I have installed heavy duty German ALKO shocks on all three of our
vans now (84 GL, 86 Weekender, and 91 Westy)  and couldn't be happier. There
is no over-pressurised harshness as with KYB's, just firm control, and the
price is reasonable too. I bought them from Bow Wow in Surrey, BC but they
do have a website and ship worldwide.    http://www.bowwow.ca/
----- Original Message -----
From: "Florian Speier" <groups.florian@GMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, July 06, 2005 11:01 AM
Subject: 87 westy: handling improvement suggestions?

hi all,

we have been up and running in our new 87 westy  for a couple weeks
now. the only problem is.... it would be nice to have a kind of
stiffer ride, my girlfriend claims it rides like a ferry (and she
hates ferries). so i was wondering where the problem could be. i feel
it rides a lot wibbelier than my 86 vanagon i had a few years ago.
the tires are nankings light truck with 5000 miles on them, so that
should be fine. the shocks are pretty worn i think, so i wonder what
to replace them with? the car has 130000miles. i read the article on
gowesty that bilsteins would be great, any second opinions here? and
does it solve the problem or do i have to replace the springs as well?
back in germany many vanagons are lowered, but i didnt see any
lowering kits here - also i would prefere to keep my ground clearance,
if possible, although handling is more important.
and, if i replace the shocks, do i have to do all four or can i start
with only the front ones? hmmm and is it very hard to do yourself for
a beginner?

thank you all so much

florian