Running larger tires in the rear can cause an over steer situation
especially during emergency maneuvers or a tire failure. 25.5" front and 29"
rear is substantial. You should have the front caster angle adjusted to
compensate. I once bought a van that was rolled over. I used the parts to
repair a camper that has an engine fire. It was also an 85 with oversized
tires on the rear! I was  recall the front went just over the edge of the
road and he just couldn't recover it. Rolled and laid over on its left side.
The drivers only injury was a broken arm, he had it laying on the door edge
with the window open. The body twisted  blowing out the windshield.

Dennis

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
OlRivrRat
Sent: Wednesday, December 5, 2012 10:47 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: Need recomendations for new shocks for an '85 Vanagon

                Mark

        I April2011, about 20K miles ago, I put Monroe GasMagnums on my
90Westy & so far I have not

encountered any reasons to feel anything but good about them. Right now @
RockAuto they are $24.79

for the Fronts & $32.79 for the rears.

        By the way ~ I run 15"EuroVan SteelWheels on Westy with 225/60r15
Fronts & 235/75r15 Rears ~

I do use Spacers with these wheels for better clearance ~ 1/2"Front &
3/4"Rear (SlidingDoor clears by 1/16")

                                                        ORRDeanB

On 5 Dec , 2012, at 5:50 AM, Mark Carrig wrote:

> Putting a set of the Go Westy 15" alloys and Michilins on as well as a
> new set of four Go Westy Progressive springs, 0" lift.
>
> Westy has the Bilsteen shocks offered, but they are awfully pricy.
>
> Are there any recomendations for a very good set of shocks that wont
> break the bank ?
>
> Thanks !