[T3] Re/ stuck front shock bushing... tips/tricks?

Adriel Rowley adriel_rowley at hotmail.com
Mon Apr 25 11:09:19 PDT 2011




----------------------------------------
> Date: Mon, 25 Apr 2011 08:51:37 -0500
> From: jadney at vwtype3.org
> To: type3 at vwtype3.org
> Subject: Re: [T3] Re/ stuck front shock bushing... tips/tricks?
>
> On 24 Apr 2011 at 23:31, David Yaghoubian wrote:
>
> > If these KYBs last as long as the last I'll be reviewing
> > this thread in ~2030. :)
>
> They won't. Nothing lasts as long as the OG shocks do, so if any of your
> originals are still good (have resistance over their full length in both
> directions) don't throw them away. Contrary to popular belief, shocks don't get
> weak over time, but they do sometimes completely lose their resistance in one
> or both directions.
>
Koni dampeners should, considering where they are made. ;)

My front dampeners were original, but one lost total resistance in both directions
and the other mostly in one and some in the other direction.  Of course did not 
toss them. ;)  Rear dampeners were for a Beetle, so way too soft especially with
about 600 pound load in the back. ;/

> OG shocks are something I always save if I'm parting out an old car, and I'm
> always happy if I can find what I need in my stash to replace one that has gone
> bad. I don't think there's any source for new Type 3 shocks; what everyone
> sells are Beetle shocks, which are somewhat lighter duty than ours.
>
All the type 3s I have seen have aftermarket, so interesting you can find them,
especially in usable condition.

I looked long and hard for type 3 shocks, and ended up finding N.O.S. Koni 
dampeners back East.  The front is late type 3, and the rear is type 3/Super 
Beetle rear.  Took many hours sending e.-mails to get the right valving, then
size, and finally part numbers.  Even required finding an old parts book to get 
the right numbers.  In the end, less cost than the currently sold Koni dampeners.  
I am much happier with them than stock, especially knowing they are valved for 
the right weight of auto.  Only driven the Squareback a short distance but can 
tell it is way more confident.  Looking so forward to get to Sandy Eggo and take 
it to some curves.

> Testing old shocks is simple. With the rod end up, just compress and extend the
> shock to see if you get resistance in both directions and over the full length
> of the rod. It's a simple and effective test, which you can do in a quick
> moment.
>
And can be done in situation.


Thank you,
Adriel
 		 	   		  


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