Before our first trip I said to my wife let’s do one and then sell it for a 4motion. Where to start? At each little town we visited we made friends just because people we interested in our vehicle. I was comparing it to typical American vans, which really don’t have a comparable suspension. Still have the 2.1 wassrboxer engine in it. I even proved that I can do slow, with the right vehicle (like my 4 cylinder 96 Odyssey). THESE ARE PREORDER ITEMS BEFORE ORDERING, PLEASE READ THE TERMS AND … And God as my witness, I still OWN one. Hansen Motorsport Gewindefahrwerk für den VW Bus T3 2WD in Action. And when the time came to actually buy a minivan in 1992, the Vanagon was not a realistic option, and not just because it was out of production. Most comfortable car I’ve ever had. Or shot. Vanagon are now inevitably in the hands of its lovers; anyone who bought one naively decades ago and moaned about the performance or lack of power amenities or reliability and wished they’d bought a Caravan has long passed it on to more appreciative hands. VW T25 T3 Vanagon Stainless Steel Full Exhaust Kit (1.9 & 2.1 Petrol *2WD ONLY*) 1984 Onwards. for VW T3 Bus OFF-Road and Outdoor Accessories for VW T3 … for VW T3 Bus OFF-Road and Outdoor Accessories for VW T3 … :o), Your email address will not be published. €125,00 BILSTEIN B6 front suspension for VW T3 2WD Add to cart. Designed for hwy and rough road travel. But, with my allergies, I’d have to buy a trailer with AC and a shower to even consider camping (if you can still call it camping). I remember saying to my friend, “Dave, this van handles almost like a sports car! (“Oh Lord, won’t you buy me….”, speaking of hippies), Oh, I agree the Mercedes is a great van and very tough and durable. In 2005 it was the best 7 seat wagon I could find that got reasonable gas mileage. “inevitably many of the comments (or even the text) will be utterly predictable: it’s so slow…underpowered…unreliable…couldn’t compete with American minivans…it’s so slow…underpowered… Ok; I get it. Anyway, when it comes to sheer “Teutonic virtues” both VW models were outclassed by the Mercedes models. So, I’d have to pass on these as too slow, expensive, difficult parts and service, etc. The 2.5 L Subaru has become very popular, because it fits under the stock engine lid and has such a significant boost in torque and power, as well as being a rugged engine, generally. But it couldn’t wait, so blame yourself for its deficiencies . Know what I mean ? I compare owning a vanagon westy, and especially a syncro to owning a small boat. He bragged about it continually and it never seemed to break. Gowesty VW T25, T3 & Vanagon 2WD Suspension Lift Kit Bundle (Free Ball Joint Spacers & Decals) $ 640.14. Not original at all. I don’t recall it being slow, although we were in city traffic, and it was also someone else’s work vehicle, so I wouldn’t have been trying to “see what it can do” anyway. Geez, whoever comes up with names for VW should be fired. $ 605.10 ARB Flip Flops Size UK Size - 7 to 8 $ 36.30 VW T25 T3 Vanagon Hi-Lift Style Jack Adaptor For Factory Jacking Points $ 36.30 I remember riding in it once, thinking how slow and underpowered it was. Post navigation ← VW T3 Vanagon Westfalia Atlantic 2WD Adventure Camper For Sale (SOLD) CampervanCulture.com Arctic Overland Series Part 1 → But, it’s a price one pays for fuel economy and longevity. I didn’t mean to say that the suspension travel on the syncro is poor, just that it is noticeably less than the older breadbox van. Very disconcerting. General import Accessories: Offroad / Campinng / Special Parts / Adhesives and Sealants for VW T3 Bus Specialties: Cruise Control / Rear Light / Mirror / Roof Rack etc. I am not sure you can use the words, “durability” and “VW Van” in the same sentence, JP. Required fields are marked *. See more ideas about subaru motors, vw vanagon, wander. BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B6 front suspension for VW T3 2WD . In the days of the VW T3 the scrap metal dealers drove Hanomag-Henschels (and the later Mercedes editions, I’m sure you remember them) and the hippies drove a, well…., VW T2 One thought is that they worried about