Tires & wheels |
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The Syncro Westy of 1987 called for minimum load index (L.I.) of 97. Later models have been reported to me to call for 99 minimum on 14x5.5" rims and 107 for 14x6" rims.
Here is a chart of load index (L.I.) ratings:
L.I.
-----97 730kg 1609-1652 pounds 99 775kg 1709-1763 pounds 107 975kg 2149-2200 pounds Reinforced sidewalls
Tony Peet writes:
Reinforced sidewalls are extremely important for Vanagons because their high center of gravity and narrow track puts excessive forces on the sidewalls! (Stand up and lean to one side and then imagine what would happen if your bones/ligaments etc were "mushy"!)
Some list members reported 'cracks in the sidewalls' -- that is why it happens. The folks at Michelin have had more than a few of the wrong tires on Vanagons returned to them with cracked sidewalls, which can (and I don't want to be alarmist here, but just inform) lead to what they call something like 'bead failure' (the inability of the bead to keep the tire on the rim I think) and resulting 'catastrophic blowout.' Not a pretty picture, not likely to happen, but a possibility in cases of extreme wear and something the list needs to be more aware of in my opinion.
This is why Michelin corporate was so adamant about the Agilis on the phone with me. One tech guy was not quite, but nearly, hysterical.
I hope this helps, and please, let's be more conscientious about informing people - especially new list members/owners -- about the sidewall considerations in tire shopping/purchasing -- irrespective of what brand they chose.
Note:
The tires recommended below are based on the general consensus of the Vanagon mailing list. You should take care to select a tire which fits your needs. I haven't checked whether the tires listed below come in reinforced-sidewall versions.
These tires have been recommended by members of the vanagon mailing list. If you are not familiar with tire codes, you may wish to browse our tire code guide.
L.I.
(wheels / tires)2WD 14"
Yohohama
Y356 LT
185/75 R14|
(load range D)This tire replaces the Yohohama Y370 LT 195 75/R14, which is no longer being manufactured. Supposedly the only difference is the tread pattern, which isn't as good for bad weather. There are reports that you can still get this tire, which is part number #37047.
Several list members recommend the Y370, inflated to 45 psi front and 52 psi rear. Harry Yates writes "It almost seems that Yokohama made this tire exclusively for the Vanagon... they are that good!"
Tirerack 
Vredestein
Comtrac 205R14C 109/107 R
195/75/R14106
An 8-ply reinforced tire with a highway tread
Vredestein
Transport Snow
195/75/R14106 Discount Tire Direct Syncro 14"
Marshal
Powerguard MT
27x8.50R14 LT
also known as
Kumho
Power Guard MT
(cat # 833)95 Aggressive-tread tires, appropriate for syncros. I really like them for their traction and go anywhere capability. They are a little noisier on pavement then the previous Cooper Discovery all terrain tires I had on before. Also, I think about 65mph is the ticket for top speed as the lugs get pretty hot when going faster than that. I run 38 psi to 45 psi depending on load. If the majority of the driving is going to be on unpaved roads this would be a good choice. The tires are rugged and have stood up to some fairly severe abuse from me and show no cuts or bulges as have many other brands in the past (Kelly AWR, Michelin MXL, and Cooper Discovery) I think these are the toughest so far! Les Schwab BFGoodrich Radial
All-Terrain T/A
27 X 8.50 R14 LT/C95 The tire pressure 40psi front, 48 rear seems to work well.
Don Johnson writes: " I really like my BFG/ATs (215 75r15). I do run them at 50psi front and back. This is my second set, and the first set I ran to about 40,000 miles. I like the ATs because they have a nice edge to them and won't round off like I have seen other tires do (like the Goodyear Wranglers). The ATs give a very positive stable ride for me, this may be due in part to the 7" rims I use.
One final comment, the ATs in the later stages of wear can become noisy on the highway, but they still maintain their stability and their nice square edge. The square edge is especially nice off road because it really grabs the ground. "
Michelin Agilis 81
185 R14 C99 Rated for Highway, mud & snow. Tirerack Nokian Hakkapeliitta
10 LT
185 R14 C102 Rated for mud & snow, with an aggressive snow tread. Les Schwab
Dunlop Radial Rover
RV-LT
27 X 8.5-14
"Great tires- have about 5K on them. Great off-road, not too noisy on-road, seems very stable on highway.ÊI know there are fans of the BF Goodrich T/A out there, IMHO this is a better tire on road while keeping an off-road capability."
Vredestein
Transport Snow
195/75/R14106
Syncro 15"
Michelin Agilis 51
215/65R15102
"Because these have an aspect ratio of 65 the diameter EXACTLY matches stock 185/82R14 tires."
