Date: Tue, 11 Jul 2017 14:06:38 -0700
Reply-To: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: ISO anti-sway bar for 1983 Vanagon Westy
In-Reply-To: <0E7462FC-BEB2-4698-8BEC-C62D12EB693B@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="UTF-8"
Sway bars reduce body roll on curves, and can provide slightly decreased understeer (a tendency to turn less sharply than is intended). But, they transfer load diagonally to the rear, which increases understeer. I think on the van with the weight in the rear the effect is probably neutral to slightly less understeer, and your drivers may notice a little less steering wheel turn on curves with a larger sway bar. You'll both notice less body roll!
I had large front and rear sway bars on my '68 Westy years ago and they were amazing. It was nearly undriveable on winding roads because of understeer (and no power steering) and roll before the upgrade.
There are no downsides for a properly sized bar like T3's, and installation won't affect your alignment. Too big though and you can lift the inside wheel off the ground, not a good thing!
Stuart
-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Eric Caron
Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2017 12:34 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: ISO anti-sway bar for 1983 Vanagon Westy
Hi Stuart and others,
Can you tell me a little more how this addition, anti sway bar, will change my van for my drivers? any down sides?
Also how complex a addition for a currently healthy 85 front suspension?
I have original 85 GL tall springs. clean and rust free but I do wonder if there is a newer spring with newer technology and construction that might also improve handling for my drivers.
These are upgrades I like making if they make the van safer or better on the road.
I have air bags in the back and with a little extra pressure on the driver’s side my van sits perfectly level left to right.
I know eventually the 14 inch wheels will need to be upgraded but I have new tires and very sexy black original wheels with chrome hubcaps and I love the look on my white van.
I just got the front alignment straightened out so not thrilled with messing with it unless there is a real gain to be had.
Eric Caron
85 GL Auto Westfalia
> On Jul 11, 2017, at 1:28 PM, Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM> wrote:
>
> I'd get one of Chris's bars: http://www.t3technique.com/new-stuff/anti-roll-bar-(front)/ You'll be happy you did! And, yes, sway bars link the two sides (springs) together, so when broken the heavier driver's side can lean.
>
> Stuart
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of Jim Felder
> Sent: Tuesday, July 11, 2017 10:18 AM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: ISO anti-sway bar for 1983 Vanagon Westy
>
> I've been perplexed at seeing my Vanagon Westy tilted over toward the drivers side. I would normally attribute this to old age and worn out springs, but these springs are GoWesty progressives that were installed
> 38,000 miles ago. They shouldn't be sagging.
>
> The issue prompted me to stick my head under the car with a flashlight and it didn't take long to find a problem, if not THE problem. The anti-sway bar on the passenger side doesn't reach to the bushing. In fact it is broken off about three inches above the bushing, which of course has fallen out.
>
> What are my options in years to replace this item, and does anyone have a spare?
>
> Would a broken bar make the car sag to that side?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jim
