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Cheburashka
Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2018
Posts: 123
Location: WA
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 Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2018 7:42 am Post subject: How "soft" should the front end's ride be? 71 SB |
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I got the "clunk" sorted out on my '71 SB, and it's much more pleasant to drive. However, it bounces hard on pavement irregularities and the ride up front is very harsh. It has oil-filled struts, and the one I pulled from its housing was very stiff.
I've heard different things about the KYB Excel G struts (and I'm not trying to start a war over which is better--just looking for information.) Assuming my existing struts are ruined from age, would the Excel Gs give a better ride? Do they tend to ride stiffer than stock? What kind of ride characteristics will I get from the different options out there? |
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Max Welton
Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2003
Posts: 11017
Location: Black Forest, CO
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Cheburashka
Samba Member
Joined: July 10, 2018
Posts: 123
Location: WA
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| Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2018 8:47 am Post subject: Re: How "soft" should the front end's ride be? 71 SB |
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| Nexen 165/80 R16 at 30PSI. They're new. I now see that the pressure is way too high. I dropped the front to 17 and the rear to 27. The ride is better now, but still bouncier than I'd like. |
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Lingwendil
Samba Member
Joined: February 25, 2009
Posts: 3999
Location: Antioch, California, a block from the hood
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| Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2018 1:36 pm Post subject: Re: How "soft" should the front end's ride be? 71 SB |
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The excel cartridges are a smidge stiffer than stock, but not objectionable, in my opinion. I still have a comparable ride to a balljoint-beam front end on my 73 with them up front, and that's with my preference for a stiffer "sporty" feel. Passengers comment on how comfy it is compared to other beetles they've ridden in. I also run lowered struts dropped about 1.5" or so (two notches down) on my car, however.
If you get them get them from toplineparts 
Tire pressure makes a difference for sure, with 165/80 I can't stand 22PSI or higher, with the Nexen (? I think Nexen...) 175/65 I run these days I find that 25PSI is perfect. Any lower and the steering gets wonky in turns.
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73 super beetle thread http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=649622 Back on the Road!
Modify your Kadrons for SVDA http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8115884#8115884
Cast iron VJU4BR8 SVDA reference thread- https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...mp;start=0
Need replacement filters for original Kadron aircleaners? WIX #42087 is a perfect fit, as is Napa Gold #2087! |
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Tim Donahoe
Samba Member
Joined: December 08, 2012
Posts: 11781
Location: Redding, CA
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| Posted: Sun Aug 19, 2018 6:35 pm Post subject: Re: How "soft" should the front end's ride be? 71 SB |
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The oil filled shocks were stock. I replaced mine with Sachs/Boge oil filled.
The ride is very smooth. Much smoother than my ‘93 Honda del sol.
Tim
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