I need new shocks

Richies72bus · Post by **Richies72bus** » Wed Jul 25, 2001 2:13 pm

I need new shocks for my 72 bus, What kind, model, and where will I get the best deal on them?

germansupplyscott · Post by **germansupplyscott** » Wed Jul 25, 2001 9:17 pm

<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Richies72bus:
I need new shocks for my 72 bus, What kind, model, and where will I get the best deal on them?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
the bus depot has some good deals on shocks. they have kyb gas a just rears for 26 bucks which is good, and boge fronts for a bit less, i think. theses are good items at good prices.

vwnate1 · Post by **vwnate1** » Tue Aug 21, 2001 12:24 pm

The $26.00 KYB's are the cheapo grey shocks , not good for your Bus ~ get the _white_ KYB's , you'll love them - I have on my old panel and it handles pretty well in the hills at speed . You must ASK for the white shocks as the counter guys expect you to cheap out and want those nasty grey s**t ones .

------------------
-Nate
Filth & Greed Imports
(the LAST honest VWshop)

Derek May · Post by **Derek May** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 2:20 pm

I remember reading on type2.com from a number of submitters that the white gas-a-just KYB provide good handling at the expense of a harsh ride.

KYB GR2 are the less expensive silver shocks. I don't understand them to be crap, but are said to provide good combination of ride and stability. They are built to perform differently than the gas-a-just, not just to be cheaper.

Best ride comes from stock bogge (sp?) hydraulic shocks, but they don't last as long and get foamy under heavy use.

see www.busdepot.com as source for stock shocks.

Finally, I've been advised that a good combo is to put the white kyb's under the van's heavy arse end, and the silvers up front (where you hit bumps first). This is said to give a good ride and improve stability in cornering over either stock or silvers (the white in back help hold things together) with a better ride than whites all round.

I've just had the white/silver combo installed, while putting in new upper arm ball joints, so we'll see. I'll report after I've driven the thing. Getting from shop today.

Bob Ingman · Post by **Bob Ingman** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 4:44 pm

I`ve used KYB White shocks for years and think they`re very good for the money. Koni or Bilstein may beat them ,I do`nt know .I`ve never been able to afford them. I do know however that the first thing I do when I get an old van is get the new shocks installed and it has always made a big improvement in handling.
I do`nt think they are stiff or harsh. I like the firm yet smooth response to bumps.
Good Luck. Bob

[This message has been edited by Bob Ingman (edited 10-17-2001).]

Thumposaurus · Post by **Thumposaurus** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 5:16 pm

My Bus had the white KYB's on it when I got it and I've never had a problem with them being harsh, even while being forced to do a high speed lane change to avoid getting creamed first by a guy in a mini van then a commuter bus

Derek May · Post by **Derek May** » Wed Oct 17, 2001 10:15 pm

A vehicle's ride is a matter of debate and personal taste. What is harsh to one is fine to another -- and part of the trouble is -- how many of us have ever had chance to compare various set ups head to head. Usually, our comparison is worn hydraulics to whatever we put it. And that's going to be better, no matter what.

Have now driven my van with the silver KYB up front, white KYB in back. Can't say I've compared this to new stock, or new gas-a-just all round.

I can say that I'm pleased. Ride's about the same, except without the sensation of being at sea, and the stability is incredibly improved, noticeable in cornering, lane change, even just moving around in back. It almost handles like a "normal" car.

I've also heard of using KYB GR2 (silver) in back, and stock hydrolic up front.

With the caveat of not having driven with gas-a-just all round (just having read a number of complaints at type2.com) I can recommend the silver front white in back combo.

vwnate1 · Post by **vwnate1** » Thu Oct 18, 2001 5:17 pm

Bilstein !! but that _will be_ a harsh ride - a very good ride but stiff to the extreme .
If you want a nice ride , don't expect much control at speed . get the white KYB's you'll like them - never had a customer complaint , EVER although I've heard plenty of complaints about those crappy silver/grey sh*t ones .

DON'T flush your money on hydraulic shocks !

------------------
-Nate
Filth & Greed Imports
(the LAST honest VWshop)

Pillow · Post by **Pillow** » Fri Oct 19, 2001 12:12 am

I agree that a grey front and white rear KYB setup is pretty good. I used to run my '69 Beetle with this setup and liked it.

Right now I run Gabriel ProRider (plain black) shocks all around on my '66 Westi, but think the front is too hard and the rear a little weak. I think it would do better with the KYB setup... If I had the spare money I would opt for the Bilstein setup like on my 911.

Then again busses do not handle well to begin with so do not expect a miracle.

------------------
Adrian Pillow
'66 VW Westfalia - "Biscuit"
'79 Porsche 911 SC - "Cochise"

Derek May · Post by **Derek May** » Sat Oct 20, 2001 4:06 am

I hit some of those big "pillow" speed bumps, you know the fatties that really make you slow down -- not the 1 foot wide ones that you can take at speed.

I hit them today, at a decent clip. Holy poop! it was remarkable, nothing weird happened. Sucked them up gently and with panash, almost like a decent german sportsedan (used to own a BMW 2002).

I hit similar bumps a couple of weeks ago -- before the new shocks -- they came up on my by surprise, I hit them a little fast. I pogoed. I felt the suspension "top" out, going to full extension, and then crash down again to bottom out. It was alarming.

I think that's when I decided I definately needed new shocks.

Been driving my KYB silver up front, white in back combo for a few days now. Also been hit by gusts of wind on a bridge. Its better, but the Van is still aerodynamic like a brick so you don't expect a "cure".

I'm quite happy with the handling, but again, I'm comparing the setup against worn hydrolics, not against anything else. Ride is comfortable, handling is (for a VW Van) crisp and responsive. It steers flat around a corner, nice over bumps, good changing lanes, less susceptible to wind.

veedub@earthlink.net · Sun Oct 21, 2001 12:34 am

I have used the KYB silver frt/white rr combo for years (as well as a few others) and the KYB's kick butt over all else!!! They are cheap (25 frt, 45 rr) and are guaranteed for life! If you want to add some handling to your bus, try some larger swaybars and maybe lower it a few inches. But as far as shocks go, you'd be hard-pressed to do better than the KYB's...a good value for the money!