Date:         Mon, 10 May 2004 19:28:44 -0400
Reply-To:     The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         The Bus Depot <vanagon@BUSDEPOT.COM>
Subject:      Re: Shocking Thread
In-Reply-To:  <KFEKIKIDNBNDPBPIENNPEENGDBAA.tromper@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"

> Kinda idly curious what folks with 2wd's are using for
> shocks, and what they think of 'em.  I've used the Gasajust
> GRT combination, and found it to be OK, if not special.


It depends somewhat on what you're looking for. Gas shocks such as
Bilstein and KYB are stiffer than the original-equipment oil-filled
shocks. This will improve cornering and nose dive when braking, but will
also make the ride a bit harder (less forgiving of potholes, road
surfaces, etc.). The KYB's are notably stiffer and are definitely not as
"refined" as the Bilsteins (but are much cheaper).

A good oil-filled shock, by comparison, will retain the "stock" VW ride,
as this is what VW originally used. Boge was the factory shock on the
Vanagon. But perhaps a better choice is Alko's version. For the same
price as the Boge it's much heavier duty - it looks more like a
Bilstein. It performs well but still rides smoother than a gas-charged
shock. In my opinion it's the best value for a Vanagon.

So depending on your tastes and budget, I think either the Bilsteins or
Alkos would be a wise choice. I've never tried the Koni's so I couldn't
comment on them.

- Ron Salmon
  The Bus Depot, Inc.
  www.busdepot.com
  (215)  234-VWVW

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