Date:         Tue, 3 Feb 2009 06:19:04 -0500
Reply-To:     Jay Brown <badkarma@TTLC.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jay Brown <badkarma@TTLC.NET>
Subject:      Re: Shock Absorbers for Vanagon (2WD)
Comments: To: dave.arthur@NSCC.CA
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"

I am running the Koni's on my '85 Westy with stock springs and 1" spacers.
The ride quality is great compared to the stock Boge shocks and the KYB's I
have run in the past.  For me the real selling point is that you can easily
adjust the "firmness" of the shock to get the damping rate you are looking
for.

I went with setting #1 for the fronts and #2 for the rears.  It should be
noted that this is not a feature that can be adjusted on the fly like some
newer vehicles, you have to remove the shock and turn the upper and lower
tubes in opposite directions to change the ride settings.  Probably a 10-15
minute job per wheel to get everything dialed in to your liking if you don't
get it right the first try.  Still this is the only shock choice for the
Vanagon where you get to choose your setting rather than having it preset at
the factory.

It has also been suggested that you may be able to adjust the shocks to a
stiffer setting as they wear and get a longer service life out of them.  I
have no experience with this, but it does seem logical.

I got mine from Bus Depot for $99.95ea front and $109.95ea rear.  Don't
forget the 5% list member discount, I think the code is "list1e"

Hope this helps,
Jay Brown
'85 Zetec Westfalia




Subject: Shock Absorbers for Vanagon (2WD)

What are my options for new shocks for my Westfalia?

I see Koni and Bilstien are on the list also KYB and Cofap. Has anyone ever