Oil filled shocks

[lupo69]

I recently bought a set of oil filled shocks for the rear of my buggy. I have not installed them but found when you push them down they do not push back out. I called the supplier and they said that is normal for oil filled shocks. I thought I would ask you guys if that's true. They are just the cheap $25 oil filled ones.
Thanks Rich

[LeeVW]

That is the correct behavior. You have non-gas charged shocks, which is what you want.

[Dale M.]

[BL3Manx]

Try to find some well worn used ones for the front

[laughlin]

I recently put new shocks on rear of my buggie. And I don't know if gas or oil filled. Could this be why when I have passengers in rear my rear tires rub on bumps sometimes. I do have wider tires on rear though.

[LeeVW]

laughlin, the reason the tires rub when you have people in the back is due to the spring rate of the torsion bars, not the shocks.

Some folks put coil over shocks on the back in addition to the torsions in order to handle the extra weight, but this results in way too high of a spring rate. These aftermarket coil over shocks are often of such poor quality the dampening effect is minimal at first and it fades to nothing on bumpy surfaces as the shocks heat up. Think "pogo stick".

The correct way to deal with increased weight in the back of the buggy is to install thicker torsion bars. On my buggy ('72 pan), I went from the stock 22mm bars to 24mm ones. They handle the extra weight of my camping gear easily, but the buggy still rides great when it's mostly empty too.

The poor man's way to keep the back end from bottoming so hard is to install a set of Bus snubbers in place of the stock Bug ones. They fit right on and make quite a difference.

http://vwparts.aircooled.net/Urethane-Rear-Bump-Stop-Type-2-Pair-p/6589-23-6589-24.htm

I ran these on my buggy for a while, but be advised that if you bottom out hard enough they will come off. Two of mine are probably still up there somewhere between Big Bear and Pioneertown.

Lee

[BL3Manx]

I think Lee's advice on the taller snubbers is right on. Here are some in the OEM rubber which adhesive will bond to, to help retain them.

https://www.westcoastmetric.com/product/211-191/stops_rearbrsuspensionbuses_6479

[EVfun]

Thank you for pointing this option out. CIP1 is selling the OEM version of the taller Bus snubbers too. My Mini-T will occasionally strike the rear tires on the fenders with the stock Bug snubbers. My tires are nearly zero camber and slightly less than 27 inches tall. Raising it or smaller tires seem like ugly options.

What does it take to install OEM rear suspension snubbers? It looks like they just pop in, somewhat like a grommet, but they are solid rubber. What tips can you provide on making removal of the old snubbers and installation of the new snubbers a less than a 4 letter word experience?
_________________

[LeeVW]

The old snubbers should be pretty easy to remove. Grab onto it and pull it towards you. Don't try to pull it straight up, pull it at a 90 degree angle. It should pop right off.

Installation is the reverse of removal. They can be a royal pain to get on there, but the adhesive BL3Manx mentioned should act as a lube. Once the glue sets up, they should be on there real good.

Lee

[laughlin]

Thanks guys I will definitely check into new snubbers.

[lupo69]

Thanks so you guys would recommend using the oil filled shocks . The buggy will be used only on the street.

[LeeVW]

lupo69, the consensus is that the oil filled shocks definitely provide a more supple ride for a typical buggy, whether it's driven on the street, in the dirt, or a combination of the two.

Some people have used gas charged shocks at the back and oil filled shocks at the front with good results. The front end is the tricky bit. Since it's so light weight, gas shocks tend to produce a very jarring ride when used up front. Worn out oil filled shocks produce a very supple ride when used on the front end.

My buggy has Fox 2.0 Class 11 shocks. They are charged with nitrogen, but they aren't your typical gas charged shocks like you would get from Pep Boys. Mine have been revalved a number of times in order to get just the right tuning for the type of driving I do.

Lee

[lupo69]

Thanks Leevw for the info. I think I will stick with oil filled shocks for now and when the car is finally on the road I can test them out. I can always change them.

[Jerry39218]

Um..question, where does one obtain oil filled shocks?

Other than on the net, like advanced auto parts, napa, AZ and such.

Anybody have a part #?

[laughlin]

You just need to know what pan you have. I knew mine and walked into oreilly and bought them

[laughlin]

I want to thank everyone who replied about different snubbers on my buggy. I am a machinist by trade. So I grabbed some urethane at work one day and made some. Also made them where they bolt on instead of just squeezing them on.

[Jerry39218]

64.

I couldn't find any oil filled..was told they don't make them anymore.

but the cheapest gas shock by monroe is gas charged with oil filler, they are very lightweight duty.

Just installed them... will test drive soon.

they weren't a perfect fit, the top bolt had to be persuaded to cooperate hah.

[Jerry39218]

They are a bit stiffer, but not too bad I don't think.

[VOLKSWAGNUT]

I take the shock measurments I need and head to a junk yard or U pull it.

$5 a piece.

Lost of lil trucks and lil' SUV's have shocks that will work on VW's front or rear Link or Ball. Just have to look around and maybe get dirty..

I have found that gas shocks when depleted of their gas are actually "lighter" movement shocks than oil shocks.
No need to recharge with gas, just solder it back shut..

In addition swap out to the shock oil to some lighteroil OR charcoal lighter fluid diluted shock oil... and its a el cheapo smooth ride...
Night and day difference..

Advice
If your buggy rides like a no shock go cart... the shocks and springs are too stiff.

Drive it with the shocks removed.. is its smoother the shocks are too stiff.
If its still harsh the springs are too stiff.

.
_________________
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[Meco]

Wolfsburg West sells new oil filled shocks for the VW. I bought a pair for my fronts and like them. Plus they are painted black as the originals.