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Closed17 replies

shock selection

H hoghead
OK I have searched here and in the Samba and still a bit confused

Recommendations for front shocks range from KYB-G2 to stock oil filled.
The logic for soft oil filled is that the Speedster front end is so light that a "stiffer" shock impairs tyre contact in bumpy surfaces. If this truly is the case it makes it easy as the local VW shop has stock oil filled shocks. I just cannot help thinking that a high performance shock is better than stock ???

Rear shocks seem to revolve around KYB, with high end Bilstiens and Koni thrown in. KYB is what I can buy so lets limit the recommendations to this brand.
GR-2 in the rear or Gas-Adjust

I have looked at the KYB website and see the PN for stock VW Beetles. I have dropped spindles so a stock length will work on the front, within any fine tuning required with the adjustable beam.

What to use on the rear, as it will also need to be dropped to match the front. Will the stock length work, or is there a recommended PN?
1957 CMC(Speedster)
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H hoghead
OK I have searched here and in the Samba and still a bit confused

Recommendations for front shocks range from KYB-G2 to stock oil filled.
The logic for soft oil filled is that the Speedster front end is so light that a "stiffer" shock impairs tyre contact in bumpy surfaces. If this truly is the case it makes it easy as the local VW shop has stock oil filled shocks. I just cannot help thinking that a high performance shock is better than stock ???

Rear shocks seem to revolve around KYB, with high end Bilstiens and Koni thrown in. KYB is what I can buy so lets limit the recommendations to this brand.
GR-2 in the rear or Gas-Adjust

I have looked at the KYB website and see the PN for stock VW Beetles. I have dropped spindles so a stock length will work on the front, within any fine tuning required with the adjustable beam.

What to use on the rear, as it will also need to be dropped to match the front. Will the stock length work, or is there a recommended PN?
LeonChuppLeonChupp
KYB shocks can be had for dropped front ends......If you contact them, I'm sure something could be worked out.....The beauty of a "gas" shock over an oil filled one is the quicker damping response...TO me, this actualy seems to help in maintaining road contact....The GR-2s are the way to go, as the cars are Light, and the other shocks amount to overkill. (as in kidney buster)....Hope this helps....;-)
Lane AndersonLane AndersonMt. Pleasant, SC Supporting Member
I am using stock length all around, ad the existing shock are that length. I went with the GR2's after Leon rode in it and noticed a vibration that I had though was a wheel balance issue. He had a similar problem that was solved when he went with the gas shocks - more of a harmonic vibration than a balance issue. Since my wheels had been recently balanced, that made sense to me. They aren't expensive, so we'll see. The GR2's are not supposed to be stiffer than stock. It's just that the pressurized gas should handle the sort of small harmonics that may be my problem. Fingers crossed.
FM Former Member
Robert, we removed the KYB GR-2s from the Hoopty because they were beating the car to death.
The Hoopty is so light, the softer ride of the oil shocks made a huge difference. I'd suggest trying the oil shocks first, and if they don't do what they need to for you, we can make you a hell of a good deal on our old KYBs.
Maybe we trade you for a Buddha statue and the cost of shipping. ;)
FM Former Member
Yup, Lane, standard oil shocks do that. Nitrogen-charged shocks should slowly extend all the way, as long as they are still charged that is. I have the Gr-2s in the front of my Spyder, and like them. My rough ride was caused by not enough grease in the beam, new bushings, and shocks that needed some modification. I had to remove the shock tops and trim the bumpers in half to get enough travel, now they are perfect.
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