In a message dated 7/6/2005 11:04:33 A.M. Pacific Daylight Time,
groups.florian@GMAIL.COM writes:

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
.
Don't worry folks,
I wouldn't touch this one....
with a ten foot pole !!!!
JC.....