misuse/liability. try to rewrite history.. Rather like Orwell’s ‘Ministry of Truth’. Yes, it’s not perfect; but it has a number of qualities that are unique, which convincingly convey greatness upon it. I could go on and on about the Vanagon, which is a bit odd, since I’ve never owned one. Larger joints can be fitted which allows more travel and allows you to raise the van without damagingt the joints. It also had a 2.4 liter diesel engine with perfect gearing for towing jobs. For sure there are no affordable and capable 4wd camper vans around. A youtube video shows a head on collision with a Volvo, and the Vanagon comes out much better. We also test drove a Westfalia conversion (sold through MB dealers; they called it “James Cook” with decals to match). VW did make a front-engined LT to compete with these Mercedes: https://www.curbsideclassic.com/curbside-classics-european/curbside-classic-1990-vw-lt-4×4-westfalia-camper-the-vanagon-syncros-gnarly-big-brother-and-the-ultimate-niedermeyer-mobile/, The VW LT was somewhere inbetween the Mercedes TN/T1 and its bigger brother the Mercedes T2 (Picture: Mercedes…Heck, it’s a compact dump truck !!). I had a chance to ride in one again just recently, and all my impressions formed in the past were reinforced: the solid body, the excellent ride, the superb view, the firm but comfortable seats, despite being thirty years old. It’s all business here, with that big steering wheel and industrial-grade gear shift. Two Volkswagens You remind me of something that has been occurring to me this week. In the videos of those syncros off road, the suspension seems to have a pretty decent amount of travel. Das erste und bis jetzt einzige Gewindefahrwerk für den T3 mit TÜV-Teilegutachten! How much would a 1990 Grand Caravan AWD fetch? And that was the Mercedes TN (built from 1977 to 1995). There is no car using the Japanese name for trade wind. Vanagon 2WD Schwenk Springs set of 2 rear & 2 front Springs You will find these Springs to be a huge improvement to your ride! Jun 25, 2020 - After admiring the gear Rocky Mountain Westy make CVC and RMW have teamed up to bring you this unique tray carrier for the T25/T3 Syncro or 2wd van. My brother has had one for many years, one of the rare one-year US diesels, which he’s upgraded to a turbo diesel and to run on veggie oil. Well, the Vanagon really wasn’t a minivan; it was a European full size van, the equivalent of our Econolines and such, despite being less than 180″ long. Paul, I don’t think VW sold any syncros with front lockers in the US. FIAT DUCATO-CITROEN JUMPER -PEUGEOT BOXER, KONI KONI adjustable front suspension for VW T3 2WD, KONI KONI adjustable rear suspension for VW T3 2WD, BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B4 rear suspension for VW T3 2WD, BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B6 front suspension for VW T3 2WD, BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B6 rear suspension for VW T3 2WD, BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B4 front suspension for VW T3 Syncro 14", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B4 rear suspension for VW T3 Syncro 14", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B6 front suspension for VW T3 Syncro 14", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B6 rear suspension for VW T3 Syncro 14", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B4 front suspension for VW T3 Syncro 16", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B4 rear suspension for VW T3 Syncro 16", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B6 front suspension for VW T3 Syncro 16", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B6 rear suspension for VW T3 Syncro 16", BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B3 front spring for VW T3, BILSTEIN BILSTEIN B3 rear spring for VW T3. Yes, it’s not perfect; but it has a number of qualities that are unique, which convincingly convey greatness upon it.”, Are we allowed to use this argument against the author when he disagrees or dislikes the subject matter? The T3, especially the synchro, really is one cool van – which is probably why they’re still so darned expensive. I don’t