We have hashed the shock saga before, but here's my experience.
The test vehicle is an 86 Scirroco.  I put KYB's in it, after a few months
the ride quality faded.  The biggest problem I noted was the near total lack
of rebound damping.  My car would actually top out over big bumps on the way
back up from the compression.  Felt like a tree landed on the roof every
time this happened.  Very unnerving.  Note: I use 16v springs in a 8v car,
so she sits a little higher in the front than stock.
With the same springs and Bilstein dampers I never had the topping out
problem.  The Bil's did give a rather firm ride, but not too unforgiving.
The car is nearly impossible to bottom now, I really like that.  I must
admit I am a reformed spring chopping, low riding moron.
So, I would go OEM or see if Boge(German OEM on some vw's)makes a vanagon
shock.  The Bilstein's are supposed to be the cat's meow, but are price
prohibited, especially for someone who reuses gear oil...

PS, my brother gave me my set ;~]

-----Original Message-----
From: cptnmeno <cptnmeno@RICOCHET.NET>
To: Vanagon@VANAGON.COM <Vanagon@VANAGON.COM>
Date: Thursday, August 06, 1998 5:57 PM
Subject: Shocks: KYB or Sachs

>My mechanic says that the KYB's I just bought (that were
>recommended by the Vanagon list) are short lived and make
>noise.  He recommended the Sachs (original equipment). Says
>he thinks they can be had in a "heavy duty" model. What's
>the list's opinions?
>Thanks:
>Captain Meno.