Shock Absorbers

jack01 · Post by **jack01** » Tue May 13, 2008 10:57 am

I just got new Gabriel gas shocks for the front and rear of my '66. I did this because I read in one of the manuals that the OEM shocks were not adequate and should be replaced. They mentioned gas shocks as an alternative but did not make a recommendation one way or the other. My mechanic friend tells me that the hydraulic shocks are better and that the VW was not designed for the bouncy ride that gas shocks give. Anyone have an opinion on what's better??

fatalifeaten · Post by **fatalifeaten** » Mon May 19, 2008 8:13 pm

I've run both, and your mechanic friend's dead-on in my opinion. My '67 had KYB Gas-A-Justs at all 4 corners, and was stiff as all get out. You'd think your fillings were gonna rattle loose on some of the moderately maintained roads around here, and forget driving at any kind of speed on rough roads.

My '66 I'm running Empi Oil filled up front and the KYB's out back. Night and day. Front absorbs the occasional rough patch, and the rears help keep the bottom planted where it belongs.

elkluvadore · Post by **elkluvadore** » Thu Aug 14, 2008 10:15 pm

Are coil over shocks worth a shiz on the beetles?

fatalifeaten · Post by **fatalifeaten** » Mon Aug 18, 2008 1:05 pm

Not really, no. The beam is providing your suspension and travel, the skicks are really there just to be dampers and kelp keep the tires planted. Coil overs are designed to carry the suspended weight and be an active part of the suspension, so they're not really optimal for a stock suspension or one modified form stock (IE a lowered front end for example)

If you modify it wildly (air bags, or an A-Arm truss as examples), coilovers can bring more tot the table for you.