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snoop Samba Member
Joined: June 22, 2007 Posts: 350 Location: SW Oregon
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 3:07 pm Post subject: |
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OK, maybe it's more like kool-aid that I'm showin' ya .
Not sure how best to answer your question...but here goes:
Firmer than the Bilstein HDs that they replaced. Not as dramatic a firming up as the Sensa Tracs had on the rear. The Sensa Tracs compared to Bilstein HDs firmed up the front suspension more than did GW springs compared to syncro.org springs. These shocks are spec'd for Ford F-150s if that helps.
More info...I'd been thinking of getting an Addco front sway bar to firm up the front...not thinking that way anymore...really want to keep the comparatively high independent wheel articulation that the stock bar allows for off-road use...but wanted less body roll in high speed turns on-road...didn't think I could achieve both of these objectives...but both are met with these shocks.
Like Goldilocks said...just right
Here's some shots of 'em installed (borrowed neighbor's digicam):
Drink the kool-aid man! _________________ 87 Westy Camper |
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JeffRobenolt Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007 Posts: 1513 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 1:53 pm Post subject: |
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the shock extenders didn't fit, wrong thread size.
Snoop how firm are your shocks? _________________ --------------------------------------------------------
jfats808 wrote: |
Most, some, few is not all. You can always learn something from everyone , even the fool. |
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snoop Samba Member
Joined: June 22, 2007 Posts: 350 Location: SW Oregon
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 11:54 am Post subject: |
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It IS a simple bolt on attachment.
And a jaw dropping improvement in front end suspension performance...worth 10x what they cost IMO.
All I can do is show you the water... _________________ 87 Westy Camper |
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JeffRobenolt Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007 Posts: 1513 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Sat Jun 13, 2009 9:24 am Post subject: |
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The Monroe pfd catalog is a lot of help but I ran into a problem.
The stock front shock part # for our vans is 34970.
It shows a mounting # of S4 for the top and bottom which can't be right.
The S4 is the stud.
Is there any other shock vender that has a spec sheet like monroe's to compare?
Snoop, the model you are using has a LS38 bottom mount, I could go that route and shim but it would be nice to find a bolt on.
Thanks Jeff _________________ --------------------------------------------------------
jfats808 wrote: |
Most, some, few is not all. You can always learn something from everyone , even the fool. |
Last edited by JeffRobenolt on Sat Jun 13, 2009 2:15 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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snoop Samba Member
Joined: June 22, 2007 Posts: 350 Location: SW Oregon
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Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 6:49 am Post subject: |
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Here's a pic of the model I'm using...the 58275 has the same mounts.
Note: one does need to use collars or washers to center the lower shock mount in the lower control arm. There are several ways to optimize the top mount...easiest is to use a golf weight ring which nestles into the top of the shock housing and the bottom of the shock tower cup perfectly...they do come in colors other than pink... _________________ 87 Westy Camper |
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snoop Samba Member
Joined: June 22, 2007 Posts: 350 Location: SW Oregon
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Posted: Thu Jun 11, 2009 6:37 am Post subject: |
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Whoops...thanks Walt...s'what I get for going off of memory...I've changed the post to reflect the correct non-lifted vanagon part #. _________________ 87 Westy Camper |
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r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 10:47 pm Post subject: |
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Look close at the catalog. Those two shocks have different mountings and helper springs. One pair will likely not work. Plus the helper springs may mess things up. Maybe there is abother Monroe that will do the trick? _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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Christopher Schimke Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005 Posts: 5390 Location: PNW
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Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 9:21 pm Post subject: |
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jrobewesty wrote: |
Can anyone with a set of koni's check the thread size?
Thanks Jeff |
Konis = M10x1.0 _________________ "Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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snoop Samba Member
Joined: June 22, 2007 Posts: 350 Location: SW Oregon
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Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:53 pm Post subject: |
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Another way.
Sorry, no photo of the front configuration...digicam on the fritz. Will post shot when it or a replacement allows it.
Monroe Sensa-Trac load adjuster #58253 is second from the top, left column, page 15...compressed length: 10.5", extended length: 16.125".
Rockauto's got em for $58/pair...search under part: 58253, manufacturer: Monroe, type: suspension, shock absorber.
Killer performance:cost ratio IMO.
BTW, riceye had pointed out some time ago that #58275 may work well for a non-lifted van...my experience with it's longer brother strongly suggests that it would indeed be excellent in that application....also at a killer performance:cost ratio. _________________ 87 Westy Camper
Last edited by snoop on Thu Jun 11, 2009 6:36 am; edited 1 time in total |
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1621 Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2006 Posts: 2174
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Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:49 pm Post subject: |
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IIRC the thread sizes are different. I think the Bilsteins had a finer thread pitch. Sold my Bilsteins to another Samba member, so I can't compare.
Search around through Tristar Eric's old posts. I think he modified some shocks to gain some extended length and included photos and instructions. _________________ '85 Westy
Last edited by 1621 on Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:53 pm; edited 1 time in total |
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JeffRobenolt Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007 Posts: 1513 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:17 pm Post subject: |
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I did call Koni and Bilstein tech departments and told them of my problem.
