The spindle is visually identical and the bearings are late model. The only
difference I have seen is in the bolts that hold the caliper on. Mine is
also the later cast lower control arm not the stamped one.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Collum" <collum@verizon.net>
Cc: "Cullen Stewart" <cullberly@VERMONTEL.NET>
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2008 9:36 PM
Subject: Re: Front Spindle

> BTW, if you're only replacing one spindle then you really want to get one
> from a "Late" '84 or an '85.  Sometime in the middle of '84 the spindles
> changed slightly.  Earlier vans use a smaller outer wheel bearing and it
> would be better, for maintenance purposes, to keep both sides the same.  I
> don't recall the vin number, where the change occurred, but I recall that
> BusDepot has it on their site ... so that you can order the correct ones.
>
> Mike
>
>
>
> Mike Collum wrote:
>> If it were that simple, Cullen, folks would upgrade '85 and older
>> Vanagons to the newer brakes without having to change the spindles, too.
>>
>> Mike
>>
>>
>>
>> Cullen Stewart wrote:
>>> I am replacing my front spindle on my "85 power steering weekender and
>>> the one I purchased is a '91. Is this an issue? I do not see any
>>> differences, but the Bentley states that '86 and up have different
>>> calipers. Will my early caliper mount to the later spindle?
>>>
>>