What shocks should i use for lowered van?

[mikemango]

Hi Folks
I have a 1972 Bus which has been lowered about 5 inches all round (Beam adjusters on the front & two splines on the rear) its currently sitting on its original shocks, the ride feels a little bouncy??? :roll:
Any ideas what to fit?
Where to buy?
Any advice will be most appreciated.
Mike.

 

[sparkywig]

The ride will be bouncy and harsh if lowered on adjusters alone.
I'm running KYB GR2s, but I'm sure somebody will tell you to fit coilovers.

 

[MisterListerSir]

Ours has kyb gas-a-just with one beam adjuster up front and a spline or two at the back. Rides great even kept stock tyres :mrgreen:

 

[K@rlos]

Sparkywig hit the nail on the head, adjusters alone make for a rough ride. GR-2's or Bugpack red's are the way to go. Bugpacks give a smooth ride but are a bit soft in the bends. Coilovers are ok, I have them on the back of mine to stiffen the rear end up.

 

[MisterListerSir]

Sparkywig hit the nail on the head, adjusters alone make for a rough ride. GR-2's or Bugpack red's are the way to go. Bugpacks give a smooth ride but are a bit soft in the bends. Coilovers are ok, I have them on the back of mine to stiffen the rear end up.

Like i said mine aint a rough ride? May because i'm only running one adjuster recommended and fitted by Evil Bens.
Plus stock tyres...thats got to help

 

[sparkywig]

Depends how low you are, no matter who fitted the adjusters the lower you go the harsher the ride.

 

[MisterListerSir]

Going too low with adjusters only will cause stress on the ball joints which can lead to failure and i didnt want to lose a wheel at motorway speeds with the family in. looking cool is one thing but puting the family at risk is another

 

[six]

The ride will be bouncy and harsh if lowered on adjusters alone.
I'm running KYB GR2s, but I'm sure somebody will tell you to fit coilovers.

GR2s and adjusters only yes it gets a little harsh im only about 3.5 inches down and the ball joints bottom out often

 

[Trikky2]

I mis read the title and thought it said "what socks for a lowered van" :lol:

 

[ground hugger]

I mis read the title and thought it said "what socks for a lowered van" :lol:

:lol: that will be slam socks then :lol: Google it :shock:

 

[Trikky2]

I mis read the title and thought it said "what socks for a lowered van" :lol:

:lol: that will be slam socks then :lol: Google it :shock:

I did - didn't know they existed.

Will they fit other vehicles too? :lol:

 

[Alex VW Heritage]

It is most important to get the right length shocks for your van.

With all the weight in the van, so engine. gearbox and interior take the shocks off, put the van back on its wheels and roll back and forth to settle, then measure between the centre of the top and bottom shock mounting bolt hole. This gives a central measurement for the shock and means you'll have a shock that is in the cntre of its travel so it wont bottom or top out which will not only mean you get a better ride but will mean the shock will last longer too. WIN WIN :mrgreen:

 

[ground hugger]

It is most important to get the right length shocks for your van.

:

Hi Alex what would vw heritage recommend +and - for a measurement of 275mm ?......cheers...Dave

 

[Alex VW Heritage]

It is most important to get the right length shocks for your van.

:

Hi Alex what would vw heritage recommend +and - for a measurement of 275mm ?......cheers...Dave

Hi Dave sounds like your bus must be VERY Low, I would think you are best of speaking with AVO in the uk and getting a shock made for your application, they do a coilover unit for vans that low, I am not sure of the exact specification. You may be able to get them through Mark at Autotechnks 01372 878 464.

 

[ground hugger]

Cheers Alex
I'll ring/email Avo , be interesting to hear/read what they recommend...Dave

 

[Priscilla1969]

Hi Alex,
Why do you have to take the shocks off before measuring the distance between the two fixing points?

 

[sparkywig]

If the existing shocks are too long and bottoming out it'll give you a false reading.
Remove the shocks, bounce the van to settle the suspension and then measure between the mounting points. This is the centre point of the suspension movement.

 

[Alex VW Heritage]

If the existing shocks are too long and bottoming out it'll give you a false reading.
Remove the shocks, bounce the van to settle the suspension and then measure between the mounting points. This is the centre point of the suspension movement.

Indeed, Spot On Thanks Dude :mrgreen:

 

[Alex VW Heritage]

Hi Alex,
Why do you have to take the shocks off before measuring the distance between the two fixing points?

Try and see if they can look at the specs Mark has had from them as I know he had to try a variety of springs to get the correct poundage. It'd be easier to use his R&D rather than having to do it all yourself as buying a variety of springs can get expensive.