I asked if they had another shock that was a little longer and they both told me they can only look them up by vehicle application.
So if anyone has a catalog that shows specs please chime in.
I did order the 1 1/4 extenders for my Bilsteins.
Can anyone with a set of koni's check the thread size?
Thanks Jeff _________________ --------------------------------------------------------
jfats808 wrote: |
Most, some, few is not all. You can always learn something from everyone , even the fool. |
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JeffRobenolt Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007 Posts: 1513 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 7:15 pm Post subject: |
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At 19" my Bilstein's are close to the limit. They aren't hammering when they top out but you can feel them just reach there limit through the gas pedal on some bumps.
My rears hammered when they topped out. I ended up using Chevy Astro Van shocks.
I think I might try these extender's. They say they are 12mmx1 and fit Bilstein's.
Does anyone know the thread size of the Koni's. I rather get some stiffer shock like the Koni's.
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Shock-Extensions-For-Pro-and-Bilstein,323.html _________________ --------------------------------------------------------
jfats808 wrote: |
Most, some, few is not all. You can always learn something from everyone , even the fool. |
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Christopher Schimke Samba Member
Joined: August 03, 2005 Posts: 5390 Location: PNW
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Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 3:57 pm Post subject: |
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And uhm, just to drive the point home, don't forget that the shocks are mounted inboard of the ball joint centerline. This means that 0.5" of shock travel becomes 0.82" of travel at the ball joint. _________________ "Sometimes you have to build a box to think outside of." - Bruce (not Springsteen)
*Custom wheel hardware for Audi/VW, Porsche and Mercedes wheels - Urethane Suspension Bushings*
T3Technique.com or contact me at [email protected] |
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r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 2:51 pm Post subject: |
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UNDERSTAND.
Maybe they have a longer shock available? That will be a good question for the guys at Shox, then.
Thanks,
Walt.... _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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BlackDogVan Samba Member
Joined: December 21, 2007 Posts: 855 Location: Vancouver Island
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Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 1:04 pm Post subject: |
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The shocks reached full extension before the suspension did. Drive off a curb or a big speed bump & the sound it makes will NOT warm your heart. My koni rears seemed to be better off but after topping out the suspension too much one has blown its seal. Koni's measure out a little more than .5" shorter.
Hey there are lots of members here running GW lift on a 2wd, anyone have success installing the Koni's???
I'm not getting up on a soap box saying i'm super-duper right, just sharing my experience. |
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r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 11:28 am Post subject: |
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How did they not fit? What did you do to determine this? Usually a half an inch for a shock is not that much of a deal. We are all VERY curious.
The brick and mortar part of Shox.com is a short drive from my house. I want to go there and buy some new front shocks. I REALLY like the Konis, but do not want to be playing musical shocks. _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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BlackDogVan Samba Member
Joined: December 21, 2007 Posts: 855 Location: Vancouver Island
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Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:46 am Post subject: |
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1621 wrote: |
I made the switch from Bilstein to Koni and didn't see any appreciable difference in extended length when I compared the two. If you're liable to top out with the Konis, then you'll do the same with Bilsteins. |
Its from a post I put up after i couldn't get the koni's to fit with the GW springs. Billstiens did & I do like them, the koni's were sooo sweet tho! |
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1621 Samba Member
Joined: May 15, 2006 Posts: 2174
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Posted: Wed Jun 10, 2009 8:21 am Post subject: |
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I made the switch from Bilstein to Koni and didn't see any appreciable difference in extended length when I compared the two. If you're liable to top out with the Konis, then you'll do the same with Bilsteins. _________________ '85 Westy |
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r39o Samba Polizei
Joined: May 18, 2005 Posts: 9800 Location: San Diego
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Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 11:41 pm Post subject: |
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jrobewesty,
Excuse my ignorance, but how do you know the shocks are close to any limit? Is that on compression or extension? I am a bit confused. Stock on the 85 was pretty high at 18.5 and the standard shocks which these aftermarket ones are supposed to replace should not have much issue with your extra half an inch. So I want to know how you figger this is an issue?
-Walt _________________ "Use the SEARCH, Luke" But first visit the Vanagon FAQ!
1990 Multivan EJ 22, Rancho trans 0.82 4th, Small Car front AC, CLKs w/ 215/65-16, homemade big brakes 303mm, Konis, Recaros, etc....
Click to see my ads for Cup holders, Subaru clutch fix and CLK wheels (no wheels currently) |
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JeffRobenolt Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2007 Posts: 1513 Location: Wisconsin
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Posted: Tue Jun 09, 2009 10:29 pm Post subject: |
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I have Bilstein HD that have 14.98 and the Koni's are around 14.5.
My van sits at 19". _________________ --------------------------------------------------------
jfats808 wrote: |
Most, some, few is not all. You can always learn something from everyone , even the fool. |
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