Date:         Sat, 24 Apr 2010 15:26:41 -0700
Reply-To:     Shawn Wright <vwdiesels@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Shawn Wright <vwdiesels@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Front shock bushing questions
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Hello all,

Slowly getting around to my front shocks due to limited mobility for a few
days... I've pulled the old KYB out, and the top metal sleeve/bushing is
badly rusted, and looks to be slightly mushroomed, probably due to weak
shocks hammering at the weakened rusty metal. I can either order a new
bushing (rubber parts are fine), or make one. My questions are:

1. Is the OE bushing a tight fit where it goes through the hole in the upper
shock mount on the body?
2. Van-cafe lists a kit with all the bits, but states "Please specify below
if you would like the kit with or without the shock collar" (collar=bushing
I am talking about). Under what circumstances would you not want the
collar?

http://www.van-cafe.com/home/van/page_1036_1354/front_shock_mounting_kit.html

3. Bentley states on 40.4 that two versions of the collar are used, but it
sounds like this change occurred around '82-83, and only applies if
installing a new bump stop on older van < VIN 25A 007 7959 (mine is 7JH 000
0000). So I assume I need the newer style, which is 28.5mm long according to
Bentley. Anyone have one handy they can measure the OD of a new one?

Thanks
--
Shawn Wright
'88 TD Westy