This weekend was the first short trip with new Bilstein HDs on my '88 Westy.
The KYBs I took off were still ok, at least they seemed to have similar
resistance to compression (a bit less on the rear, a lot less on the front)
compared with the new Bilsteins. The Bilstein rebounded 2-3 times faster
than the KYBs when off the van. Based on this (and my Dad's great report of
new HDs on his Eurovan) I was expecting a big improvement. So far, I still
waiting... Things are definitely quieter and smoother over bumps, and a bit
more stable in turns, but nothing like I expected. I am also surprised how
soft they appear to be at a stop - I can now bounce the front bumper much
easier than I recall with the old KYBs, which seems opposite to my
impression prior to installing them. On a few big dips, it does seem the HDs
are helping to prevent bottoming of the front suspension quite a lot better;
this is probably the biggest improvement so far.

I suspect that many who have upgraded to HDs have come from worn out shocks,
and so their experience has been much more positive. I also wonder if the
condition of other components factor into this - if you're suspension and
tires are in good shape except for shocks, then new HDs might just make all
the difference, whereas my Westy with 420k on original springs and most of
the bushings, technically under-spec BFG A/Ts on the rear and Yoko Y370s on
the front may be as good as it's going to get until I deal with loose
bushings, soft springs, and mis-matched tires.

Overall, I don't regret the purchase, but like so many things Vanagon, one
purchase only leads to another... what to do next? Bushings? Wheels/tires?
With any luck, I can enjoy the camping season and ponder these things before
having to tackle them next winter! :-)

--
Shawn Wright
'88 TD Westy