doublecab (Doka) with the exact same OME shocks as the previously mentioned Syncro. It stood high and proud just like the Westy. Highway driving felt firm but acceptably compliant. Anything ressembling rough terrain will encourage you to wear a kidney belt. They are too stiff IMO. Westy was about 5600 lbs. The Doka was less than 3600 lbs. Both wore BF Goodrich All Terrains. The Westy had factory steel 16" wheels. The Doka used T4 steelies with spacers in front to correct offset.
>
> As for Schwenk springs, they offer a softer ride but are not designed to give any additional lift. At least the former versions weren't. They are stiffer than the stock springs. The resulting ride is firm but comfortable enough on the highway. Like the GW springs which came years after, they designed with a heavy camper in mind. I've riden and driven in a few Syncros with these backed by OME shocks. Steve Schwenk has been working on a new batch which might be taller. He said a set for lighter tintop campers and Dokas are in the testing phase.
>
> A better solution would be an adjustable spring perch with custom springs such ones sold by John Wessels and Burley. Prices are significantly higher than GW/Schwenk springs. These also require CV's with more travel and upper control arms with revised geometry. These are not for the feint-of-wallet though the Burley ones are more affordable.
>
> As far spacers, they are designed to lift more than anything else. Suspension travel is limited by spring. Since the spring is unchanged, it should ride close to stock but gives you the appearance of a lifted Syncro and resulting wheel clearance. To expect dive from sudden braking to change.;-)
>
>
> BenT
> sent from my electronic leash
>
> On Jul 22, 2011, at 2:55 AM, "Ben" <bencroft96@...> wrote:
>
> > Hello all,I would like to improve the ride height and suspension of my bus.
> > Is any one using aftermarket springs,where are they from,what do you think of them?
> > Anyone have any experience with GoWestys 2inch progressive springs?(BenT or Turbovans)
> > I am using old man emu shocks now,what shocks do people recomend with taller springs.
> > Its only early days of research on this topic for me,any comments or links would be appreciated.
> > BenC
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>
9
I have no experience with them but wanted to mention in my earlier posting that the Burley Motorsports adjustable coilover suspension uses Trailmaster shocks. He also sells both a weld-on and bolt one lower shock mount for the TM longer rear shocks.

www.burleysmotorsports.com

He makes pretty good custom parts. I just received my custom Subaru steel oilsump / combination engine carrier yesterday. The cast oilpans from Small Car might look more OEM but I would rather contact off-road obstacles with plate steel than cast aluminium.


BenT

sent from my electronic leash

On Jul 22, 2011, at 7:59 AM, "heysamuelarnold" <me@samarnold.org> wrote:

