Date:         Thu, 15 Jul 2021 18:12:11 +0000
Reply-To:     David Boan <dboan@OUTLOOK.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         David Boan <dboan@OUTLOOK.COM>
Subject:      Re: Lifting 2WD Westy
Comments: To: OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@comcast.net>
In-Reply-To:  <21A0DCEE-E816-40A0-A655-DE32DA05DA0A@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="Windows-1252"

In general, that is true, but according to Richard Burns Rally Manual, " adjusting the front in relation to the rear will alter the weight distribution and rake of the car. Raising the rear of the car moves the centre of gravity forward."

That being said, I am sure it has to be a significant raise to make a difference, such as commonly seen in dragsters that want weight to shift to the back.

In my case, I realize that the main culprit is adding a heavy rear bumper while keeping the front stock, plus adding a rear bumper mount for the spare on the driver side, which was a mistake.  I plan to add a similar bumper to the front this fall and move the spare mount to the right.  I will be doing that before doing anything with spacers.  I think then that the front height will drop and then I can decide about the front springs.

Dave B
Boise
________________________________
From: OlRivrRat <OlRivrRat@comcast.net>
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2021 11:42 AM
To: David Boan <dboan@OUTLOOK.COM>
Cc: vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Subject: Re: Lifting 2WD Westy

        CG can only be changed by moving weight around,, Altering Height will not move CG ~

Instead of messing with spacers I would suggest moving Your Propane Tank to Pass’ Side &

maybe even Your AuxBatt to Pass’ Side Under Rear Seat ~

                                                        ORR ~ DeanB

> On 14 Jul , 2021, at 6:16 AM, David Boan <dboan@OUTLOOK.COM> wrote:
>
> Hi Vanagon Types
>
> Several months ago I purchased the GW Coil Spring bundle for 2wd.  I installed the rear springs only and waited on the front.  Now I am considering not using the lift springs in the front and I am interested in any feedback on this.
>
> On my '85, with the original springs in the front and 1.5" lift springs in the back, I get the following height from the center of the wheel to the wheel well:
>
> Front right: 18 5/8"
> Front Left: 18"
> Rear right: 18 1/8"
> Rear left: 17 1/2"
>
> Those numbers are on an empty van with a full propane tank and an accessory battery in the closet.
>
> From what I have read, 18" to 18.5" seems to be the stock height for an '85.
>
> I think if I use lift springs in the front it will likely make the difference worse by slightly shifting the CG back and putting more weight on the rear.  Instead, I am considering not lifting the front and instead install 0" lift front springs (hopefully help balance and stiffen the front) and then add a 1/2" spacer on the rear left.
>
> Am I missing something?
>
> Dave B
> '85 Westy
> Boise