Jay,

There are two levels of the Bilstein available the Heavy Duty and the Touring.  The Touring is about $15-20 per shock cheaper than the HD and they are a softer ride.  Your Vanagon originally had oil/air shocks on it that had no gas charge to them whatsoever.  The Bilsteins make for a firm ride and I have had many positive comments on both the Touring and HD versions.  It is really up to the person what kind of ride they like.  The softest would be the OE Boge (oil/air) then the Touring Bilsteins and then the HD.

If I can be of help to you please let me know.

Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

-------------- Original message --------------
From: Jay Brown <badkarma@TTLC.NET>

> It's time for a new set of shocks for my '85 Westy. I am planning to go
> with the Bilstein Heavy Duty front and rear. Anyone care to offer up
> oppinions on a better shock to use for the Westfalia? Also, does anyone
> know who has the best deal on Bilsteins? Looks like they usually go for
> about $80ea.
>
> Thanks in advance.
> Jay Brown
> '85 Zetec Westy
> '72 Riviera
> http://www.geocities.com/vwcamper72