I have the Bilstein sport HD ( from gowesty), which are revalved to be
stiffer on rebound than the HD versions. They are about right for a
camper, compression is well controlled and rebound has little overshoot.
I changed the original Carat springs to stock height springs, the Carat
springs were very soft. Overall a good combo, tho probably too stiff for
a lightly loaded regular Vanagon.

jon

On 11/26/2016 3:14 PM, Ed wrote:
> I've had original shocks, KYB Gas-a-Just, Bilstein HD, and Koni Red Heavy
> Track shocks on my Westy.  I won't comment on the first two.  I felt the
> Bilsteins were a little soft for my taste although they offered pretty
> good spring control.  I currently have Koni Red Heavy Track shocks and I
> think they are near perfect because they are firm with compression and
> adjustable from just not quite firm enough to way too stiff on rebound.
> This allows adjustment to fit your taste.  I am at 2 clicks from minimum
> adjustment and this gives great spring control with no overshoot rebound
> after a hard brake stop.  This is with stock springs, Addco sway bars
> (F&R) and 215/65R16 Michelin Defender tires and a Subaru engine.
>
> I had Monroe Magnum 60 commercial truck shocks on a 6-cylinder 1970 Chevy
> G10 Van that I pulled a Hobie 18 with during the 1980s and they were
> great, offering good control and a firm but very smooth ride.  I liked
> them then just as much as I like the Konis today.
>
> Just my experience.  YMMV.