Re: Which shocks/struts?

[duane@zk3.dec.com (Andrew Duane USG/PE)]

> My car ('87 5000 CSTQ) is in dire need of front shocks (actually strut
> inserts). I have read the previous discussions in this list about the
> various shocks and am leaning towards the Boge since I don't want to
> make the ride too stiff - after all its my daily driver and the family-hauler.
> I have a few questions though:
> 
> 1. Glen mentioned the Koni Sport adjustables. How is the ride compared to
> the Boges? Are they externally adjustable or does everything have to come out?
> Also, do the Konis come with a lifetime warranty like the Boges?

I just put the Koni Sport adjustables in my '89 100Q, and I've used
Boges extensively in my previous VW's. Here are my thoughts.

The Koni's are a little softer than the Boge (gas) at their softest
setting. If I had known, I'd have tightened them a turn before installing
them, as I like the ride a little stiffer. The handling is up to snuff,
though, so I'm not complaining too loudly.

The Koni's are not externally adjustable. Bummer. The place I talked to
said that Koni pushes adjustability as a way to get another life's
worth out of the shocks as they wear and soften. Boge gas don't wear,
though....

> 2. There are apparently two types of Boge struts - the plain hydraulic
> which are an OEM equivalent and the Boge Turbogas which are little stiffer
> and offer better handling and cost slightly more. Any one have any
> recommendations - the plain hydraulics vs. the Turbogas?

There is also the ProGas, which are slightly "tamed" versions of the
TurboGas. I used the TG's, and thought they were about right on
my old Golf - this means they may be too stiff for the family-wagon.
Although, the 3500+pound weight might soften them up a little.
I suggest the ProGas if you want Boge. I've never used the hydrualics,
but they are essentially OEM shocks, and not too exciting.


> My Audi dealer is willing to install the front strut inserts for $90 (both,
> labor only) which I figure is a good deal. The parts guy suggests I get the
> Boges ($88 each for hydraulic or $99 each for Turbogas, after the usual 10%
> discount he gives me) instead of the OEM Sachs. He`ll also give the lifetime
> warranty.
> 
> I found that I can get the Boge Turbogas at $65 each including S&H from
> a mail-order place (ND 800-683-2890). I have to find out if the dealer
> will install shocks supplied by me. 
> 
> 3. Is $90 reasonable for installing the strut inserts? On a 5000, the job
> is straight-forward - the strut inserts can be removed and installed through
> the hole in the shock towers without removing the strut assembly or compressing
> the spring. A special tool is needed though (an extra long socket to open the
> strut cap) which I don't have (over $100 for the tool itself).

I got my shocks installed for $160 for all four corners, exclusive of
the $100 (ouch!) alignment. This was at NTW, and I supplied the shocks.
$90/pair isn't too bad, especially for a dealer. 

-- 

Andrew L. Duane (JOT-7)			duane@zk3.dec.com
Digital Equipment Corporation		(603)-881-1294
110 Spit Brook Road
M/S ZKO3-3/V08
Nashua, NH    03062-2698

Only my cat shares my opinions, and she's too heavy to care.