anyone else being rocked by wind gusts?

[chrisbouchard]

Is it just me or are these vans bad for getting rocked around by gusty winds? I just got back from a weekend trip to Vancouver and I had a hell of a time with the wind on friday night. I know these vans are like toasters on wheels (not the most aerodynamic on the road) but I cant think they should be as bad as mine is. Perhaps time for new shocks? what is a good quality shock that is commonly used in Deli's? Mustang Connection sells the JDM ones, I have also read that monroe makes a slightly stiffer shock (on the deliwiki) but doesnt have a confirmed part number for the rear. Any suggestions? being a kitesurfer i am always in windy locations and need a good stiff ride that will hold its own on windy days!


Thanks to all,


Chris and the Deliberator.

[Spearo]

Definitely gonna be subject to the wind, especially at speed. Mines lifted a bit and it's crazy sometimes, but I just drive a little slower- usually don't go over 100kmh even on good days.
My shocks are in good shape still, but I'd go to a stiffer one when they go.

[ShaneA]

I was out on Friday night and didn't notice it too badly with my LWB L400. I've had Westfalias in the past and they were terrible in cross winds, you get used to it though and driving slower is definitely the way to go.

Shane

[jessef]

The L400's, especially the LWB's are fare very well in high crosswinds compared to the L300's.

Wider, longer wheelbase and beefier suspension components make it drive very stable.

[chrisbouchard]

yes definitely under 100, usually around 80...

no need to brag about the L400's, maybe someday....

I had a van full of my freestyle ski athletes with me and it was white knuckle for most of the trip!

Any advice on good stiff shocks?

[jessef]

Hey Chris

you didn't say if you had an L300 or L400.

L300's are aerodynamically challenged.

Stiffer shocks will definietly help.

Also check and replace if necessary your sway bar bushings. If loose or worn they induce shake and side to side wobble.

Shocks
best Bilstein HD
good procomp 9000 series
good Monroe gas charged series
soft procomp 3000 series and oil/hydro shocks

[FalcoColumbarius]

The problem with stiffer shocks is you feel every pebble you drive over ~ so not very good for say a forest service road ~ but very good for cornering and cross winds. I use adjustable air shocks (Rancho 9000`s) so I get the best of both worlds. Everything has a cause & effect.

Falco.

[trialsmaster2]

Hey Chris,
I don't find that we get rocked too much in our Delica with the Procomp shocks on it. My wife's Echo gets blown around the road more than the Delica, since it is tallish but much lighter weight.

Aaron

[chrisbouchard]

Thank you very much to everyone for all the advice. I will be sure to check out all of the mentioned shocks and update once they are installed!

[Adrock]

You know i've honestly never really felt too blown around.... and i cruise at 105 (on the speedo faster on the tires) down i-5 sometimes. (this is a feat in itself for the manual transmission) High crosswind areas rarely get me even. Maybe when I just thought the 20 degrees of play in my steering wheel from my bunk tie rod ends was tossing me around in the snow ruts when really it was wind?

I'm pretty sure you just need to go faster and you won't notice the wind.