I always seem to be swimming upstream with this observation, but here goes:

After around 150,000 miles, I removed my KYBs from my Westy to install new
ones.  Front end guy asked "Why, these look as good as new?", but I did
notice a difference in ride.  I then put the used KYBs on my GL, where they
are still doing their job with another 40 or 50,000 miles on them.

I had Bilsteins on the Westy (before the KYBs) and they fell apart.  One
lasted only about 20K and the other around 30K.  In both cases the mounting
brackets broke.  My mechanic told me that that is very common with
Bilsteins, and that the shock is too stiff for it's own good.

Obviously, YMMV.

Karl Wolz
----- Original Message -----
From: "DaveC" <voicebox@DNAI.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Sunday, August 12, 2001 12:20 AM
Subject: Re: bilstiens.. are they worth it

> >I run them in my a3 golf, and love them, but it seems like many
> >people are running kyb, which are alot cheaper.. anywa, who has
> >them, and how ya like them
>
> My experience (not with a Vanagon/Westy) is that Bilsteins are built
> better (larger piston, beefier valving) and last *much* longer than
> others.
>
> 2 years down the road you will be glad you spent the money on
> Bilsteins. KYB's are fine, but not a long-lasting shock (re
> performance, not leaks, etc...) They will wear out sooner. Many
> Bilsteins original equipment shocks are still going.
>
> With most shocks, you can wonder if they're still performing after
> years of use. With Bilstiens, you *know* from how they ride -- just
> the same as when you bought them.
>
> Dave
> --
> Dave Carpenter
>
> Whatever you wish for me,
> May you have twice as much.
>