Date:         Sun, 28 May 2006 22:43:03 -0500
Reply-To:     "Mark A. Kreuzer" <markk@OURWESTY.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         "Mark A. Kreuzer" <markk@OURWESTY.COM>
Subject:      Bilstein Shock Report - Long
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII"

Preface:

My wife and I took an overnight 230 mile shake down cruise in our 85 Westy
to test the 3 weeks worth of suspension and brake work I completed.  We just
moved to Texas 9 months ago and people warned us about a lot of stuff
concerning Texas (the heat, bugs, etc) but they neglected to mention the
wind.  I guess I had heard about the wind but to experience it has been
something else.



The background and report:

I drove the van back from Boston in March on Boge shocks.  They might have
been original equipment but don't know.  I experienced some pretty good
wind, 20 to 25 mph and blow by from Trucks.  I was always hanging on from
dear life and did not enjoy those times.

After reading the list, I decided on Bilstein's because of they seemed to be
the right for the kind of in town and highway driving I do.  With 4 new
Shocks we drove the 230 miles in a 25 to 35 mph cross wind.  Trees and
bushes were bent over and even the giant flags were really snapped to
attention.  It was like we were driving a completely different vehicle.  I
could feel the wind and gusts but as I tightened up and braced for control
the van didn't really move.  On the way back the wind was even a stronger
and my wife did have to fight with the van a little but nothing like before.

Cornering seems to be better; still no roadster but I doesn't roll over
nearly as much.

The ride is not as harsh as it was. probably because the Boges were
completely collapsed.



About the old shocks:  When I took off the old Boges they we really easy to
compress and had absolutely no rebound.



I give the Bilstein's a huge thumbs up.  There are probably a lot of other
good shocks out there but I couldn't be happier with these.  I have no idea
how long they'll last but knowing what the difference feels like I won't
hesitate to put on new shocks in the future.







-- mark



85' Westy - The Kenny Huang - Zetec Inside