CaveVan Forum

VW T4 "Eurovans" => Exterior => Topic started by: erik.wahlstrom on February 16, 2016, 09:57:00 am

Title: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: erik.wahlstrom on February 16, 2016, 09:57:00 am
Have anyone tried them? Any real advantage over the Bilstiens?
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: rcowan on February 17, 2016, 09:06:48 am
I don't know anything about them but I'm really tempted to pick some up while they are still on sale at GoWesty! I think they are too new in the Eurovan application for anyone to have feedback. The Vanagon crowd has used them for a bit longer and I have good feedback on them in that application.
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: Cole on February 17, 2016, 02:51:32 pm
Have anyone tried them? Any real advantage over the Bilstiens?

I have not tried them.

The theory is that with a remote reservoir that you can run more oil and it can be cooled in the remote reservoir. Thus preventing shock fade due to heat.

Not sure how much of an issue this is or isn't on the Eurovan. Kinda makes sense that it would be an issue with a heavy van and short shocks though.
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: erik.wahlstrom on February 17, 2016, 05:30:03 pm
I'm still trying to figure out new wheels.  I'd like to do BF goodrich AT KO2's on a reasonable size wheel.  Once I figure it out I'll pickup a set and have them put on.   I'm tempted to try to put the tires on my stock wheels, but I can't quite figure out the exactly what I'll need to do (spacers, and torsion bars wise).
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: mech23 on February 18, 2016, 10:13:31 am
I have a set which will be installed in the next few weeks.  8)   Will report then on how they perform. Currently have Bilstein HD on my van. The remote reservoir is mostly to allow a larger oil volume and get the IFP away from the working piston inside the shock. It adds some cooling, but nothing like the giant off road shocks Fox makes. http://www.ridefox.com/upgrades.php?m=offroad&t=shocks&ref=topnav (http://www.ridefox.com/upgrades.php?m=offroad&t=shocks&ref=topnav)

Waiting for rear spring spacers (hi Cole) and upper ball joint tools to arrive before I put them on.
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: Cole on February 18, 2016, 04:12:34 pm

Waiting for rear spring spacers (hi Cole) and upper ball joint tools to arrive before I put them on.

All the spacers just went out today. I had a machine break on me so things were delayed a few days while I waited for a part to arrive.


Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: mech23 on February 18, 2016, 05:09:55 pm
All the spacers just went out today. I had a machine break on me so things were delayed a few days while I waited for a part to arrive.

No worries, I won't have the upper ball joint tool for a week anyway.
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: erik.wahlstrom on February 19, 2016, 02:12:45 pm
No worries, I won't have the upper ball joint tool for a week anyway.

When you do this, can you document the process? I'd love to see it as I may be doing the same soon.
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: mech23 on February 19, 2016, 07:26:00 pm
Did you mean the ball joint replacement? There are a bunch of great DIY write ups on the UK T4 forum.
Start here:
http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=196418 - upper ball joint - Sealey tool guide, I have a similar tool in transit
http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=73156 - upper ball joint - less tools, more brute force approach
http://www.vwt4forum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=211197 - lower ball joint - companion DIY to above

I will snap a few pics of the GW Fox shocks install as the remote resi in the front might be a small puzzle. Planning to mount the remote bracket using some rivnuts, but that may change once I have it all apart.
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: erik.wahlstrom on February 20, 2016, 06:41:40 pm
Thanks.  I ordered a set yesterday.  Now I need to figure out spacers and tires.  It turns out I'm going to be doing this myself.  I called a local shop about installing things.  They quoted me 12 hours labor for installation of tires, shocks, spacers and a 4 wheel alignment.  They also want to charge me extra since I already have the parts.  All up it was $1800 which seems crazy.  So I'll be buying a good jack, some stands and a few other tools.  With me luck.
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: mech23 on February 20, 2016, 07:54:55 pm
Thanks.  I ordered a set yesterday.  Now I need to figure out spacers and tires.  It turns out I'm going to be doing this myself.  I called a local shop about installing things.  They quoted me 12 hours labor for installation of tires, shocks, spacers and a 4 wheel alignment.  They also want to charge me extra since I already have the parts.  All up it was $1800 which seems crazy.  So I'll be buying a good jack, some stands and a few other tools.  With me luck.

Best of luck! The shocks are pretty easy to install compared to changing struts on some cars.

