Date:         Sun, 2 Feb 2025 14:14:07 -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
In-Reply-To:  <AADEBD37-2D44-41DA-AA90-DFBA1DCB1074@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=utf-8

Hi folks,

One side done. 

        First take away.  I would likely not do this again!  

Progress so far. 

Passenger side is done. 

It took lots of trial and error to finally get things lined up. 

I called a few folks on the phone and one person called back and talking it through helped. 

The new spring compressor was the right tool.  But it was still difficult to get all lined up and have access to everything. 

In the end it is back together, but the rubber original shim is not perfect, a bit pushed out on one side.  But, I’m not going to chase that again.  Hopefully that will not be an issue, and not affect the lift. 

I’m also wondering if all the compressing and uncompressing will have affected the spring.  Time will tell. 

I think in retro spect, it would be easier to change the spring then fit in the shim at least for us.  Still we will finish the other side with our new knowledge and hefty tool. 

I would be thrilled with the shim if we had been able to the the original rubber piece perfect.  But, it is going to have to be close enough.  Of, if van is still sitting low in the front, I’ll have a shop do the next attempt!

This is never going to be a job a blind person using his fingers to see should do!  I kind of wonder how I successfully did the shocks back in 2014! 
More updates after driver’s side is done.  This will not happen for a few weeks as my helper is unavailable for a bit.

I hope your projects are going well!

Eric Caron 



> On Jan 29, 2025, at 12:01 PM, Eric Caron <ericcaron96@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> 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