The rear axle should be there today for you.  Shock depend on what kind of
ride you like.  The stock shocks were oil/air and really didn't have a lot
of resistance.  This results in a soft ride which, if you have reinforced
tires, I actually like.  I really don't like the KYB shocks on the Vanagon.
 I have installed them for customers over the years and rode in many vans
with them installed and I think they just aren't that great.  People used
to buy them because they were cheap and gas charged but the price keeps
going up and up.  If it were me I would invest in a set of Bilsteins.
 There are actually two different versions of this for the van.  If you
like a softer ride there are the Bilstein Street shocks (black).  Or if you
must have a super firm ride so that you can drive over some change and know
how much it is by the bumps you feel, the Bilstein HD (Yellow).  If it were
me I would go with the Steet version as these are a bit cheaper but also
give a firm but softer ride.  The HD are Heavy Duty and they are super
stiff.  If you have kids riding in the back with motion sickness issues, I
would steer clear of these.

Hope this helps,

Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com

On Wed, May 28, 2014 at 1:23 AM, Geneva Saint-Amour <
genevasaintamour@hotmail.com> wrote:

> Four weeks ago we installed new springs.  Then new brakes, wheel cylinders
> and drums. This past weekend we broke an axle and will be replacing it next
> Saturday (if the stars align for speedy shipping). So, we may as well do
> the shocks while we are in there.
> Which shocks do you suggest for a 1984 Vanagon Westfalia with a high top?
> Anything else we should do while in this department?
>
> Sent from my electronic leash!
> Geneva Saint-Amour

--
Thanks,
Ken Wilford
John 3:16
www.vanagain.com