TheSamba.com :: View topic - bilstein rear shocks for a 1969 vw squareback

Fri Mar 12, 2010 5:25 pm

Folks,

Just confirming that this is the correct part number for a bilstein rear shock for my 1969 vw squareback. (IRS)

F4-B46-0034-H0

The car is lowered one click in the rear and I need a stiff shock to keep the ride tight and i'm thinking bilstein would be my best bet...

thanks in advance

Fri Mar 12, 2010 5:30 pm

First off.. Welcome I am a fellow Dallas Type 3 owner (in Frisco).
I am guessing you are David that got the dope 69 square from Houston.

anyhow. I would NOT suggest stiff rear struts especially when you are talking "daily".

Remember this is not a race car..it doesnt and will not corner tight. you should be able to go nice and low even with softer shocks with out scraping.

Sun Mar 14, 2010 11:26 pm

69sback wrote: Folks,

Just confirming that this is the correct part number for a bilstein rear shock for my 1969 vw squareback. (IRS)

F4-B46-0034-H0

Sorry that no one here knows me. I just saw the post in a search and thought I'd chime in.

The H0 model is the heavy-duty version with the stiffer valving. I do not think you would like it. I suggest the lighter standard B46-0034-H1. I use it in everything that has IRS.

I also suggest new torsion-bar bushings--that makes another huge difference in compliance and ride quality (I'm doing it right now as a matter of fact). Use German rubbers and not the urethane. Plastic bushings transfer a lot of noise, vibration, and harshness. Plus they squeak after a while.

I really think that you will like that damper. By lowering the car you're reducing your compression travel. You need to control what's left. That damper will do it without screwing the ride quality. You'll have great control but it'll never feel choppy. And don't judge it by how stiff it feels off the car. They're pretty difficult to compress by hand but it's a different deal on the car.

I'll put my money where my mouth is: if you don't like those standard H1 'Billies, I'll buy 'em and give you a set of good-condition, slinky, stock-replacement dampers. Just PM me before you buy so we can hash out the terms. But I honestly don't think you'll want to give them up. They give normal-car ride with exceptionally good control.

Mon Mar 15, 2010 12:59 pm

haha...yes I would be David from Dallas that got the dope s-back from Danny in Houston. :-) Word travels fast!

I'm spending some time now tuning the carbs to get the best mileage w/o running too lean. I'm going for a nice tan spark plug. :-) I adjust the idle circuit, drive for a day or two in one specific driving style, then pull the plugs again. It's a lengthy process but it will pay off in gas $$ once I get it just right.

Too bad the odometer just quit turning so I cant keep track of my mileage. :(

I have the heavy duty bilsteins in my 85 911 and yes, it is a VERY stiff ride. However, for that car, it's kinda expected. I installed them about 4 years ago and 20,000 miles ago so they've since softened a TINY bit.

I just need something that will keep that extra sump off the pavement! If the lighter standard shocks will do the trick that's fine. But if I have to sacrifice a softer ride to guarantee the sump will not bottom up I'm willing to do that as well. They come into play especially when I have people in the back seat or luggage in the cargo section.

David

Mon Mar 15, 2010 2:48 pm

I forgot about the extra sump on there. that increases your risk factor a bit. Do you plan to lower the rear anymore than it was?

Mon Mar 15, 2010 2:56 pm

Yup, the extra sump is on there and I'll keep it on there. It has a billet aluminum sump cover now which kinda exposes the bolts. I'm going to replace it with the stock cover which has the extra lip around the edges, thus protecting the bolts a bit...hopefully ;)

i definitely don't want to lower any more...it looks really nice now....i'd post a pic of the car if I could figure out how to w/o having to post it elsewhere on the web...

Mon Mar 15, 2010 3:46 pm

post it in the gallery, it will give you a link to post it in the forums

Tue Mar 23, 2010 8:19 am

I found a website selling the B46-0034. The website says it's for a swing axle, but earlier in this thread someone mentions the 0034 is for an IRS application. Am I missing something here?

http://www.shockwarehouse.com/site/product.cfm?id=14262

Tue Mar 23, 2010 6:11 pm

evryone except hot rod are also aircoolers, that rules. takin' the samba one thread at a time.

i want to run these shocks on my sqb. as well so let me know how this works for yo brother.