Best Brand Shock for 2WD and suggestions for lift and lean

[Summers420us]

I need to replace the shocks in my 88 Westy 2WD. While I am at it, I woudl like to fix the "saggy butt syndrome" as well as the "westy lean".

I have looked at some pretty old threads that said the KYB shocks are the preferred brand. Is this still the case? If not, what is your preferred brand? Bilstein? Anyone know where I can get the best bargain on shocks?

As far as lifting the rear and fixing the lean, I would love to hear your suggestions. I am not adverse to making my own spacers, but I like the idea of buying a kit to make installation a snap.

[j_dirge]

If you plan on loading up your Westy for camping trips, I'd recommend Monroe Sensatrac load leveler shocks. (coil-over helpers).. on Amazon, pretty cheap. Others have used the Gabrial air-adjust.

They will eliminate any sag you might have... and give a decided 1/2"+ of lift in the rear. I've had mine in for a couple yrs and have driven them hard. Load up a couple hundred pounds on the rear and they'll still be level. Improves handling a bit, too. Firms things up when carrying loads.

Personally I'd not use spacers,.. just a cosmetic band-aid solution for fixing lean.
But if a lean persists with helper shocks, installed.. I would look into swapping the springs side to side.

Best bang for buck, IMHO.. but leads to a slippery slope, my friend.. a VERY slippery slope.


If your sag is REALLY bad.. I also have a used set of 2WD springs off my 89 Westy.. I'd let go for cheap.. PM me. There was no real lean or sag when I removed them.
The
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-89 GL Westy, SVX.. finally.

-57 pan f/g buggy with a 67 pancake Type 3 "S"
"Jimi Hendrix owned one. Richard Nixon did not"
-Grand Tour, Season 1, episodes 4 and 5

[insyncro]

[Summers420us]

Great advice, thanks.

[rocket j squirrel]

j_dirge: The Amazon "make sure this fits your vehicle" function reports that the "Monroe 58624 Sensa-Trac Load Adjusting Shock Absorber ... does not fit your Volkswagen Vanagon." I tried model years 1984 (mine) and 1988 (to see if they fit a later model) and no go.

This could be incomplete info from the manufacturer?

[1621]

The ones you're looking for are #58595. They are intended for Astro vans IIRC, but work well with our vans as well. I have a set I intended to put on, but went another route in the end, so I can't help out with any installation tips - if there are any. I think something needed to be ground down, but again I don't recall. PM me if you want to buy a new set for cheap.
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'85 Westy

[rocket j squirrel]

Thanks. The Amazon website still says that the 58595 don't fit the Vanagon. But if it's common knowledge that they do, then I'm okay with that.

[j_dirge]

1621 lists the part number.. Do a search here on the Samba as they have been discussed in reasonable detail.

The Monroe's are "bolt-on" .. except you'll have to hammer the flange lip away a little (behind where they mount or the coil spring makes contact). Some people cut or grind that lip.. I just hit it back with a hammer (any old hammer will do) and bent the flange about 2-3mm back. Took about 10 mins each side to verify there was adequate room.

These are a good interim and/or longterm solution. It was one of my first non-OEM modifications to my 89 Westy.. and I continue to use them today in union with syncro.org springs to a lifted height of 18.25" in the rear. With 200-300 lbs off the rear hitch I sit level at 17-7/8" all around.

Edited to add.. And I'll likely continue to use the Monroes on the new extended 16" swing arms I am expecting from Burley in the next week or so. Hoping they still have enough length to them in that application.
We shall see..
Like I said earlier.. slippery slope
_________________
-89 GL Westy, SVX.. finally.

-57 pan f/g buggy with a 67 pancake Type 3 "S"
"Jimi Hendrix owned one. Richard Nixon did not"
-Grand Tour, Season 1, episodes 4 and 5

[climberjohn]

While I am not a suspension expert by any means, I have made a few enhancements to the front end of my Van and it read up a bit on this.

For what you're asking for, getting a little bit of lift and fixing the Westy lean, you might get better results with springs rather than shocks.

Much has been written here about various aftermarket springs. Personally, I have a pair of the Moog 5660 springs bought through Amazon for a mere $60 that are awaiting an install. For this price, you can hardly go wrong. I already have Koni red shocks, Addco sway bar, new steering rack bushings from Loogy, and 15 inch wheels with Nokian tires, so hopefully this will be the last component.

I recently drove a van that entirely stock on the front end, with the one exception of taller, stiffer springs. I could not believe the improvement in cornering and lessening of the nosedive upon braking with this single upgrade.

Something for you to consider,
CJ
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'86 Westy, 2.5 Subaru power
Know your limits. Exceed them often.

[floggingmolly]

[r39o]

YIKES!

Look in the FAQ as linked below. The rear SensaTracs are discussed in the Saggy Butt thread.

I need time to update the FAQ, but there seems to be a nice Monroe front shock too which has been discussed this year too in some thread.

The search should be pretty strong on this topic.
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"Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!

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