Date:         Wed, 29 Jan 2025 12:01:04 -0500
Reply-To:     Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Eric Caron <ericcaron96@COMCAST.NET>
Subject:      Re: Front suspension question
Comments: To: Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <SJ2P222MB0972C14815B69F36BEE58768A0ED2@SJ2P222MB0972.NAMP222.PROD.OUTLOOK.COM>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Update on Front suspension project.

Goal is to gain back some lost front hight.

I am using half inch shims from T3.

Friend with his own new 88 Westy project came over to help.  

I explained that this project I would not be assisting hands on but rather tool finding and support person. 

Several friends insisted I promised to keep blind man hands off this project. 

We attempted the project without a spring compressor. 

We were able to safely remove the spring and install shim.  But then the easy part became hard.

The angle did not allow for safe install.  We needed a compressor. 

We borrowed the rental from the parts store.  No good.  They did not have the type Dennis recommended.

Meanwhile We got feedback from both T3 and theSamba that matched Dennis’s recommendation.  

So, we stopped the project and I ordered the most heavy duty correct shaped spring compressor we could find. 

We found one recommended by a mechanic on TheSamba that had actually used it to install the T3 shims.  He said the shims were great. 

So, now I’m waiting for the tool to arrive and we willl installl again. 

The second wheel will be much easier!  So much learning on the first one. 

I will be so happy to have the 85 level again. 

Keep your fingers crossed we continue to have a safe experience.  I will breathe a sigh of relieve when springs are back in their homes.

Eric Caron 



> On Jan 26, 2025, at 9:32 AM, Dennis Haynes <d23haynes57@hotmail.com> wrote:
> 
> While it is possible to remove the springs with out a spring compressor it is difficult and can be dangerous. The proper spring compressor is one with a large screw assembly and horse shoe shaped jaws 

> Something like this. 
> https://www.amazon.com/SIXIWANZI-Macpherson-Spring-Compressor-Universal/dp/B0D8KBH6JB/ref=sr_1_31?adgrpid=1331509151946145&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9._nMLq8eFdHy90Lph_dcZKfKUYXM9a53CngN_DKsCJm0KCcp5qzUi4GaJ12dU6kn-KxDUe3rneh40btocpbqbXPmcNczEQBPE5XLPCQhE4mpChJRgEqqSo2p6GPJM6L-LTWa5kMlOJO_gGYpSxI7pB1l3oqalNzuki7PcQIT7j2vw0OVKvtDJdveLp66Tiebihc_IRWMiRHzn9XevgrON4DraFGZVqPWh2xD4RxtdVml4342ZJxG74uSRqkqL2SffhKMRveDjTm75KyJH1gbrOqa5timZGF3PQxOrJ-Q2ShgTjTnIvtl7QAIsfL8Yxn2LWVZaUpdymlJxdAEumHFKI8U8uI-wR5kXZ53AtPzmIsa2MhGAIgVgKaiKkeJwOPe5BpFWWJr8pqem7UisvxCZ2ki3ihbazqoY0rcZA4D7O2mvD5f0CTRLrrFtd8DsVBZW.mq-4-l88GsFuKFe9mcLNQ7-FXcrNGIGlmGute_mFy7c&dib_tag=se&hvadid=83219708686530&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocphy=97930&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvtargid=kwd-83219681465594%3Aloc-190&hydadcr=7516_13723352&keywords=spring+compressors+for+cars&msclkid=c1e390faaba7173177dff76ceea4a681&qid=1737901345&sr=8-31
> 
> At a minimum, the upper ball joint will need to be unbolted. I find that even with the compressor the fight to take the shortcut often becomes the hardest route possible. I prefer to completely remove the spindle assembly and loosen the front radius rod mounts. The lower control arm still needs to be supported as the shock is removed. 
> 
> Dennis
> 
> 
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com> On Behalf Of Eric Caron
> Sent: Saturday, January 25, 2025 6:13 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: Front suspension question
> 
> Hi folks,
> 
> I’m hoping someone here can talk me through how I might lower my front spring enough to get a special shim I have on top of it.  
> 
>        I have changed the front shock many years ago but believe the spring was still under tension.
> 
> Can I do this without a spring compressor.  This is a tool I am concerned about using due to safety. 
> 
> Currently my front is measuring 16.5 inches from upper edge to middle of hub.  My rear is 17.5.  And my other van is 17.5 front and rear.  My 85 shows as not level when on a level surface and it used to register as level. 
> 
> So, I’d really like to get the shims in on top of those springs. 
> 
> So, any tip on the process is gratefully appreciated.
> 
> I have a helper available next week, but he is not familiar with the vanagon, but is mechanical.  In fact,  He is now restoring a 1988 Vanagon camper so he is learning fast.
> 
> Directions anyone?
> 
> Eric Caron