Date: Thu, 11 Jul 2002 09:16:44 -0400
Reply-To: Gary Stearns <gstearns@OPTONLINE.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Gary Stearns <gstearns@OPTONLINE.NET>
Subject: Re: Getting a Handle on the Handling of the Vanagon
Content-type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1
Koni has 'em. Go to http://www.koni.com/_cars/_special/afram.html. These
are the Koni "Special" model. The are adjustable for rebound damping. I've
had them installed on our lowered (slightly) '88 for about 5 months. The
adjust from mushy to rigid. These are not normally avalable in the US.
Koni USA will get them for you though.
Gary
----- Original Message -----
From: "Clive Smith" <clive.harman-smith@NTLWORLD.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2002 8:53 AM
Subject: Re: Getting a Handle on the Handling of the Vanagon
> '..Does anyone have any recommendations for shocks with additional
dampening
> but
> not added firmness?
> What you are really saying here is that you require shock absorbers with a
> greater rebound damping rate (they're really called dampers!) and a
similar
> or lower bump rating. You should be able to get these specs from custom
> shock mfrs. and the more expensive adjustables used to offer independent
> adjustment of these two rates.
>
> Clive Smith
> '88 Syncro Transporter
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Ben T" <BenTbtstr8@AOL.COM>
> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
> Sent: Thursday, July 11, 2002 1:33 AM
> Subject: Re: Getting a Handle on the Handling of the Vanagon
>
>
> > Robert,
> >
> > I am disappointed to find out that you had such trouble with the H & R
> > springs with the KYB's. I was contemplating them since our last
discussion
> of
> > the set-up. I have since had the H & R's installed in my 87 2wd Vanagon
> > (non-Westy). I retained the existing Boge shocks to experiment on ride.
I
> was
> > intending on trying the KYB's for cost reasons. Now I don't think I will
> need
> > to.
> >
> > The ride on my H & R equipped van is quite comfortable. Bu then I do not
> have
> > the stiffer gas shocks. I did notice that the shocks require updated
> > dampening. I am considering adding Bilsteins to improve the dampening.
The
> > ride is firm but compliant. I don't experience the pitching that you are
> > describing. Even with the stock anti-sway bar, she turns much flatter
> around
> > the corners. Perhaps I am just not pushing it as hard as you are. Or
> perhaps
> > the softer oil shocks help. I don't really know at this time.
> >
> > I will upgrade the anti-sway bar but want to resolve the dampening issue
> > prior to adding further complications. Rear bar will be added as well.
> >
> > Does anyone have any recommendations for shocks with additional
dampening
> but
> > not added firmness? An adjustable shock would be ideal but would
probably
> be
> > cost prohibitive for my project. Maybe an outboard 2nd set of shocks?
> >
> > Once this is all said and done, I will start looking at low profile
tires
> > with stronger sidewalls. The Toyo Proxes from a Porsche are just too
soft
> in
> > the sidewall area. I got them used but in very good shape. Within 2
months
> of
> > hard driving while testing my new springs. They have started to show
> cracking
> > on the sidewalls. These are VR rated tires. I have used ZR rated tires
> with
> > the stiffer sidewalls w/o any noticeable sidewall problems. Cost makes
> them
> > slightly less desirable. Does anyone make load rated 50 & 60 series
tires?
> >
> > This brings me to one more point. I don't know what tires and rims
Robert
> was
> > using on his van. I am using 15"X8" Porsche Fuchs are et23 front and
back.
> I
> > would have liked to use 7's in front but had these handy. It is most
> likely
> > that my new track is much wider than Robert's van. For those who want to
> > know, the Porsche Fuchs I am using have been redrilled to Vanagon
pattern.
> >
> > I will be bring this van to the September Van-O-Rama in San Francisco
> along
> > with my Syncro 16 Doka.
> >
> > BenT
> >
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