Which shocks

[Pearl69]

Hi, I'm after some advice please.
I'm looking to replace the shocks on my bus which are old and are shot.
I am confident I can actually replace them as it looks a fairly easy job, but buying the correct replacements is more tricky.
I am on a budget and not after anything fancy and expensive just something that will do the job.
As my bus has been lowered a bit, my main question is what size do I need, will standard ones still be okay or would others be better??
When on the ground the span is 330mm front and 440mm rear, but as existing shocks are knackered should this be a bit wider to allow for decent ones?
Also the van has no interior at the moment so do I factor in the extra weight and work from shorter spans ??
Any help/recommendations much appreciated.

 

[StuF]

When I get around to replacing my Spax Gas Shocks I will be going for a set from Royal Country Auto Supply
Their protech shocks look amazing

Available from here

http://www.royalcountyautosupply.co.uk/shock-absorders.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I was quoted £350 & £10 delivery for a set of 4 - You need to measure between the top/lower shock mount with the bus at it's usual ride height to get the right ones made to measure! In the case where the interior is missing give them a bell and I am sure they will know what spring rate will be appropriate

 

[gvee]

Changing the shocks is an easy job - all you need is a jack and a 17mm (or 19?) spanner/socket.

To work out the correct length for your set up you need to:

• Get the van up in the air
• Whip the existing shocks off
• Pop it back on the ground
• Roll/bounce the van around a little to settle the suspension
• Measure the distance between the centres of the shock mounts

The distance between the centres is your "neutral"/"middle" of the movement range. You want to find shocks where this measurement sits comfortably in the middle of the extended and compressed values.

Alternatively give Alex at VWHeritage a ring armed with the measurement and he'll sort you out if in any further doubt.

 

[Pearl69]

Changing the shocks is an easy job - all you need is a jack and a 17mm (or 19?) spanner/socket.

To work out the correct length for your set up you need to:

• Get the van up in the air
• Whip the existing shocks off
• Pop it back on the ground
• Roll/bounce the van around a little to settle the suspension
• Measure the distance between the centres of the shock mounts

The distance between the centres is your "neutral"/"middle" of the movement range. You want to find shocks where this measurement sits comfortably in the middle of the extended and compressed values.

Alternatively give Alex at VWHeritage a ring armed with the measurement and he'll sort you out if in any further doubt.

Thanks George, will do that.

 

[Pearl69]

When I get around to replacing my Spax Gas Shocks I will be going for a set from Royal Country Auto Supply
Their protech shocks look amazing

Available from here

http://www.royalcountyautosupply.co.uk/shock-absorders.php" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I was quoted £350 & £10 delivery for a set of 4 - You need to measure between the top/lower shock mount with the bus at it's usual ride height to get the right ones made to measure! In the case where the interior is missing give them a bell and I am sure they will know what spring rate will be appropriate

Cheers Stu, lovely looking bit of kit those, but at £360, about £250 more than i wanted to spend :? .

 

[Supertramp]

I've just bought some KYB Gas-A-Just for the rears from Heritage, arrived today. Going to fit in the next couple of days. Mine is a stock height but it says they can be used on slightly lowered busses?