Date:         Wed, 12 Apr 2006 12:20:19 +1000
Reply-To:     Stephen Overmyer <S.OVERMYER@UWS.EDU.AU>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Stephen Overmyer <S.OVERMYER@UWS.EDU.AU>
Subject:      Re: H&R Lowering springs and Koni shocks
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

 

Date:    Tue, 11 Apr 2006 17:21:07 -0700
From:    Andrew Martin <campahvan@EARTHLINK.NET>
Subject: FS - H&R Lowering springs and Koni shocks

I recently purchased an 85 Transporter that had H&R lowering springs and
adjustable red Koni shocks.  While the low rider look and feel may
appeal to some folks, I plan to use my truck as a truck and I want the
stock ground clearance and spring travel back so I can haul heavy stuff
and drive off pavement.



I had originally planned to simply replace just the springs but upon
removal of the H&R's and installation the new Boge springs, I have
discovered that the rear Koni shocks that came on my Transporter were
built for use only on a vehicle with the H&R lowering springs.  Fully
extended, they are about 2-1/4" shorter than a rear KYB shock for the
Vanagon and will not have enough "up" travel if used on a non-lowered
Vanagon.  The front Koni shocks seem to fit just fine and have plenty of
"up" travel with the taller springs.  I don't have any spare Vanagon
front shocks lying around to compare them lengthwise but I have decided
to sell the 4 H&R springs and 4 Koni shocks as a complete set.  I have
read some opinions that using the adjustable Koni shocks is important to
maintain a comfortable ride when using lowering springs.  YRMV.  These
"red" Koni shocks are called "special"
on the Koni web site and are adjustable for stiffness but I do not have
the tool to adjust them.  I'm sure the tool is available or could be
"home made".


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Hmmm....I have had red Konis on my WBX for years with the standard
height springs and had no fitting problems...

Anyway, there are no special tools required to adjust the stiffness and
the instructions below are straight from the Koni fitting instructions
that came with mine all those years ago FYI...

Adjustment:

If adjustment of the damping forces is desired or necessary, this can be
done as follows.
Remove the shock absorber from the vehicle and hold it vertically with
the lower eye or pin attachment in a vice. Use clamp plates to prevent
damage.

Attention: If there is an indentation in the dust cap and the cover
shows two holes, the SA is fitted with a bump rubber.
If so, fully extend the SA and insert a round bar or screw driver
through the holes. Push the bump rubber down and remove it. Remove the
split plastic collar (if fitted) from the piston rod.

Fully close the SA at the same time turning the dust cap or piston rod
slowly to the left (anti-clockwise) until it is felt that the cams of
the adjusting nut engage in the recesses of the foot valve assembly.

The damper may already have been adjusted. Therefore check whether the
SA is in the unadjusted position or not by keeping it closed and gently
turning it further to the left, counting at the same time the half turns
until a stop is felt. Stop turning then and do not use force.

Keeping the SA closed, make two half turns 360deg to the right
(clockwise). In case of prior adjustment add the number of turns
previously found. Total range is about 5 half turns.

Pull the shock out vertically for at least 1cm (3/8" for the metric
challenged ones) to disengage the adjusting mechanism. The dust cap or
piston rod may now be turned freely.

Attention: Where a bump rubber was installed, refit same inside the dust
cap and by fully closing the SA, the rubber will seat again on top of
the dust cap. Refit the split plastic collar.

The SA can now be refitted.

NB. Adjustment must always be carried out in pairs - 2 front and/or 2
rears - and for the same amount.

So there you go....have fun :-)

Cheers,
Steve O
'92 Transporter WBX Kombi
'00 Transporter Double Cab
'03 Transporter Double Cab (work truck)
'78 Land Rover 109 Series 3 soft top ute (ex-Aust.Army)

"The one thing that unites all human beings, regardless of age, gender,
religion, economic status or ethnic background, is that, deep down
inside, we ALL believe that we are above average drivers."