Date:         Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:05:44 -0700
Reply-To:     Aaron <a.robinson.lists@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Aaron <a.robinson.lists@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      Re: Shocks for 2WD
Comments: cc: george jannini <georgejoann@GMAIL.COM>
In-Reply-To:  <CA+So780aA5CQ=2M74FPHhMmH6NjSg7WQYQLP8CN2DY-56_BB2g@mail.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=us-ascii

George, 

I have Bilsteins which greatly improved the ride, but it still felt top heavy (a westy).  At a later point installed moog 5658 springs on the front which made a very big difference in cornering and stability. Instead of feeling like the van tips on the initial part of a turn, it now stays quite a bit flatter. The spring rate feels much more linear. That means that they don't absorb them small bumps quite as well,  but I think it's worth the cornering stability. I've heard that the adjustable Koni's will settle out some of the bouncing, but I'm OK with it. 

It did raise the ride height slightly. I can't remember the number off the top of my head. 16.5 or 16.75 from arch to center of wheel sounds about right.

Here are some reference links. 
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dautomotive&field-keywords=moog+5660&x=0&y=0
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=424501

- Aaron
'87 Westy



On Aug 24, 2011, at 7:43 AM, george jannini wrote:

>  I'm needing an opinion or three. <G>
> 
>  I'm looking at the Billsteins, but I'd like some input.  HD or Touring?
> 
>  Mostly highway driving broken up with sprints up and down the Blue
> Ridge Parkway, or The Tail of The Dragon, just a couple of our
> favourite rides where I have been known to (ahem) test the suspension.
> Currently running KYBs, that were seemingly installed forever ago,
> 270 something miles on the bus.
> 
> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deals_Gap,_North_Carolina
> 
> George/ATL