I totally agree that KYB's can be harsh ..
and generally, I find HD Bilsteins to be nigh perfect,
although ..
on a vanagon they did not seem 'magic' like on my Mercedes sedan or
turbo 740 volvo,
until I went from 14 to 15 inch wheels and tires.

the only other one I would suggest 'above' HD Bilsteins is Koni's ..from
Van Cafe.
They are also adjustable for compression/rebound stiffness or with age
and wear.

Scott
\
On 5/28/2014 11:26 PM, Todd Last wrote:
> Interesting. I have the HD Bilstein shocks and never thought they were
> harsh at all.
> Particularly compared to KYBs. But then I am driving a Westy which is
> heavier.
>
> Todd
> '88 Westy
>
> On 5/28/2014 5:08 AM, kenneth wilford (Van-Again) wrote:
>> 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
>>
>