> On the topic of springs and shocks again, does anyone have any experience or comment on the trailmaster springs or shocks? See various bits here: http://www.syncro-services.com/index_vip_eng.html
>
> According to this site the springs would only give you approx 40mm or 1.57 inchs of lift, not 2 inch. This could be very annoying on that day when you get stuck by .43 of an inch.
>
> These shocks at least would avoid the need to extend OEM or OME...?
>
> Sam
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, BenT Syncro <syncro@...> wrote:
>>
>> Hello Ben,
>>
>> In my opinion, the GW progressive springs are too stiff for a light "tintop" Syncro. They appear designed primarily for a heavily-laden Syncro full Westy which tips the scales a couple thousands more. I have assisted with the install of a set on such a Syncro. The springs were so stiff that it required four people (nearly 800 lbs.) standing on the edge of the front bumper to compress them. An ordinary spring compressor would not fit. The resulting ride with unextended OEM shocks were firm and reasonably comfortable on the bitumen. I did not the opportunity to try it on rough terrain. The springs are tall enough to require some re-engineering of your suspension regardless of what GoWesty says, IMHO. The front ball joints end up at such an extreme angle that getting a proper wheel alightment will present challenges. This can be remedied with balljoint spacers or custom upper control arms available Burley Motorsport or John Wessels -- probably others too. The CV's will need additional travel as Erik mentioned. I have also riden with the same springs on a much lighter Syncro Doublecab (Doka) with the exact same OME shocks as the previously mentioned Syncro. It stood high and proud just like the Westy. Highway driving felt firm but acceptably compliant. Anything ressembling rough terrain will encourage you to wear a kidney belt. They are too stiff IMO. Westy was about 5600 lbs. The Doka was less than 3600 lbs. Both wore BF Goodrich All Terrains. The Westy had factory steel 16" wheels. The Doka used T4 steelies with spacers in front to correct offset.
>>
>> As for Schwenk springs, they offer a softer ride but are not designed to give any additional lift. At least the former versions weren't. They are stiffer than the stock springs. The resulting ride is firm but comfortable enough on the highway. Like the GW springs which came years after, they designed with a heavy camper in mind. I've riden and driven in a few Syncros with these backed by OME shocks. Steve Schwenk has been working on a new batch which might be taller. He said a set for lighter tintop campers and Dokas are in the testing phase.
>>
>> A better solution would be an adjustable spring perch with custom springs such ones sold by John Wessels and Burley. Prices are significantly higher than GW/Schwenk springs. These also require CV's with more travel and upper control arms with revised geometry. These are not for the feint-of-wallet though the Burley ones are more affordable.
>>
>> As far spacers, they are designed to lift more than anything else. Suspension travel is limited by spring. Since the spring is unchanged, it should ride close to stock but gives you the appearance of a lifted Syncro and resulting wheel clearance. To expect dive from sudden braking to change.;-)
>>
>>
>> BenT
>> sent from my electronic leash
>>
>> On Jul 22, 2011, at 2:55 AM, "Ben" <bencroft96@...> wrote:
>>
>>> Hello all,I would like to improve the ride height and suspension of my bus.
>>> Is any one using aftermarket springs,where are they from,what do you think of them?
>>> Anyone have any experience with GoWestys 2inch progressive springs?(BenT or Turbovans)
>>> I am using old man emu shocks now,what shocks do people recomend with taller springs.
>>> Its only early days of research on this topic for me,any comments or links would be appreciated.
>>> BenC
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> ------------------------------------
>>>
>>> Yahoo! Groups Links
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
10
> Ben <bencroft96@yahoo.com> wrote:
>
> What do you think of the front spacers?

Maybe


> What do you know about restretching the standard springs?

That sounds rough.


How high do you want to go?
11
Gday BenT,thanks for the very compehensive report.
Sounds like the GW springs will shake the s#&^! out of ya,if you own a light Syncro.
The Schwenk springs are to be used with spacers to raise the vehicle.
Thanks for the heads up on new stock being tested.If you know him let him know that I am interested when they have been tried and tested.
I guess from your info that the Smallcar progressive springs would also be to stiff for a tintop.Any knowledge on these springs and how they would perform?
From their description they(SC)say they are not to harsh,what do you know.

Did anyone see this video?
http://campervanculture.com/2011/02/lifting-front-suspension-on-vw-t25-t3-syncro/
Has anyone got any experience with these or others spacers like them?
BenC

