Date:         Fri, 12 Jun 2015 14:00:02 -0400
Reply-To:     Ed McLean <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Ed McLean <email99@BELLSOUTH.NET>
Subject:      Re: Shocks

On my Subaru Westy I'm running Koni adjustable shocks, Addco swaybars
(1" front, 7/8" rear), standard springs and 215/65x16 tires (Michelin
Defender, load rating 98).  For the first year the shocks were adjusted
full soft rebound, but now they are fully broken in and are adjusted at
2 clicks more stiff.  The ride is extremely comfortable and secure.  The
handling is very stable and crisp.  I am extremely satisfied with the
suspension and handling with this setup.  Being able to adjust only the
rebound on the Konis is ideal because you can firm up the ride without
making it harsh when you hit tar strips and bumps.  If you go too stiff
with the adjustments you can experience "pump down" which is very harsh
but at the softer settings this is absolutely not experienced with Konis
on the Westy.

I've had KYB shocks and I found them to be very harsh without much
control when they got some age on them.  Before the Konis I had
Bilsteins (Heavy Duty, B46830 and B46820) with the same tires and sway
bars and, while they gave a good ride I felt they did not offer the
control I wanted.  I've not experienced the custom valved Bilsteins of
GoWesty so I can't comment on personal experience.  However, their
description of their valve modification sounds like they have made the
needed improvements.

Ed