Screwing around with a Eurovan!

[Cole]

Wheel thoughts?

Since a screw in the tire the other day (and a rusted out spare rim) I've been working on what to do with the tires. I only have 3 good ones and a mismatched 11 year old spare. All 226/60/16.

Option 1 is to keep the stock 16s and run a 215/70/16 BFG A/T. Basically the largest size known to fit without issues, cutting or CV angle issues. Requires a little work to lift the van about 2" but no biggy. The issue I have with this is that at the moment I'm going to leave the van 2wd with the autobox. The auto doesn't have a very low 1st gear and kinda stuggles off the line but does great at freeway speed. Larger heavier tires would make this worse.

Option 2, which is the most common route with these vans is to lower/leave stock, and run a larger wheel and more performance oriented tire to improve handling. Van would still work great for most camping off "dirt" roads.

Option 3 is a hybrid option of running a larger wheel for handling but also running the largest tire I can for ground clearance. The only issue is that there are very ew A/T tire options that fit in 17/18" wheel sizes.

Along those lines I snagged a set of S4 Avus wheels today for a song. A bit rashed but straight (17") Not sure if I will use them or just refinish them and sell them.

This is the 3rd set of these wheels I've owned with my S4 and S6. Very durable factory wheel! Also easy to refinish.

 

[Cole]

Okay, now lets get to the idiots at the autoparts store that tested the Alternator and told me it was good, but is only putting out 11.5v!

I figured since it tested good I could save the $200 for a new one! Of course this would have been much easier to do while it was already out! Ugh.....which brings us to the real "tech"!

Let talk "Amante Picante" tech. This is what you do when you're done screwing with the Eurovan for the day.

Here is what you will need.

-couple of fresh limes
-some good silver Tequila
-cucumber
-cilantro
-organic agave nectar
-jalapeño Tabasco
-mudler
-shaker
-ice
-margarita glass!

Cut a few slices of cucumber and a few sprigs of cilantro! Put them in the shaker and muddle the hell out of them!

Then squeeze in a couple of fresh limes!....all of them....man up.....squeeze harder!

Half a shot of agave nectar! (Don't want this too sweet)

Two shots of Good silver tequila!

Put the lid on and shake it all up!

Pour over a full glass of ice! Couple of dashes of jalapeño Tabasco and enjoy!

This certainly isn't going to cure the alternator, tire, or trailer hitch issue. But it is going to taste damn good while I figure out what the next step is! It might even stimulate a few wild ideas!

 

[bknudtsen]

Ummm... Dude. We need to hang out! Had some Tequila tonight as well...

 

[Stroverlander]

Amante picante looks tasty, I'm going to have to try that drink soon, thanks! :drool:

As for wheels, I'm currently refinishing a set of BBS RA517 wheels (18x8.5 ET30 5x112) off a B5 Audi if interested. Think they'd look sick on your van! :Wow1:

 

[Cole]

Ummm... Dude. We need to hang out! Had some Tequila tonight as well...

I'm in!:wings:

Amante picante looks tasty, I'm going to have to try that drink soon, thanks! :drool:

As for wheels, I'm currently refinishing a set of BBS RA517 wheels (18x8.5 ET30 5x112) off a B5 Audi if interested. Think they'd look sick on your van! :Wow1:

Price, specs, location?

 

[The Swiss]

Wheel thoughts?

Option 1 is to keep the stock 16s and run a 215/70/16 BFG A/T. Basically the largest size known to fit without issues, cutting or CV angle issues. Requires a little work to lift the van about 2" but no biggy. The issue I have with this is that at the moment I'm going to leave the van 2wd with the autobox. The auto doesn't have a very low 1st gear and kinda stuggles off the line but does great at freeway speed. Larger heavier tires would make this worse.

I'd vote option one. I have nothing but good things to say about the BFG A/T.

 

[Cole]

I'd vote option one. I have nothing but good things to say about the BFG A/T.