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, BenT Syncro <syncro@...> wrote:
>
> Hello Ben,
>
> In my opinion, the GW progressive springs are too stiff for a light "tintop" Syncro. They appear designed primarily for a heavily-laden Syncro full Westy which tips the scales a couple thousands more. I have assisted with the install of a set on such a Syncro. The springs were so stiff that it required four people (nearly 800 lbs.) standing on the edge of the front bumper to compress them. An ordinary spring compressor would not fit. The resulting ride with unextended OEM shocks were firm and reasonably comfortable on the bitumen. I did not the opportunity to try it on rough terrain. The springs are tall enough to require some re-engineering of your suspension regardless of what GoWesty says, IMHO. The front ball joints end up at such an extreme angle that getting a proper wheel alightment will present challenges. This can be remedied with balljoint spacers or custom upper control arms available Burley Motorsport or John Wessels -- probably others too. The CV's will need additional travel as Erik mentioned. I have also riden with the same springs on a much lighter Syncro Doublecab (Doka) with the exact same OME shocks as the previously mentioned Syncro. It stood high and proud just like the Westy. Highway driving felt firm but acceptably compliant. Anything ressembling rough terrain will encourage you to wear a kidney belt. They are too stiff IMO. Westy was about 5600 lbs. The Doka was less than 3600 lbs. Both wore BF Goodrich All Terrains. The Westy had factory steel 16" wheels. The Doka used T4 steelies with spacers in front to correct offset.
>
> As for Schwenk springs, they offer a softer ride but are not designed to give any additional lift. At least the former versions weren't. They are stiffer than the stock springs. The resulting ride is firm but comfortable enough on the highway. Like the GW springs which came years after, they designed with a heavy camper in mind. I've riden and driven in a few Syncros with these backed by OME shocks. Steve Schwenk has been working on a new batch which might be taller. He said a set for lighter tintop campers and Dokas are in the testing phase.
>
> A better solution would be an adjustable spring perch with custom springs such ones sold by John Wessels and Burley. Prices are significantly higher than GW/Schwenk springs. These also require CV's with more travel and upper control arms with revised geometry. These are not for the feint-of-wallet though the Burley ones are more affordable.
>
> As far spacers, they are designed to lift more than anything else. Suspension travel is limited by spring. Since the spring is unchanged, it should ride close to stock but gives you the appearance of a lifted Syncro and resulting wheel clearance. To expect dive from sudden braking to change.;-)
>
>
> BenT
> sent from my electronic leash
>
> On Jul 22, 2011, at 2:55 AM, "Ben" <bencroft96@...> wrote:
>
> > Hello all,I would like to improve the ride height and suspension of my bus.
> > Is any one using aftermarket springs,where are they from,what do you think of them?
> > Anyone have any experience with GoWestys 2inch progressive springs?(BenT or Turbovans)
> > I am using old man emu shocks now,what shocks do people recomend with taller springs.
> > Its only early days of research on this topic for me,any comments or links would be appreciated.
> > BenC
> >
> >
> >
> > ------------------------------------
> >
> > Yahoo! Groups Links
> >
> >
> >
>
12
Hi Ben?

I haven't yet ran into any vans with the Small Car springs. Nor have I heard anyone in the US Syncro scene using front spacers. Rear spacers were sold for years by FastForward in Canada before they stopped selling parts altogether (have since returned to limited parts sales). Rear spacers were popular in SA as well for some time. FF's were some ferrous alloy. SA's were aluminium.

Don't forget to extend shocks or get longer ones with any of these lift systems.

Perhaps it's time for someone to BenCh test these front spacers.


BenT

sent from my electronic leash

On Jul 23, 2011, at 1:43 AM, "Ben" <bencroft96@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Gday BenT,thanks for the very compehensive report.
> Sounds like the GW springs will shake the s#&^! out of ya,if you own a light Syncro.
> The Schwenk springs are to be used with spacers to raise the vehicle.
> Thanks for the heads up on new stock being tested.If you know him let him know that I am interested when they have been tried and tested.
> I guess from your info that the Smallcar progressive springs would also be to stiff for a tintop.Any knowledge on these springs and how they would perform?
> From their description they(SC)say they are not to harsh,what do you know.
>
> Did anyone see this video?
> http://campervanculture.com/2011/02/lifting-front-suspension-on-vw-t25-t3-syncro/
> Has anyone got any experience with these or others spacers like them?
> BenC
>
> ---
13
Hi Ben,

I run GW springs and OME shocks on a converted and fairly light camper.
I don't mind the ride at all, although I may drop tyre pressure when not fully loaded. Front shocks top out fairly easily. If you come up with some extenders let me know.
Otherwise you may find you eat a few more cv's, especially the rear.
Overall not a bad setup. If I had my time again I would probably stay with standard suspension and run 225/175/15 tyres as a cheaper way to
get more clearance.
Only downside there is increased gearing.

Cheers,

Mark
14
Mark,thanks for your report.My bus is not a camper,so right now am looking at other options to get a bit more height.
Re shock extenders,I found a few manufactuers by google and having a read
http://www.jcwhitney.com/shocks-and-struts/volkswagen-vanagon/c12548d14387j1s21.jcwx
is one.
I have 16 inch rims so I think 75 series tyres are out of the question without raising the suspension.
I would like to hear from anyone running 16 inch rims with large tyres,to know if there is any scrubbing issues.
Thanks
BenC

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "m.mullet" <m.mullet@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Ben,
>
> I run GW springs and OME shocks on a converted and fairly light camper.
> I don't mind the ride at all, although I may drop tyre pressure when not fully loaded. Front shocks top out fairly easily. If you come up with some extenders let me know.
> Otherwise you may find you eat a few more cv's, especially the rear.
> Overall not a bad setup. If I had my time again I would probably stay with standard suspension and run 225/175/15 tyres as a cheaper way to
> get more clearance.
> Only downside there is increased gearing.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Mark
>
15
Hi,

I have 215/70 BFG All Terrain tyres on 16" rims.

