Interesting. I have the HD Bilstein shocks and never thought they were
harsh at all.
Particularly compared to KYBs. But then I am driving a Westy which is
heavier.

Todd
'88 Westy

On 5/28/2014 5:08 AM, kenneth wilford (Van-Again) wrote:
> The rear axle should be there today for you.  Shock depend on what kind of
> ride you like.  The stock shocks were oil/air and really didn't have a lot
> of resistance.  This results in a soft ride which, if you have reinforced
> tires, I actually like.  I really don't like the KYB shocks on the Vanagon.
>   I have installed them for customers over the years and rode in many vans
> with them installed and I think they just aren't that great.  People used
> to buy them because they were cheap and gas charged but the price keeps
> going up and up.  If it were me I would invest in a set of Bilsteins.
>   There are actually two different versions of this for the van.  If you
> like a softer ride there are the Bilstein Street shocks (black).  Or if you
> must have a super firm ride so that you can drive over some change and know
> how much it is by the bumps you feel, the Bilstein HD (Yellow).  If it were
> me I would go with the Steet version as these are a bit cheaper but also
> give a firm but softer ride.  The HD are Heavy Duty and they are super
> stiff.  If you have kids riding in the back with motion sickness issues, I
> would steer clear of these.
>
> Hope this helps,
>
> Ken Wilford
> John 3:16
> www.vanagain.com
>
>
>
> On Wed, May 28, 2014 at 1:23 AM, Geneva Saint-Amour <
> genevasaintamour@hotmail.com> wrote:
>
>> Four weeks ago we installed new springs.  Then new brakes, wheel cylinders
>> and drums. This past weekend we broke an axle and will be replacing it next
>> Saturday (if the stars align for speedy shipping). So, we may as well do
>> the shocks while we are in there.
>> Which shocks do you suggest for a 1984 Vanagon Westfalia with a high top?
>> Anything else we should do while in this department?
>>
>> Sent from my electronic leash!
>> Geneva Saint-Amour
>
>
>
> --
> Thanks,
> Ken Wilford
> John 3:16
> www.vanagain.com
>