Date: Fri, 6 Jul 2001 15:08:23 -0700
Reply-To: Mark Dorm <mark_hb@HOTMAIL.COM>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Mark Dorm <mark_hb@HOTMAIL.COM>
Subject: Re: KYB vs. Bilsteins
Content-Type: text/plain; format=flowed
The Bilsteins are supposed to be 98% at 100,000 miles, meaning they only
lost 2% of their performance. They also have lifetime guarantee, so keep
your receipt in place where it can't get wet or oily. And keep your old
shocks so you'll have something to use if you ever send your bilsteins in
for free replacement. (They're in the San Diego area)
>From: Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
>Reply-To: Todd Last <Rubatoguy@MINDSPRING.COM>
>To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
>Subject: KYB vs. Bilsteins
>Date: Wed, 4 Jul 2001 11:26:15 -0700
>
>Hopefully I will not start another round of 'Shock Wars' on this post.
>
>I have an '88 Westy and recently replaced the 5-yr old KYB shocks with
>Bilsteins.
>Here are my observations:
>
>Please note that these are for an empty Westy.
>
>The rears looked similar, however on the fronts, the KYBs had a minutely
>larger rod and slightly larger case. The Bilsteins had a longer case. If
>I had any critique of the Bilsteins it would be that the mounting heads
>are only welded in two places to the shock body, making it look like a
>potential place for failure.
>
>As far as ride, there are differences, but for me, not the huge
>differences that I was expecting given that the KYBs are about half the
>price of the Bilsteins. The main difference I noticed was that the
>Bilsteins feel very matched front and rear - while I always felt that
>the KYBs were a little bouncy in the back and undershocked in the front.
>The KYBs seem to be initially firm to any bump and less firm as you go
>to the end of the travel. The Bilsteins are opposite. They are pliant on
>small bumps and firm up as the bumps get larger.
>
>I've seen notes that the Bilsteins are firm/harsh, but I don't see that
>they are any more so than the KYBs.
>
>I have to give my preference to the Bilsteins. But I'd say for the most
>part the differences are rather subtle, with the exception that the
>front is much improved over the KYBs. I think the characteristic I like
>the most about the Bilsteins is that it gives the suspension a more
>precise feel. But I also have to say that in retrospect, while not to
>my personal taste, the KYBs were competent (particularly figuring in the
>price) - but a little weak in the front.
>
>Todd
>'88 Westy
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