think VW ever did better with names than it did with Rabbit and Fox. No minivan has ever been able to seat three across in the back with anything approaching the room and comfort of the Vanagon’s back seat. That was a rarity (IMO) for any VW van. All components are manufactured from the highest quality materials and machined to exacting tolerances. The early air-cooled ones really were a bit overwhelmed by typical American conditions and expectations, although one can certainly build up an air cooled VW engine to make them less pokey. Plus the 72 had something like a 40/60 weight distribution whereas the 2wd vanagon is pretty close to 50/50. Single tires at the back, but sometimes with the heavy-duty rear axle with dual tires. But they could also be ordered with a limited-slip rear differential that was activated by pulling a knob between the front seats. All manner of power plants have found their way in one, but the three most common and logical choices have boiled down to the VW inline four, either in gas or diesel versions, and the Subaru flat four. Besides trucks my father also drove smaller toys in the seventies, eighties and nineties. VW T25 T3 Vanagon Westfalia Skylight Plastic Insulated Double Skinned *BRONZE* $ 91.98 Add to cart ‘Culture’ Diff-Lock T-shirt – Black $ 18.40 Select options; Interior Festoon Bulb Upgrade [VW T2 T3 T25 T4 LT] $ 6.13 Add to cart You can modify it to be be better at one or another but the factory got the compromise pretty bang on. Eliminate the sag Schwenk Springs for all 2wd and syncro campers, vans, Dokas and singlecabs And it drove like a dream. The VW T3 is a good commercial verhicle, no doubt. It just did everything better. I didn’t even think that was possible!”. Within the first day of our 10 day trip, we could not find one reason to spend 5 times more. I guess…. That was neat too, but a bit big on the outside and hideously expensive. i’ve never been in one but i’d love to try it out. I don’t have the numbers to hand, but in short the independent suspension ( cv jointed half axles) on the van limits the suspension travel. What better starting point from which to build the ultimate multipurpose vehicle. The Volkswagen Type 2 T3 is the third generation of the Volkswagen Transporter named the Transporter or Caravelle in Europe, Microbus in South Africa, T25 in England and Ireland, and Vanagon in North and South America. The VW T3 was a good workhorse, but it was outclassed by a fellow-German from 1977 onwards. Actually, come to think of it, a somewhat eccentric friend years back in San Diego acquired one of these Vanagon Westfalia Syncros. They are made in America by a leading automotive spring manufacturer that supplies many aftermarket companies. Speaking of engines, that is obviously the Vanagon’s weakest link. The desert area being an attractive winter destination for Canadians, they must have driven that sad thing all the way from BC, a testament to its durability, I guess. Reviews of the Vanagon back in its day consistently raved about its stellar handling and ride, unlike any other van, full-sized one or minivan. But I do remember being very favorably impressed with the ride, the road feel, and the cornering. More information 30% harder as original absorbers ideal... €299.00 *. It is actually amusing that most of the “Syncro” vans have had the “Syncro” technology removed and are now operating as an On demand system like most conventional 4WD systems . But you don’t. It’s a game. Kia does not offer a Pongyang. Das Fahrwerk ist auf Lager und sofort lieferbar. But anyway, now I can admire the ridiculously named Vanagon on its own merits, and I judge it to be worthy of the VW Bus tradition. 