The bilstein and the KYB gas adjust are monotube high pressure gas shocks,
although the bilsteins have better valving and components and are much more
responsive than the KYB.   The Boges are twin tube hydralic shocks.  Standard
konis are twin tube low pressure gas.  They KYB GR-2 are twin tube low pressure
gas shocks.  If you have to mix manufacturers, mix the same types...monotubes
with monotubes, etc., although the performance will be better if you use a
matched set...e.g. all bilsteins.

As far as whether twin tube, twin tube low pressure gas or monotube will provide
a better ride, my experience is that a good twintube is certainly better than a
junky monotube, and hence i would choose the boges over the KYBs any day.  But if
the boges are worn, I would go with the KYB GR-2s.

So,  should you go with Bilstein and the KYB gas adjust rear, or the matched set
of KYB GR-2s?  (The worn boges seem the worst option.)  On the PA turnpike, my
guess is the GR-2s will give you the smoothes ride over those terrible seams and
bumps.  The front bilsteins may work better, but i know the KYB rear is harsh and
not responsive and hence *may* not work well with the bilstein.
steve

KENWILFY@AOL.COM wrote:

> I have three ingredients that caused me to post this to the List.
> 1st- I have a '91 Carat Vanagon that needs new shocks all the way around
> 2nd- I have a new set of front Bilstein shocks and rear HD KYB Gas-Adjust
> shocks that a former list member ordered and then decided that he couldn't
> pay for.
> 3rd- I am going to be traveling the PA Turnpike this Saturday to go the
> Campbelltown show and if you have ever ridden on this road you will know that
> you want some nice shocks.
> My question is, should I install the Bilsteins on the Carat or do I want
> something not quite as stiff (I have installed several sets of the KYB GR-2s
> and they are no where near as stiff as the Bilsteins (this is an
> understatement).  Are there adverse affects of having Bilsteins on the front
> and KYBs on the rear?  (I can't think of any).
> What shock would give a firm but giving ride (Bilstein, Boge, KYB, etc)?
> Like I said I have some experience with the KYBs but none with the Bilsteins
> or Boges (these are the stock VW shocks but they were all worn out when I got
> the van).
> Any input on this would be appreciated.
> Ken Wilford
> Van-Again
> John 3:16