how low can a westy go?

Post by **Joking Westy** » 01 Nov 2005, 10:32

Hi
Ive got an 85 Westfalia with the cigar shaped gas caanister slung underneath and wondered how low other people had lowered theirs with the canister on? and whether anyone has taken it off inorder to go lower?

Cheers
JW

owlets · Post by **owlets** » 01 Nov 2005, 12:45

I'm having my West lowered by 45mm, not got a gas canister but have the water tansk etc. THought about 60mm but decided that the 45 would best compromise between looks, handling and ride comfort

Post by **Joking Westy** » 01 Nov 2005, 12:52

Cheers for that - did you go for the justKampers springs and shocks kit or another source? Did you do the work yourself or get a garage to do it? What diff has it made to cornering and crosswinds etc.?
thanks
JW

Post by **Simon Baxter** » 01 Nov 2005, 19:43

I just lowered a California 60mm using AVO stuff, the tank was about 150mm off the floor when done.
Search for Cooky73 I think on Brick-yard, he'll be able to advise you futher as thats who's van I did.
I charged him £400 to supply and fit the kit including setting the camber and tracking at the front.

owlets · Post by **owlets** » 01 Nov 2005, 19:52

Joking Westy wrote:Cheers for that - did you go for the justKampers springs and shocks kit or another source? Did you do the work yourself or get a garage to do it? What diff has it made to cornering and crosswinds etc.?
thanks
JW

I've only just got home after picking up my camper from the garage where I had the springs and shocks fitted. Went for the JustKampers ones, not sure about cross winds yet but immediately noticed a huge difference in the handling as its now almost car like! The springs and shocks came to £240 including delivery, not sure about the labour costs as I was having other stuff done too.

Post by **Joking Westy** » 02 Nov 2005, 10:44

Thanks for the reply u 2,

Now i'm torn...i love the look of 60mm lower, but i need the practicality of the 45mm.
My van looks like a syncro on stilts for some reason....which feels much like sailing a canal boat down the road. But there were times last summer where i could happily bomb down some old dirt tracks without a care in the world.
However 'vanity' ;0) before practicality

Cheer
JW

Post by **cooky73** » 02 Nov 2005, 10:53

mudflap scrapes a bit - that's about it

not tried any off roading yet

would defo recommend the AVO kit, and Brickwerks too.

it is practical - driving is much less stressful - it is adjustable too!

Post by **Joking Westy** » 02 Nov 2005, 12:05

Hello Cooky73 ive just sent you a private message on brickyard...so dont bother to reply to that unless i've asked questions that you havent already answered...dame short term memory.
Ive just tried looking on the brickyard site for a photo of your van and your there on page 4 of the photos but no sight of your van...surely you need to update it with a pic of the lovely new low look!!!!
By the way how much was your kit?
Cheers JW

Post by **Simon Baxter** » 02 Nov 2005, 19:27

Supply only for kit is £350, fitted is £400.
Thats 4x60mm springs, 4x new shock absorbers with 22 point adjust facility, you dial in the ride, mild or wild.

Anonymous · Post by **Anonymous** » 02 Nov 2005, 19:33

I think the early T25's have a slightly different front suspension design which limits how low you can go to an extent... can't remember if it'll create problems at 60mm or not.
You could upgrade to the later suspension (1987 onwards i think)..

Could be wrong...

MG

Post by **jokerdub** » 08 Jan 2006, 18:51

Early lower arms are presed steel with a plate under the spring, thats upto 85. 85 on are cast with out a plate. The roll bar drop links on the early vans are kinked later are straight.