Being inspired by the list I put a complete set of = KYB shocks on the Van this weekend (elapsed time 20 minutes rear, 50 minutes and a = lot of swearing front).  Also changed the alternator belt as it was cracking.
After cleaning up went for the test drive, big = improvement though a little harsher on small bumps.  Old shocks were original = with 141K km's.
BUT, in a great coincidence the van now idles a = little rough, and surges at highway speeds (especially under load).  The only = thing touched was the alternator belt!  I can only maintain 70 KMH on = hills that we used to hold 85 on.
Checked plugs, wires, cap and rotor.  Put some = fuel additive in (in case it was bad gas).
No effect.
Cleaned all the ground wires to the engine (another = list topic).
No effect.
Tried to change the O2 sensor, but the old one won't = budge.
 
This morning it ran fine.  Found Ken's website = (http://199.217.188.30/disc2_= frm.htm) with an entry perfectly titled "How to troubleshoot your Vanagon for = Bucking and loss of power syndrome".  THANK YOU KEN!  So = I'll spend the day at work thinking about diagnostics rather than = work.
 
If anyone has any input it would be = appreciated.
I just HATE how I can go from happy about improving = my beloved Vanagon to ready to push it off a cliff.
 
Thanks!
Richard Lynch