091 4-Speed Aircooled Rebuild; T3 4-Speed Gearbox Rebuild; T3 5-Speed Gearbox Rebuild; T3 Syncro Gearbox Rebuild; Syncro Front Diff Youthful indiscretion. Yeah, procrastination is no stranger to me. I just think that from a practical standpoint, the VW is probably a better fit (if not by much) for most people. It’s big enough on the inside to be comfortable, yet it’s small enough on the outside to be able to park where the American minivans can’t, because the engine sits so far ahead of the passenger area. http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=156366&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0, http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=498427&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0. I enjoy tinkering around with my van, it is a hobby. VW Spring is coming! See more ideas about vw vanagon, vw van, vw syncro. They added more front crash protection to the Vanagon by installing hidden crash bars around the cab. Of course, the optional front differential locker (which this one seems to lack) is desirable in these extreme terrain situations, but then this isn’t exactly the kind of use most Vanagons will ever see. KONI adjustable HEAVY TRACK front suspension for VW T3 2WD, KONI adjustable HEAVY TRACK rear suspension for VW T3 2WD, BILSTEIN B4 rear suspension for VW T3 2WD, BILSTEIN B6 front suspension for VW T3 2WD, BILSTEIN B6 rear suspension for VW T3 2WD, BILSTEIN B4 front suspension for VW T3 Syncro 14", BILSTEIN B4 rear suspension for VW T3 Syncro 14", BILSTEIN B6 front suspension for VW T3 Syncro 14", BILSTEIN B6 rear suspension for VW T3 Syncro 14", BILSTEIN B4 front suspension for VW T3 Syncro 16", BILSTEIN B4 rear suspension for VW T3 Syncro 16", BILSTEIN B6 front suspension for VW T3 Syncro 16", BILSTEIN B6 rear suspension for VW T3 Syncro 16", BILSTEIN B3 rear spring for VW T3 OEM VW 251 511 105 A, BILSTEIN B3 rear spring for VW T3 OEM VW 251 511 105 E, © Copyright 2021 GTV-VAN considering the Mercedes T1: those are pretty great. There was a point in my younger life where I imagined what my ultimate vehicle would be; one that had the least compromises and could do more things than any other: drive and handle well, be roomy enough so to able to live out of it, have four wheel drive, be long-lived, and have a turbo-diesel engine for good efficiency. I can trump that. Various conversions are done to the engine. These springs are an exclusive GoWesty design. I admit it is not for everyone and that is a good thing too. Both were designed for the inevitable workout they receive at the hands of an engaged Vanagon driver. There are just two aspects that have kept me from really wanting one so far: the thought of hitting something head-on without any crumple zone at all, and the fact that they always, always seem to rust at those vertical seams between the body panels. Please accept cookies to help us improve this website Is this OK? Order number: 10189 . The seats in the Vanagon are kitchen chair height, as well as very comfortable. But it still is semi-hippie, happy campers, REM’s Shiny Happy People, the B52’s Love Shack, beer drinkers ‘n pot smokers, peace signs all over the van. I hate the term T3 for these….. I was, what, 12? I for one feel uneasy when people (not just Germans!) Accessories: Offroad / Campinng / Special Parts / Adhesives and Sealants for VW T3 Bus Specialties: Cruise Control / Rear Light / Mirror / Roof Rack etc. But size-wise, I’d say that they’re in a different league; great for camping, but a bit too big as a daily driver (alhough my aunt used hers that way for years). Jan 7, 2017 - Explore Live Work Wander's board "Vanagon 2WD", followed by 496 people on Pinterest. When these debuted, I thought the Vanagon name was so stupid, that I just refused to like them. I think you could sell me on this vehicle if I had the money. (there was also a 4×4 BTW), These were great vans, but at least a class bigger (or two) than the Type 3. But a really stellar box: Tall, straight, solid, rigid, superbly space efficient, and with nice big windows to boot. Just like a boat. I have very limited experience with these — and with all VWs for that matter — but I did have a friend who worked delivering parts for a VW/BMW dealership in the ’80s, and a dark blue one of these (probably 2WD) was their cargo van. (In the late seventies VW couldn’t offer a diesel at all), It’s a cliché folks, but the Mercedes TN really was the van-counterpart of the W123 and W124 diesel. ... VW T3 2WD Suspension Springs Kit Eibach 30 mm... €319.00 * Ready to ship today, Delivery time appr. But man, what a racket, like a “mayonnaise jar full of marbles,” as I once heard