BF Goodrich
All Terrain Radial KO
215/75R15
"Absolutely the best tire is the BF Goodrich All Terrain Radial KO for all around use. Even the Germans say this about their Syncros. You can see this on their web sites. The tire is quiet and excellent in every terrain but serious mud and handles very well. Basically, there is little to no downside of having it."
Bridgestone Dueler A/T
235/75R15
Karl Mullendore writes: IMO the Bridgestone Dueler A/T is a better tire than the BF Goodrich All Terrain Radial KO. Still relatively quiet, and much better off road. A easier way to decide might be to read an off-road tire test. Minor clearancing was needed at the rear edge of the front wheel opening, but other than that, they fit perfectly. And my TD engine has no problem pulling the added road speed.
However, Warren Chapman says: "on the highway they are very LOUD... annoyingly so."
The Vanagon bolt pattern is 5 x 112. The stock wheel offset is ET-35. Wheels marked 'ET-45' will therefore sit 10mm closer inwards. This has the advantage of keeping fat tires more under the fenders. See Michael Sullivan's Vanagon tire section diagram
Note that while tires are divided into '2WD' and 'Syncro' sections, all wheels are appropriate for all vehicles.
14"
Volkswagen alloyI like the simple, solid look of the standard Vanagon alloy tire. VW dealers (expensive),
salvage yardsCoyote
Volkswagen steelFor off-road driving, a steel wheel will take a beating where an alloy would deform. Several mailing list users have recommended this tire for off-road use. VW dealers,
salvage yardsCoyote (while travelling through South America) 
Projektzwo alloy wheelsProjektzwo Automobildesign Gmbh
Several close-up views are available.Lee Roesner 15"
Volkswagen South Africa alloyThe South African alloy wheel is similar to the alloy supplied in the United States, but 1" larger, which makes it an ideal alloy for syncro applications. The wheel retains the clean look of the stock alloy. Van-Again
European Motorsport
Audi 5000 quatro turbo 6-spoke rims (ET-45)This wheel is from an Audi 5000 Turbo from 1986 or so. 6 spoke, 6x15", ET-45, shown on a Syncro with 215/75/15 Michelin LTX M+S tires.
Syncro - Can fit Syncro without machining if 1/4" spacer used up front. No front spacer needed with slight enlarging of center hole where it
contacts the hub.2WD - requires substantial enlarging of the center hole to clear front grease caps. Front spacer needed for tire clearance at upper ball joint. Suggest using front studs so all nuts will match and to make room for spacers.
Audi 5000 quatro turbo 16-spoke rims (ET-45)This wheel is from an Audi 5000 Turbo Quattro from 1986 or so. 16 spoke, 6x15", ET-45, pearl white, also comes in silver, shown on a Syncro.
Syncro - Can fit Syncro without machining if 1/4" spacer used up front. No front spacer needed with slight enlarging of center hole where it contacts the hub.
2WD - requires substantial enlarging of the center hole to clear front grease caps. Front spacer needed for tire clearance at upper ball joint. Suggest using front studs so all nuts will match and to make room for spacers.
Mercedes 1996/7, C220/230
8-hole alloy, 6.5x15, ET-37Stock wheel from Mercedes 1996/7, C220/230 8 hole alloy, 6.5x15, ET-37, made by Ronal. Shown on 82 Westy with 215/75/15 tires, 5/16" spacer up front
Syncro - Needs lug holes drilled for 14mm studs. Install longer studs front and rear (or bore lug nut seats deeper if you dare). No spacers needed.
2WD - Needs lug holes drilled for 14mm studs. Install longer studs in the rear and use longer lug bolts in the front. Spacers needed up front for tire sidewall clearance at upper ball joint.
VW Passat steel rims,
(ET-45)Stock steel wheel from 1998 VW Passat, purchased from Tire Rack. Steel, 6x15, ET-45.
Syncro - Can fit Syncro without machining if 5/16" spacer used up front. No front spacer needed with slight enlarging of center hole where it contacts the hub.
2WD - requires substantial enlarging of the center hole to clear front grease caps. Front spacer needed for tire clearance at upper ball joint. Suggest using front studs so all nuts will match and to make room for spacers.
VW Passat rims,
1996-current year
(ET-45)These require the inside bored out a bit to clear the axle stub at the rear. Other notes:
VW lug nuts do not seat properly in a Mercedes-Benz wheel. VW has a 14mm ball taper and the Mercedes-Benz has a 12mm ball taper. Put some marking dye on the nut and see how much surface area is actually touching the ball taper of the nut.
