We replaced the original shocks on our 88 Westy (130k miles) with KYB shocks last June, then put 10,000 miles on them this summer on two long trips. I didn't notice any difference other than possibly a bit more stability (which we can all use!). I am very pleased with the Westy's ride on the highway. Wouldn't say it was rough at all--except maybe a bit around town. I don't know what we paid to have the shocks installed, as the bill included labor on a number of other items too, but I'm sure it was far less than $350, including parts (of course, labor is probably half here what it is in Mass). And the mechanic said they were so rusty it took him the better part of a day to get them off. Bill Springfield, MO ----- Original Message ----- From: Melissa E. Mourkas <legacy@JAVANET.COM> To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM> Sent: Thursday, October 28, 1999 7:20 PM Subject: Re: Yokohama tires/ KYB shocks > I installed KYB shocks in April, 99 on my 81 Westy. Installed by a mechanic, > they were half the price of Boge or Bilsteins. I cannot compare them to the > others, as I removed the original 18-year-old Boges from my van which were > shot, BUT, the KYB's are a hard-riding, truck-like shock. Like Monroe gas > shocks, which I had installed on my previous Westy and I remember not liking > them much, either. The KYB's may thump like the dickens until you get your > mechanic to adjust them properly. > > However, $650 (US) installed for Boge/ Bilstein vs. $350(US) installed for > KYB's is a big difference...for this reason, I endure the rougher KYB > ride... |
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