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Wed Jul 14, 2021 8:32 am

Anybody running Spax adjustable shocks ? Any feedback?

https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/t3-parts/suspension/front/damper-t3-front-spax-gas-adjustable.html

https://www.brickwerks.co.uk/t3-parts/suspension/rear/damper-t3-rear-spax-gas-adjustable.html

Wed Jul 14, 2021 9:55 am

no direct experience with them but the fronts may be a real challenge to adjust. not sure the wheel wouldn't hit the control arm

Wed Jul 14, 2021 1:14 pm

I would think that the knob would face the inside - kinda wide open there. Prolly be able to remove the knob and adjust with a screwdriver.

Had Spaxes on an Alfa 1750 Berlina a hundred years ago and they were very nice shocks!

Wed Jul 14, 2021 7:34 pm

They are listed as for lowered vans.
“Suitable for all 2WD models running lower than standard suspension.”

Thu Jul 15, 2021 7:20 am

skills@eurocarsplus wrote: no direct experience with them but the fronts may be a real challenge to adjust. not sure the wheel wouldn't hit the control arm

Not any harder than the Koni's that you have to removed from the lower mount, compress and turn to adjust.

As long as you have access to the knob and it fits in the lower arm it'd be a snap.

Thu Jul 15, 2021 7:27 am

vanagonjr wrote: They are listed as for lowered vans.
“Suitable for all 2WD models running lower than standard suspension.”

Mine is lowered.... I guess I should have stated that. I was looking for an adjustable shock that would fit my needs. I rolled the dice and ordered a set. I will update when I get them ....
Thanks for replies....Pete

Thu Jul 15, 2021 7:36 am

ran them on my ghia 40 years ago . really liked them . I did not notice a huge change when dialing them in only subtle.

Tue Jul 20, 2021 5:57 pm

Installed these today..... Amazing difference.
What I didn't realize was that my truck was equipped with 5 rib front snubbers instead of conventional 3 ribs. I'm new to the Vanagon scene, so when I installed the lowering springs, I did not know the snubbers were different.
So when I pulled the front shocks today, I found that the snubbers were in fact being hit. The ride has been pretty bumpy up to this point... bad enough to get your ass off the seat on a good bump. So a combination of whacking the snubbers on compression and relying on original 58,000 mile original shocks for rebound control, did not give any ride quality at all !!
After cutting off 2 ribs on the snubbers and installing these shocks, The ride is amazing!!! They have 28 clicks on the adjustment and the adjustments make a substantial difference. After making a few quick road tests and adjustment changes, I'm at 10 clicks now on the fronts and 8 on the rears and i can't say enough about these.... This truck is an absolute blast to drive now ( well as much as 50 horse can be )

And for those of you wondering about adjustment knob to control arm clearance.... Plenty

I find it weird that I placed orders from Brickworks and VanCafe on the same day and the package from England beats the one from with-in country...

Tue Jul 20, 2021 6:16 pm

Thanks for the update. You are making me want to lower my Van to run these shocks! 😅

Tue Jul 20, 2021 7:20 pm

turbotype1 wrote: Installed these today..... Amazing difference.
What I didn't realize was that my truck was equipped with 5 rib front snubbers instead of conventional 3 ribs. I'm new to the Vanagon scene, so when I installed the lowering springs, I did not know the snubbers were different.

what is your spring combo?

i'm running h&r with bilsteins and it's a bit harsher than i'd like. not horrid, but not as good as i think it could be. and due to time/availability i went with the bilsteins knowing full well that even a direct replacement from them was a bit on the harsh side

yea, i made the same mistake. i cleaned up my dust boots/bump stops and put it all together. i backed out of the garage and said 'fuck, i forgot to cut them' and promptly pulled back in. i totally spaced on trimming them.

Wed Jul 21, 2021 6:14 am

skills@eurocarsplus wrote: turbotype1 wrote: Installed these today..... Amazing difference.
What I didn't realize was that my truck was equipped with 5 rib front snubbers instead of conventional 3 ribs. I'm new to the Vanagon scene, so when I installed the lowering springs, I did not know the snubbers were different.

what is your spring combo?

i'm running h&r with bilsteins and it's a bit harsher than i'd like. not horrid, but not as good as i think it could be. and due to time/availability i went with the bilsteins knowing full well that even a direct replacement from them was a bit on the harsh side

yea, i made the same mistake. i cleaned up my dust boots/bump stops and put it all together. i backed out of the garage and said 'fuck, i forgot to cut
them' and promptly pulled back in. i totally spaced on trimming them.

I've got H&R's as well. I'm at 14-1/4" front 14-5/8" rear measured from fender lip to wheel center. I was going to go with Bilsteins too, but I was thinking they may have been valved for a heavier Westy as opposed to a lighter single cab.I have ran Koni's in the past (other car) and while they did work well, I couldn't stand the way that they were adjusted.
I'm pretty stoked about these.... Money well spent. Now I've gotta get some more sack in this thing

Thu Jul 22, 2021 9:47 am

turbotype1 wrote:
I'm pretty stoked about these.... Money well spent. Now I've gotta get some more sack in this thing

good to know. i may have to bite the bullet and get a set.

like i said going in to it i knew the bilsteins were gonna be stiff and i had koni's on a mk2 jetta...they were 'ok' but not worth the hype (imho)

thanks for the review. i think i will give them a shot

Thu Jul 22, 2021 1:48 pm

I had Spax adjustables on my Audi years ago. Worked well until they suffered severe leaks around the shaft in 3 years of limited use (30,000km).

In my experience, poor build quality compared to better known shocks. The R&D is not at the same level..