I just wet down to Pep Boys about 50,000 miles ago and purchased their
monthly special shocks at about $12.95 each plus $5.00 each for installation
and they at are still working just fine. I had the original shocks in till
about 50,000 miles and they were shot.

Alan Ruffalo
88 Westy

----- Original Message -----
From: "Philip Jones" <Tewinot@AOL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, April 18, 2001 8:53 PM
Subject: need recommendations for new shocks

> I am considering new shocks for my 91 Westy (185k miles), as the rear ones
> (original) are showing signs of leaking.  Cornering and crosswind comfort
are
> weak at best.  I drive cross country every year, and several times have
found
> myself having to pull off the road due to crosswind gusts, typically in
South
> Dakota.  So crosswind handling/safety are paramount to me.  I also drive
> maybe 500 miles per year on a dirt road with notorious washboards and
> potholes, so I don't want too stiff a shock.  Any recommendations as to
> brands for my type of driving?  Do I even need to replace my shocks?  I
found
> one post in the archives that indicated Boge's can still be in good shape
> even after this many miles.  I've heard elsewhere that vanagons never need
to
> have the shocks replaced.
>     Does anyone else drive under similar conditions?  Any firsthand
> experience would be greatly appreciated.
>
> TIA,
> Philip