The front tyres scrub a little only on suspension compression, on the left side when turning left and on the right side when turning right.

There are no other scrubbing issues with this (otherwise standard suspension) set up.

Cheers,

Andy.
16
Ben,

As you know, my suspension was raised about 10 years ago by Proven Products in Sydney West. But I'm not sure if they are still around. They did coil over shocks on the front with an adjustable spring base.

The rears are re-sent original springs and have lasted well on what has been a similar set up to yours interior-wise - ie just a rear bed seat and a slightly heavier 6 cyl suby donk. I have 235 x 75 x 15 inch wheels and they only minor rub on the plastic flare on the drivers side on almost full lock turning right. Nothing else rubs but everything is close.

I think if you went bigger springs and wanted bigger tyres you would need to cut the guards.

Your existing tyres scrub the same as mine I think and in the same single spot.

Cheers,

Skot

On 25/07/2011 6:23 PM, Ben wrote:
 

Mark,thanks for your report.My bus is not a camper,so right now am looking at other options to get a bit more height.
Re shock extenders,I found a few manufactuers by google and having a read
http://www.jcwhitney.com/shocks-and-struts/volkswagen-vanagon/c12548d14387j1s21.jcwx
is one.
I have 16 inch rims so I think 75 series tyres are out of the question without raising the suspension.
I would like to hear from anyone running 16 inch rims with large tyres,to know if there is any scrubbing issues.
Thanks
BenC

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "m.mullet" <m.mullet@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Ben,
>
> I run GW springs and OME shocks on a converted and fairly light camper.
> I don't mind the ride at all, although I may drop tyre pressure when not fully loaded. Front shocks top out fairly easily. If you come up with some extenders let me know.
> Otherwise you may find you eat a few more cv's, especially the rear.
> Overall not a bad setup. If I had my time again I would probably stay with standard suspension and run 225/175/15 tyres as a cheaper way to
> get more clearance.
> Only downside there is increased gearing.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Mark
>


17
Ben,

Consider width as part of your clearance considerations. It has been my experience that the most commonly overlooked clearance is when the steering wheels are turned from lock-to-lock. For example, a front wheel turned fully to the left will have the smallest clearance on the outer edge of the tyre against the rear portion of the wheel arch. Mirror image problem on the opposite side.

Minor comment on Mark's statement. I am certain it was a typographical error when have the tyre size as:

>> 225/175/15

IIRC, the middle number indicates the aspect ratio of the tyre. In simple English in this case, 225mm width X 175% = the height of the sidewall. I don't think that is a size a common Syncronaut can find at the local tyre mart. Likely 225/75/15.

Commenting on the JC Whitney link. JCW is not known for being a particularly good source of Syncro parts. Take care buying parts from them as there may be compatibility issues. For example, some of the shocks specified appear to be for 2wd rather than a Syncro.

As for shock extensions, you might want to check older messages in the archives. I had posted some info re: use of VW Type 1 shock extenders as used my Mike Ghia in the UK for his Syncro project. Also that the famous SyncroMog built and owned by my friend John Wessels has been using the same extenders w/o any issues for nearly a decade. If you've seen YouTube videos of SyncroMog at work, you might consider the aforementioned shock pins/extenders more than adequate for the job.


BenT
sent from my electronic leash

On Jul 25, 2011, at 1:23 AM, "Ben" <bencroft96@yahoo.com> wrote:

> Mark,thanks for your report.My bus is not a camper,so right now am looking at other options to get a bit more height.
> Re shock extenders,I found a few manufactuers by google and having a read
> http://www.jcwhitney.com/shocks-and-struts/volkswagen-vanagon/c12548d14387j1s21.jcwx
> is one.
> I have 16 inch rims so I think 75 series tyres are out of the question without raising the suspension.
> I would like to hear from anyone running 16 inch rims with large tyres,to know if there is any scrubbing issues.
> Thanks
> BenC
>
> --- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "m.mullet" <m.mullet@...> wrote:
>>
>> Hi Ben,
>>
>> I run GW springs and OME shocks on a converted and fairly light camper.
>> I don't mind the ride at all, although I may drop tyre pressure when not fully loaded. Front shocks top out fairly easily. If you come up with some extenders let me know.
>> Otherwise you may find you eat a few more cv's, especially the rear.
>> Overall not a bad setup. If I had my time again I would probably stay with standard suspension and run 225/175/15 tyres as a cheaper way to
>> get more clearance.
>> Only downside there is increased gearing.
>>
>> Cheers,
>>
>> Mark
>>
>
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
18
Hi Andy, I run 215/65/16 and have no scrubbing issues.
Thats amazing how that extra 5mm can be the difference.
Is there any tyre damage or any damage to the vehicle from this scrubbing?
BenC


--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, Ruth Phillips <rafear@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I have 215/70 BFG All Terrain tyres on 16" rims.
>
> The front tyres scrub a little only on suspension compression, on the left side when turning left and on the right side when turning right.
>
> There are no other scrubbing issues with this (otherwise standard suspension) set up.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Andy.
>
19
Hey Ben, I am running 225/70 16. I would have gone 215/70 16 if I had known how close they would be to the front fender. I have increased my positive castor above the factory specs to stop the tyre rubbing on the rhf mud spat. This did not cause any drivability issues. If you have not already, I would recommend replacing castor bushes before starting the whole measuring process. Tyre size is more about guard clearance than ride height on the front of a t3. I have also fitted the go westy A arm spacer to keep the camber right. This causes the need for a slightly bigger full compression stop. Shock extenders will cause a pandoras box of other issues. They will increase the amount of sag or rebound travel you have, which is great, only if your arm geometry and cv joint can cope with the increased angle. They may or may not reduce the compression travel depending on the type used. What ever mod you do a good acid test is to bolt the front end up minus the spring you can then fully extend and compress the suspension whilst turning the hub and operating the steering lock to lock. Try it first without the wheel than with. As far as the rear goes my 225/70's are as big as you can go with 14" trailing arms and the square profile of bfg all terrains. Just by fitting ome rear shocks you will have increased your rear suspension travel as far as standard cv's can go. Greg E

From: Ben <bencroft96@yahoo.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, 25 July 2011 6:23 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: suspension upgrades

 
Mark,thanks for your report.My bus is not a camper,so right now am looking at other options to get a bit more height.
Re shock extenders,I found a few manufactuers by google and having a read
http://www.jcwhitney.com/shocks-and-struts/volkswagen-vanagon/c12548d14387j1s21.jcwx
is one.
I have 16 inch rims so I think 75 series tyres are out of the question without raising the suspension.
I would like to hear from anyone running 16 inch rims with large tyres,to know if there is any scrubbing issues.
Thanks
BenC

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, "m.mullet" <m.mullet@...> wrote:
>
> Hi Ben,
>
> I run GW springs and OME shocks on a converted and fairly light camper.
> I don't mind the ride at all, although I may drop tyre pressure when not fully loaded. Front shocks top out fairly easily. If you come up with some extenders let me know.
> Otherwise you may find you eat a few more cv's, especially the rear.
> Overall not a bad setup. If I had my time again I would probably stay with standard suspension and run 225/175/15 tyres as a cheaper way to
> get more clearance.
> Only downside there is increased gearing.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Mark
>



20
Ben thats not a 5mm differance, thats 5% of 215mm. Greg E

From: Ben <bencroft96@yahoo.com>
To: Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Monday, 25 July 2011 8:03 PM
Subject: [Syncro_T3_Australia] Re: suspension upgrades

 
Hi Andy, I run 215/65/16 and have no scrubbing issues.
Thats amazing how that extra 5mm can be the difference.
Is there any tyre damage or any damage to the vehicle from this scrubbing?
BenC

--- In Syncro_T3_Australia@yahoogroups.com, Ruth Phillips <rafear@...> wrote:
>
> Hi,
>
> I have 215/70 BFG All Terrain tyres on 16" rims.
>
> The front tyres scrub a little only on suspension compression, on the left side when turning left and on the right side when turning right.
>
> There are no other scrubbing issues with this (otherwise standard suspension) set up.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Andy.
>