Date: Mon, 14 Oct 1996 09:52:18 -0500
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@vanagon.com>
From: Bo Kersey <kersey@outdoortech.com>
Subject: Re: KYB shock install
I replaced the original shocks on my '89 Westy about 3 months ago. I am
still amazed at the difference in driveability between the old shocks and
the new ones. Before, I felt uncomfortable going over 50 mph, 70 is no
problem now and even at that speed, I notice no twitchiness. I've got
KYB's all around and Michelin MX 185-14C's at 50 psi in the back and 40 psi
in the front.
At 01:01 PM 10/12/96 -0500, you wrote:
>Volks,
>
>A few days ago my order from RMMW works arrived, which consisted of a pair
>of KYB Gas-A-Just front shocks and a VDO volt gauge. Total with shipping
>was $90, which I thought was pretty decent. The order arrived correct and
>on time as well. So far I am 100% satisfied with RMMW, and I would
>recommend them to others.
>
>Two nights ago I installed the shocks. Real easy installation, two bolts
>on each side. Rolled the front of the bus up onto ramps to make it easier
>to access. Took about 30 minutes total, I think. Old Sears gas shocks
>went straight into the trash.
>
>Back on the road, I notice I can feel the bumps a little more now, but it's
>not annoying. Still a comfortable ride. I was a little worried at first
>after reading Sami's story of a bone-jarring ride with his KYB's. I
>couldn't tell a whole lot of difference in the way the bus handled - low
>speed cornering seems a little flatter, but freeway lane changes seem about
>the same, just a little "twitchier", I guess.
>
>Overall, the difference isn't as great as I thought it was going to be, and
>if I had it to do over again, I might have waited a little longer before
>spending the $65. They are, however, the first pair of front shocks that
>have made *any* difference in the way the van felt. The Sears shocks were
>installed new about three years ago, and I couldn't tell any difference at
>all.
>
>So why are they called Gas-A-Just? I couldn't find any mention on the
>shocks or instructions about adjusting them. Does anyone know if they are
>even adjustable? The Koni shocks on the mustang are adjustable by pressing
>the shock all the way down and turning the upper part. I tried this with
>the KYBs but couldn't tell whether or not it was doing anything. Anyone
>know?
>
>-David
>
>============================================================================
>David Schwarze '73 VW Safare Custom Camper (Da Boat)
>Dallas, Texas, USA '73 Capri GT 2800 (Da Beast)
>e-mail: ddes@anet-dfw.com '87 Mustang Lx 5.0 (13.986@100.81)
>or: des@eskimo.com '93 Weber WG-50 (Da Piano)
>http://www.anet-dfw.com/~ddes '95, '96, '96 cats (Aackkk! Phhttt!)
>============================================================================
>
>
>
>
Bo Kersey
Outdoor Technologies
P O Box 548
Austin, TX 78767
(512)374-0500
| 
