I have 65 series tires and a lovely ride.

I put a set of KYB's on a giant Cherokee years ago and took them off two
days later.  The gas charge makes the shock behave like a stiff spring,
transmitting road impacts into the body unimpeded.  they also riased the
truck 5/8 of an inch!

Go Bilstein, they are great.

Jake

On 4/4/07, Todd Last <rubatoguy@comcast.net> wrote:
>
> Add H&R springs and then tell me about a "ride as stiff as it gets"  :-)
>
> I switched from KYB to Bilsteins and noticed quite an improvement. In my
> experience the KYB front shocks are overwhelmed by the Vanagon with any
> deviation from sstock wheels and tires. They tend to simply transmit any
> large jolts to the vehicle.
>
> The other thing to check is your tire pressure. Lower the pressure for a
> softer ride. Although remember that as you lower the air pressure, you also
> lower the load capasity of the tire and reduce the handling.
>
> My guess is that your "stiff ride" is probably more a function of running
> a low-profile tire (65 series). Simply put, a lower cross section means less
> sidewall to absorb road shocks and a stiffer ride.
>
>
>
> Todd
> '88 Westy
>
>
> -------------- Original message ----------------------
> From: Smiths <stevesmith4947@COMCAST.NET>
> > I own an 89 westy with KYB shocks. I recently added Gowesty rims and
> hyrdoedge
> > tires and my ride is stiff as it gets. I'm told oil filled Boges are
> best shocks
> > to soften my ride but that Bilsteins are best for handling.
> >
> > Any opinions about shocks and or other ways to soften my ride without
> > sacrificing decent handling?
> >
> > Steve
>

--
Jake
1984 Vanagon GL
1986 Westy Weekender "Dixie"
www.crescentbeachguitar.com