[Vwdiesel] Shock opinions

[Shawn Wright]

On 17 Oct 2005 at 23:07, LBaird119 at aol.com <LBaird119 at aol.com> wrote:

> In a message dated 10/17/2005 8:12:26 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
> swright at zuiko.sls.bc.ca writes:
> 
> > I'm going to just do the rear for 
> > now, and hope to cure my saggy rear end problem...
> 
> 
>   No offense but why do people think new shocks will cure a sagging 
> rear or improve the ride height?  Sure it might temporarily, or a tad if 
> you use gas shocks but the SPRINGS are what hold the ride height. 
> Shocks are simply a dampener so you don't boing, boing, boing down 
> the road.  If you're saggy then new springs along with the shocks 
> might be a good idea.  :-)
>   I'm thinkiing mine are a little low on oil and thus have a bouncy spot 
> at the top of the travel.  Car tends to sway a bit too easily.  I'm inclined to
> look at Bilsteins too. 
>  Not sure if they're still around but I got a fair deal on some Boge's for the
> Rabbit from R D Enterprises in El Cajon CA.  1-800-683-2890  (Keep their magnet
> on the side of the kitchen fridge!)  :-)

No offense taken ;-)
I know my springs are probably too soft, but I think that some good stiff gas shocks 
and new rubber bumpers will at least keep the trunk off the ground. If not, then I'll 
add some rubber doughnuts to prop it up a bit... anything to avoid spending money 
on springs! The last time I spent really money on suspension gear (Boge Pro Gas 
and TT springs in my '82 Scirocco) the car ended up in nose first in the ditch soon 
afterward... and not *me* driving either! So I want to spend just enough to make the 
car handle safely, without making it seem invincible. I still cringe every time I pass 
that ditch... 
I've heard so many good things about Bilsteins that it's time I tried them I think.

Shawn Wright
http://zuiko.sls.bc.ca/~swright
'85 Jetta D 
'88 Westy 1.6TD 5 speed
 (see progress at http://members.shaw.ca/vwdiesels)
'82 Diesel Westy