Replacement Shocks /Ride Height ?

[spdbrake]

These are same fitment for a 1952-80 VW (Anything they made).
KYB Excell G (Black) PN 343144 (50 psi Ni charged) I have these and admit they ride mucho better the Gabriels I removed. $17.60 EA

KYB Gas-A-Just (White) PN KG5529 (280 psi Ni charged) Not user adjustable, but internal valving is supposed to be variable when needed. (Can effect ride height. I know when my big a-- gets out of the car, the ride height changes as well...) $36.00 EA

KYB does make a manual damping adjustable unit "AGX" (Red) but no VW listing for one. Possibly cuz no one takes their Beetle or Vanagon to the track?

[REY 427]

I just received these in the mail. Should be able to install them tomorrow. The stock Gabriels were leaking like crazy.
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CO7XNG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1[/ame]

[Quentin Z]

Reviving an old thread. If you haven’t switched to the KYB KG5529, do it! #272 actually feels like a BMW now. Best $65 I’ve spent on this car! Couldn’t get the spinner off even with the Spinner 911, but was able to swap them with a simple jack and without removing the wheels.

KYB KG5529 Gas-a-Just Gas Shock https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CO7XNG..._60s9DbAQ7SZC6

[IMLost]

Quentin Z, I see you car is old like mine (178) did they fit ok or did you have to make any structural adjustments? I just want to replace my 15 year old shocks. I've got almost 50,000 mile now so it's about time.
Thanks.

[Quentin Z]

Direct replacement. Simple job.

I also just had the front struts replaced (just the shock part, not the tube) with the original part #. One of mine was completely shot causing major vibration in the front end. The part numbers for car 272 are KYB 361005. You should also replace the upper strut bearings while you are there. Part number for that was Lemforder 27309 01 009. Tip from BDR, use washers in the bottom of the strut tube as spacers if the shock isn’t tight when reassembling. Since yours is as old as mine, you may want to consider this, if it has not already been done.

[spdbrake]

Originally Posted by Quentin Z

Direct replacement. Simple job.

I also just had the front struts replaced (just the shock part, not the tube) with the original part #. One of mine was completely shot causing major vibration in the front end. The part numbers for car 272 are KYB 361005. You should also replace the upper strut bearings while you are there. Part number for that was Lemforder 27309 01 009. Tip from BDR, use washers in the bottom of the strut tube as spacers if the shock isn’t tight when reassembling. Since yours is as old as mine, you may want to consider this, if it has not already been done.

Quentin, You're correct on the washers in the tube base to shim the strut up. I did find on two occasions when checking the front wheels for play the top of the wheels were deflecting in and out (pos-neg camber direction if that makes sense). It wasn't my camber plates or hubs. Placing my index finger at the strut shaft the the Strut base was moving inside the strut tube. Evidently the shim washers had bent somewhat (the strut tube internal base is curved). I simply tightened the strut gland nut again. I've checked two further time this past year and the issue is resolved.

[Quentin Z]

Originally Posted by IMLost

Quentin Z, I see you car is old like mine (178) did they fit ok or did you have to make any structural adjustments? I just want to replace my 15 year old shocks. I've got almost 50,000 mile now so it's about time.
Thanks.

Direct replacement; no modification. Quick & easy.

[IMLost]

Thanks . Took longer to get them out of the box and jack the car up. Now i need a new crank a,d the motor back in to see how it rides.