a description of a Mercedes diesel. brought a tent along so the lads could sleep outside if they wanted, and that night they pitched the tent in front of the van. Doggone it, Paul – You have just about sold me on one of these. Diesel may not be for everyone, but if you want good fuel economy, I would think there’d be nothing better. Yeah, what can I say, I love my syncro and it does what I want it to do. There is a cool factor to the camper. Really, if the going and towing got rough, you wanted the Merc. To be sure, the vanagon is a compromise. I just wish the ones around here were not always that brown and beige two tone. I often wonder why I like the vehicles so much. I couldn’t tell you jack about VW’s, other than the fact that they were omnipresent all over SoCal, but while looking at a townhome for sale yesterday in the Palm Springs area, there “arose such a clatter” out in the driveway, which turned out to be another realtor arriving with his clients to show the place. Oh I see the JDM imports, deli as etc, around here and some are attractive. Hersteller: Volkswagen Original. . But the added crash protection is a big plus. for VW T3 Bus OFF-Road and Outdoor Accessories for VW T3 … I am from South Africa and don’t have all the options you have. for VW T3 Bus OFF-Road and Outdoor Accessories for VW T3 Bus Fuel Facility for Diesel VW T3 Bus; Fuel Facility for Petrol / Gasoline VW T3 Bus; Tank and Components for VW T3 Bus. The idea of one being used to haul kids over the Santa Cruz Mountain summit on Hw 17 almost daily with an automatic and air conditioned Vanagon just didn’t sit (with mommy). It became my dream escape vehicle; the optimum device with which to drop out and roam and explore all corners of the world in a fantasy trip. (In the late seventies VW couldn’t offer a diesel at all) It’s a cliché folks, but the Mercedes TN really was the van-counterpart of the W123 and W124 diesel. Which makes it eminently suitable for a long life, in the right hands. And if I was a bit younger and less spoiled by the space and bathroom of our Dodge  Chinook, it’s what we’d be using for our backwoods haunts. Sometimes I have to turn around on a narrow road, often there is a lot of brush encroaching. Pretty often I see an emblem on the back of an old Volkswagen Golf with 2 rabbits mating. ), i found it quite comfortable. BILSTEIN B4 rear suspension for VW T3 2WD Add to cart. Gowesty VW T25, T3 & Vanagon 2WD Suspension Lift Kit Bundle (Free Ball Joint Spacers & Decals) $ 644.68 Read more; VW T25/T3/Vanagon T4 Rear Lower And Upper Spring Seat Set *4* $ 116.64 Add to cart; Koni Adjustable Twin-Tube Shock Absorbers – Rear $ 306.98 Add to cart; Koni Adjustable Twin-Tube Shock Absorbers – Front $ 276.28 Add to cart One more pic, can’t upload right now, just give link. . I still think Vanagon is the dumbest name ever, except for maybe Routan or Toaureg or how ever the hell you spell that. More typical might be in the low-mid  twenties and up, depending on equipment and condition. Maybe so, after reading this writeup! My son’s scoutmaster toted a group of hyperactive younguns all over Texas in one of these. Lovely evening on the west coast of Vancouver island, end of August past. Its independent suspension all-round has long spring travel but is well damped. But I like a good stiff structure, I like chair-high seats, I like manual transmissions, and I like durability. It’s a shame that the diesel was discontinued for the Vanagon. That’s why there’s more weight up front than the older transporters, and not as good rear drive traction. http://www.flickr.com/photos/wooriegi/7052610561/in/set-72157610911117470. A lot of these Mercedes TN/T1 models from the eighties are still on the road, doing their daily jobs. Your specialist for improving the off road performance of your van (Mercedes Viano/Vito and Sprinter, VW Transporter T3, T4, T5, T6 and Crafter). All Rights Reserved. Home; Shop; Services . The T3 Vanagon was one of the most remarkable vehicles ever built, and has one of the most fanatical followings out there. Sure, a jeep is more capable, but the syncro is nicer at night , More of my van and trips here: http://shufti.wordpress.com.