Date:         Mon, 2 Feb 2009 19:10:49 -0800
Reply-To:     Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Loren Busch <starwagen@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Shock Absorbers for Vanagon (2WD)
Comments: To: Jake de Villiers <crescentbeachguitar@gmail.com>
In-Reply-To:  <71d9cdf90902021831q7075abbbt5c54cf0c2d0a7a9f@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8

 RE: KYB vs Bilstein
At the chance I'll start a 'shock flame war' here I'm going to expand on my
previous comment.
When I acquired my '90 Westy seven years ago I immediately ordered and had
installed a set of new KYBs.  Drove it that way for four years but really
really didn't like the harsh behavior on anything but the smoothest of
pavement.  So I ordered Bilsteins for the front and had them installed.
Then took off from Washington headed to Hollister to attend SDM 2006 (but in
a 2wd, just there to watch).  When I got to Santa Cruz I had Volks Cafe
install the rear Bilsteins, I liked what the Bilsteins in front were doing
that much.  A few miles down the road I grabbed the FRS walkie talkie and
told my traveling partner (in his '87 Westy) "I've got a true road cruiser"
the difference was that great for me.  Last spring I had installed the
Van-Cafe/Syncro Org 2wd springs.  Yesterday I returned from a near 4,200
mile three week trip and I couldn't be happier with the ride and handling
(on Nokian Hakka CS tires, 185R14s).  The Bilsteins are a little soft in the
initial travel, you will feel a little more roll/sway going into a turn than
with the KYBs, but they stop at the right point, give a great feel and sense
of control. To me the Bilsteins defiantly fell more 'sure footed' especially
on anything other than a perfect, smooth road. I don't doubt that there is a
shock setup out there that may be better if your are willing to pay the
premium for essentially custom shocks but for now I'm a happy camper.