Date: Sun, 18 Apr 1999 20:23:19 -0700
Reply-To: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Sender: Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From: Karl Wolz <wolzphoto@WORLDNET.ATT.NET>
Subject: Re: a shocking question
Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
Jim,
I've had excellent luck with KYBs. Good ride and long lasting.
I have had Bilsteins on the front, and the ride was a bit harsher. Problem
was that the mounting brackets were not as strong as the internals of the
shocks, and they basically fell apart, although they never did leak and do
still work as shocks, although they are unmouuntable and are on the floor of
my garage.
Vanagons do have a kinda distinctive ride, but they are generally pretty
stable. Top heavy - probably, but I've never felt that I had to be timid
with my driving style.
Good luck,
Karl Wolz
-----Original Message-----
From: Jim Fritz <jfritz@DECORAH.K12.IA.US>
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Date: Sunday, April 18, 1999 11:51 AM
Subject: a shocking question
Volks,
OK, My 89 Westy got new shoes (Michelin MXTs) but it still dips and rolls
like a punch drunk heavy weight boxer. To the point that my wife starts
getting car sick in the back seat (our 7 year old always beats her to the
front seat). Anyway, I've already read many of the comments that have been
given over the list about the Westy ride i.e. its a top heavy vehicle, you
need to get use to the "bus ride", etc. etc., but with 60,000 miles and the
orignal VW shocks I can't help but think I could do a little better with new
ones.
Many folks have extolled the virtues of the KYBs (they're economical), the
Bilsteins (they're definitely more expensive and don't come with a
warantee...why would you want to trust them?), and the Konis (the grand puba
of shocks with a price to match. The adjustability is desireable but the
price is a killer).
I know that my Passat has spoiled me but the wife says I gotta do something
about this and she doesn't care about the cost if it'll stop her nausea.
So, THE QUESTIONS:
Why did you choose the shocks you bought? What's good/bad about the shocks
you bought? What shocks do you think would be the best for a "ride on
rails" feel rather the "Weeble people" ride I have now? Where could I get t
he best price on a set of Konis and what is the right model number (I have
all this info for KYBs and Bilsteins already.)
Thanks to all!
Jim in Iowa
91 Passat Wagon GL
89 Westy
66 Beetle
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