We replaced the original shocks on our 88 Westy (130k miles) with KYB shocks
last June, then put 10,000 miles on them this summer on two long trips.  I
didn't notice any difference other than possibly a bit more stability (which
we can all use!).  I am very pleased with the Westy's ride on the highway.
Wouldn't say it was rough at all--except maybe a bit around town.  I don't
know what we paid to have the shocks installed, as the bill included labor
on a number of other items too, but I'm sure it was far less than $350,
including parts (of course, labor is probably half here what it is in Mass).
And the mechanic said they were so rusty it took him the better part of a
day to get them off.

Bill
Springfield, MO

----- Original Message -----
From: Melissa E. Mourkas <legacy@JAVANET.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Thursday, October 28, 1999 7:20 PM
Subject: Re: Yokohama tires/ KYB shocks

> I installed KYB shocks in April, 99 on my 81 Westy. Installed by a
mechanic,
> they were half the price of Boge or Bilsteins.  I cannot compare them to
the
> others, as I removed the original 18-year-old Boges from my van which were
> shot, BUT, the KYB's are a hard-riding, truck-like shock.  Like Monroe gas
> shocks, which I had installed on my previous Westy and I remember not
liking
> them much, either.  The KYB's may thump like the dickens until you get
your
> mechanic to adjust them properly.
>
> However, $650 (US) installed for Boge/ Bilstein vs. $350(US) installed for
> KYB's is a big difference...for this reason, I endure the rougher KYB
> ride...