Either do I! I have them on my SUV and pickup too!:sombrero:

Just debating if I really need a third car with the same tire on it:Wow1:

 

[unplannedbbq]

Wheel thoughts?

Since a screw in the tire the other day (and a rusted out spare rim) I've been working on what to do with the tires. I only have 3 good ones and a mismatched 11 year old spare.

Option 3 is a hybrid option of running a larger wheel for handling but also running the largest tire I can for ground clearance. The only issue is that there are very ew A/T tire options that fit in 17/18" wheel sizes.

Along those lines I snagged a set of S4 Avus wheels today for a song. A bit rashed but straight (17") Not sure if I will use them or just refinish them and sell them.

This is the 3rd set of these wheels I've owned with my S4 and S6. Very durable factory wheel! Also easy to refinish.

How about a set of discoverer a/t3 in 235/60r17? I'm running similar 17" Audi rims on my 86 vanagon weekender & I'm thinking about moving up to the coopers... They are the shortest AT tires I can find @ 28"

What is your max height/width clearance with the stock suspension?

 

[Cole]

How about a set of discoverer a/t3 in 235/60r17? I'm running similar 17" Audi rims on my 86 vanagon weekender & I'm thinking about moving up to the coopers... They are the shortest AT tires I can find @ 28"

What is your max height/width clearance with the stock suspension?

This is part f the issue. This tire is about 0.79" wider and 0.25" taller than the largest tire known to fit with a 2"lift (max lift) and no trimming.(215/70/16). I've seen some claim running a bigger tire, but they also report CV issues.

 

[Cole]

Well, I got tired of waiting so I mounted up the class 2 hitch I took off the parts van. Media blasted and painted with caliper paint since its designed to put up with the elements..

I'd like to have a class three with a 2" receiver but I'll take the free hitch first since I will probably never tow it's 3500lb limit anyway.

 

[225]

Yup.

 

[Snowgeek135]

Going back to the tire thing. I have the at3 on my astro and am liking them quite a bit. The snow traction is great, mid quiet ride for an at tire, and moderate aggressive looks. I fought between these and the BFG and landed here to stay away from e rated tires, these are about 6-8 lbs lighter than my size BFG. My only concern is rock damage...... So far so good though. My local cooper dealer also runs the buy 3 get 1 free deal three times a year..... Might be worth looking around for.

 

[Cole]

Going back to the tire thing. I have the at3 on my astro and am liking them quite a bit. The snow traction is great, mid quiet ride for an at tire, and moderate aggressive looks. I fought between these and the BFG and landed here to stay away from e rated tires, these are about 6-8 lbs lighter than my size BFG. My only concern is rock damage...... So far so good though. My local cooper dealer also runs the buy 3 get 1 free deal three times a year..... Might be worth looking around for.

Thanks for the tip, I'll look into them!

 

[McZippie]

Enjoying your build. Thanks for sharing!

 

[Cole]

Ugh.....battling another problem! Maybe you guys can help??!


Here are the facts!
I've got a 2002 t4 (duh) Eurovan (USA) 24v VR6 with a charging issue.

Alternator has been tested twice, tests good, even under full load. Replaced the voltage regulator anyway for a small fortune, still doesn't charge. (Puts out no voltage, only the battery voltage shows up at the alternator) cleaned every ground and even added an extra long battery cable sized ground from the alternator bolt to one of the battery (-) grounds for good measure. Still doesn't charge. Belt is brand new and seems more than tight enough.


Seems like maybe the battery trigger wire (blue) isn't working?....but the battery light on the dash lights and the goes away normally at startup?

My "power outlets" fuse blows instantly, so obviously this has a short somewhere.?!?!? Any chance the power outlet circuit is on the same one as the trigger for the alternator? Anyone have a schematic? Anyone know how the power outlets wiring is routed thought the van? Other places to look for a short? They seem unrelated, but I'm at a dead end here.

Thanks!