Type 44 rear strut installation - washer or no washer?

[tihol tiholov]

George Harris wrote:

> I would be interested in your long term experience with the Sensatracs. I installed a set in my Jetta and was unhappy with them. The ride and control was too soft. I wasn't interested in the lifetime guarantee since they weren't satisfactory from the beginning.

FWIW, my friend's Typ 44's (a 1986 5KQ sedan and a 1988 5KQ Avant) have eaten a few of the cheapest Monroe, less than 100 bux Can a pair from NAPA, mounted on the front - about a year to year and a half life span before giving up damping.  He gladly twirls wrenches, so wasn't complaining but finally he got Boge.  Don't think he ever replaced an OEM rear shock.

I've had Monroe on the rear of my Typ 89 for at least 5 years and am still very happy with them. Don't remember if they were Sensatrack or what.  I got the more expensive of the 2 choices offered (wanted to go cheap, but not that cheap) at a parts chain store that no longer exists, Autovillage or some such.  That was in Edmonton, AB and they cost about $135 Can for the pair at the time.

 

TT