Schwenk Springs for the Standard Syncro

Product #: BMS-SWK01

Known as the best in the business, we now offer Schwenk Syncro springs at the best price in the business.  

• For Tin-Tops, Dokas, Weekenders & lighter Syncros
• Slightly taller than stock-spring ride height
• Height adjustable with shims
• Work well with all major shock brands 
• Designed for dual-purpose, on- / off-road use

VW only made one spring for all U.S. Syncros, whether they were for light passenger vans or heavy Syncro Westfalia camper vans. The Syncro Tin-Top Spring is designed for use primarily on the lighter Syncros, such as Tin-Tops, DOKAS and SINKAS. The Tin-Top springs can also be used on a Westy if a lowered height is desired (about 18.5″). By narrowing the focus of this spring to a smaller range of vehicle weights and characteristics, Schwenk springs perform better on those vehicles than stock springs or any spring sold by competitors.

The standard Syncro springs are a dual-purpose on- / off-road spring designed for use on lighter Syncros. These springs are true to the Syncro’s heritage and provide real off-road performance and capability, while still providing good on-road performance.

These springs were designed by Schwenk with the following goals in mind:

(1) increasing ride height and suspension travel while remaining within VW specs,

(2) increasing stiffness moderately in order to improve handling and stability, and

(3) providing a high-quality spring that performs well on and off the road.

Ride Height
With the use of shims for fine-tuning, these springs allow a range of possible ride heights from roughly 19.25″ to 19.75+ on a stock Syncro Tin-Top. This range of possible ride heights permits optimal suspension performance. The vehicle has enough “sag” under static weight to move up and down over terrain utilizing the maximum range of travel the suspension provides. The increased height also provides additional suspension travel.

Schwenk does not advise a ride height above 19.6″ for a number of reasons. Heights above 19.6″:

(1) result in a loss of range of suspension travel and performance;

(2) result in greater stress to CV joints and higher rates of failure;

(3) may not permit the vehicle to be aligned to VW spec., and

(4) result in more “lean” and increased risk of a roll-over on paved roads at freeway speeds (as is true with any taller spring on any vehicle).

Burley Motorsports and Schwenk both advise all Vanagon drivers who drive almost entirely on pavement, and who do not have extra-large tires, to use the springs without shims (except to level the van, as needed – see below.) This setting and ride height will provide the best and safest on-pavement performance while still maintaining very good off-road performance with a decent increase in ride height.

Those with larger tires, or who desire maximum height, can obtain the desired ride height easily and simply through the use of fine-tuning shims.

Spring Rate
The spring rate on the Standard Syncro springs is the result of over a year of testing multiple sets of springs with different rates and heights. Schwenk’s company worked closely with a veteran spring engineer to translate our testing into a design that would achieve everyone’s ultimate goals.

The result is a spring rate that strikes an ideal balance between on and off-road performance, and a rate that works very well within the damping specs of off-the-shelf shocks for the Syncro.

The ride is more stable and firm on paved roads than stock springs, but it remains supple – as the Syncro suspension was intended to be. It is a little more spirited than stiff springs designed for pavement only, but the overall stability, handling, and cornering are very good.

Off-road, the springs perform very well. They are softer than any other after-market spring. As a result, they soak up the bumps better. They also provide superior traction. The springs are not harsh on bumps and freeway joints like stiffer springs are. The shocks perform better than with stiffer springs as well since they are within damping specs.

The springs are straight wound coils. Variable-rate coils are not used because they result in a performance compromise and often do not work as intended. Variable wound coils entail a loss of travel. In addition, the weight range under which the softer coils are actually effective is quite narrow – with the result that they are often fully, or nearly-fully compressed (hence non-functional) under the static weight of a moderately loaded heavier Syncro.

Straight wound coils provide a more consistent and progressive feel throughout a greater range of travel, resulting in superior overall suspension performance.

Chrome Silicon Steel
The springs are made of Chrome Silicon pre-tensioned steel. Chrome Silicon is the best material available for automotive springs primarily because it does not sag as other spring steel does, but also because it can be wound to closer tolerances as well, meaning more accurate and consistent spring rates across the manufacturing process.

Kit contains:

2 front springs

2 rear springs

Upgrade:  Add 2 isolator pads (see gallery image) for $25.  This saves $5 off the regular isolator pad price.

* No warranty, no returns, no refunds.  All sales are final on this product.