Dear Volks,

           As I draw near to the 10 July departure for Alaska....the issue of
shock absorbers has been weighing heavily upon me.  I have scoured the list
and archives only to cull two basic tenets.

A....KYBs are decent shocks but ride somewhat stiff.
B....Bilsteins and Boge shocks are great but will destroy my budget
:::::sigh:::::

        I am begging pardon from all listmembers to readdress this topic.  Has anyone
out there had success with any other brands of shocks that were kind to the
budget?

        Incidentally, my trip preparations are nigh complete.  This week the A/C gets
pumped down, purged, and recharged.  A cd player addition will ensure ample
tunes for the 5000+ mile journey.  A tow-hook mounted trailer hitch and 4x8
utility trailer (with full size tires) is in the works after the 1st of July
(don't worry its just for spare tires, luggage, cooler and stuff....more room
inside the van that way).  I have recently re-shod with Sears Trailhandler
APTs 195/75R15 (Load C, 6 ply).  Add to this the tranny filter and service and
last months piston rings and head gaskets and I should be all set.

        Thanks again to the list I've gone into each preparation with my eyes wide
open and feel confident in the results.  What a great cyber-community we have.
Thanks in advance for any shock info.

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Scott De Santi                                                 Alaska Bound
86 Vanagon (NHG+Rs)                                      Gonna Buy A
85 Jetta (AWP+C)                                             New Bug!!!!!!!!!
74 Dasher (RIP)
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