Shocks - what first, front or back?

[sjmtlewy]

I'm thinking about replacing my shocks in an effort to improve handling and rideability. I'm fairly certain the ones that are on are the 30yr old originals.

I can only afford to do one set at a time, so what should I do first - front or back?

Looking at fitting the oil filled Sachs dampers. Probably non-HD as its only a pop-top and I don't want a sore a***.

Cheers,
Tim

[Titus A Duxass]

If you really have to just do two then I'd do the front first.
Don't buy cheap scheiß! As James76 puts it - buy cheap buy twice.

[sjmtlewy]

Are the Sachs ones not good quality? I assumed as brickwerks sells them and JK marks them as "Best Quality" that they'd be the ones to go for...

[jamesc76]

Don't buy cheap scheiß! As James76 puts it - buy cheap buy twice.

Very true!!!

If Brickwerks are listing them then you know there gonna be decent gear, I would do front first as thats where you will feel the most improvement from, ideally you would do all 4 at the same time, but if money is tight then front first!

[Titus A Duxass]

Sorry I didn't read the last bit of you post properly.

If Brickwerks sell them then they are okay.

[sjmtlewy]

Also, What is the benefit of fitting Heavy Duty ones? A lot of people seem to go for these - is it purely if the van is very heavy, i.e. hightop?

[jamesc76]

heavy duty I think give a little more harsh ride but gives less roll

[jim potter]

what do people generally pay for a set of shocks and springs then ? as although im new to campers , i supply shocks etc , and tunning parts for the vag platform, i do have a supplier that i use for suspension , and if peeps are intrested i could knock out a few sets cheap as a trial .

im happy to help out if people are intrested .

[jim potter]

i should add ill be running the suspension i supply very soon . but it would be nice to have independant feedback.

[sjmtlewy]

I think quality and trust are the main factors, over price.

Brickwerks supply these: http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/shop?page=s ... ory_id=140" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; which have all been rigorously tested on T25s. Shocks can be bought at half that price (e.g. JK cheapos), but there's a view that if he hasn't approved it, its probably not worth buying. I wouldnt want to risk using a brand that I know nothing about.

[toomanytoys]

Change fronts first.. if you really cant afford a full set.. these to deal with all the braking and steering forces thus affect how quick you can stop or steer out of trouble..
Change the antiroll bar bushes and fit a set of the upgraded steering rack bushes.. these wil also make a marked difference to the way it handles.. also get the front geometry properly checked.. (not just alignment, a full check and adjust)

HD shocks, well a pop top wont weight any less than a high top to be fair.. most campers are running around 2000kgs and more when going on hols.. stiffer damping wont reduce roll really, but will control rate of roll a litle and wallowyness in the bends..
I have some of the JK HD ones on the "lightweight" caravelle, but the rears have leaked twice, front seem to have lasted.. with the factory HD springs and new bushes, it handles very well, a heavy camper wont be as sprightly through the bends

[sjmtlewy]

Already done the steering rack and the lower ARB bushes. Upper ones didnt look too bad, so haven't bothered.

I have some JK vouchers, so was going to go for their "best quality Sachs/Boge" standard one. They don't appear to do high quality heavy duty ones. I may wait until I can do all 4 - I've got my MOT on Monday, which may rule this all out anyway.

Does it matter what springs you have? I think mine are original, I'm not sure if they have any markings on them though. I'm not even sure what it was originally - probably either a multivan or a kombi.

[jim potter]

I think quality and trust are the main factors, over price.

Brickwerks supply these: http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/shop?page=s" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; ... ory_id=140 which have all been rigorously tested on T25s. Shocks can be bought at half that price (e.g. JK cheapos), but there's a view that if he hasn't approved it, its probably not worth buying. I wouldnt want to risk using a brand that I know nothing about.I think quality and trust are the main factors, over price.

Brickwerks supply these: http://www.brickwerks.co.uk/shop?page=s ... ory_id=140" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; which have all been rigorously tested on T25s. Shocks can be bought at half that price (e.g. JK cheapos), but there's a view that if he hasn't approved it, its probably not worth buying. I wouldnt want to risk using a brand that I know nothing about.

no thats fine, i understand price isnt always the main concern . but thought if im competetive someone other then myself , may like to test what i think is a good product . im not intrested in selling anything crap , as it wont do me no favours .. perhaps ill be able to help out in future .