When I put the Bilsteins on, I did need to use an electric impact wrench to get some of the bolts loose. I got one from Harbor Freight. Not the most awesome tool ever and it's kinda heavy, but for the job it was perfect and low cost. http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-heavy-duty-electric-impact-wrench-68099.html (http://www.harborfreight.com/12-in-heavy-duty-electric-impact-wrench-68099.html) They had a nice set of impact sockets as well - you shouldn't use standard sockets with an impact wrench.

Where are you located? There might be another Eurovan person nearby who could help out if you've never done work like this before. (guessing that since you need to buy a jack, etc.)
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: BouncyHouse on February 22, 2016, 08:22:42 pm
My Fox shocks came about a week ago. I did the fronts. They were easy to install (well, after asking my vw mechanic neighbor a few questions). I am in the process of doing the rears. I ordered two sets of CaveVan spacers and will finish the install as soon as they arrive. The shocks came well packaged with Fox instructions and a GoWesty installation sheet. Unfortunately the GoWesty instructions were poorly copied and the photos were almost all black so I had to go to their website and look at the pics on the sales page.

Luke
Bouncy House (2002 Eurovan Weekender)
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: erik.wahlstrom on February 22, 2016, 08:47:52 pm
I just ordered a set.  Question for you, where do you plan to mount the remote reservoirs? One where the reservoir is tied to the body:

(http://westy-werks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Fox-Shocks-11.jpg)
(http://westy-werks.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2013/02/Fox-Shocks-21.jpg)
And one where they are screwed to the wheel well.
(http://www.gowesty.com/images/ec/products/full/full_87ecf54174d9683025805aa9b2f20049.jpg)
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: rcowan on February 23, 2016, 08:25:18 am
Those of you that have received your shocks, can you tell me what series they actually are? Are they Factory, Performance, or Evolution series shocks? I'm looking at the Fox literature just to better understand what I'd be buying and I'm confused. GoWesty lists them as Factory but Factory only has external reservoir and it appears the ones that GoWesty are selling for the rear do not have external reservoir. Also, the list price of the Factory series is significantly more than GoWesty is selling them for.... My bet is that they are Performance series, which would be fine, I'd just like confirmation. Thanks!
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: mech23 on February 23, 2016, 08:38:20 am
Few answers to above:

The remotes are like the third picture. The first two pictures are T3/Vanagon specific. The remote reservoir for T4/Eurovan applications have no space to be mounted on the shock body.

They are performance series.

Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: rcowan on February 23, 2016, 11:37:46 am
Thank you!
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: BouncyHouse on February 25, 2016, 07:53:15 pm
The lift is complete. New Fox shocks and CaveVan spacers (x2 each side). Wow does it drive better. Almost felt like I was in my Jeep. Took it to Discount Tire and also Les Schwab in Lynnwood and neither could fit tires for me. They said they could only get some cheapy stock ones in 225/60-16. I convinced both places to try ad look up alternate sizes. Les Schwab said they could order the Yokohama Geolanders. They also tried rolling out their brand of 225/70/16's. they put the dire next to the van and said no way it would fit and its not rated for it. Discount Tire said they could mount a BFG AT which is rated but it's sized at 215/65/16. They said it's a lot thinner though. Not sure I would go with that option. Not that I race the van but don't want it to tip due to thin tires.

Took a list of sizes and options from several forums. Most entries were from Cole ;-) So far, none of the commercial shops will help Anyone in the NorthWest put a larger than stock tire on their Eurovan AND buy it local and have it mounted? 

Thanks,
Luke
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: Cole on February 25, 2016, 08:16:09 pm
Bought 3 sets of 225/70/16s at Discount :P
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: erik.wahlstrom on February 25, 2016, 09:40:11 pm
Luke,

I'm in Seattle and about 1 week behind you. I'm waiting on my lifts. My fronts are 1/2 in stalled and I'll do the rears tomorrow.  I didn't want a much bigger tire so I bought the BFG's 215/65/R16 from Tire Rack.  I'll let you know where I get mine installed (or where I fail to do so). As for them being thin?  At least on my weekender it has a sticker that says it's rated for 205/60/r16's.  I think 215's will be fine.

I wonder, maybe you could just bring the wheels in and have them mounted and balanced without installation?

PS - Tire rack is awesome.  My tires took less than 36 hours from time of order until they were on my doorstep.
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: BouncyHouse on February 26, 2016, 10:43:23 am
Thanks Erik and Cole. The van drives awesome now with the shocks and lift. The Kumho Ventures are 235/60/16 and the tread is about 1/2 gone. I spin the tires at least once a day when its rainy. Looking forward to finding a tire with a little more bite here and on forest roads. Looking forward to feedback on the BFG's. Reviews don't look that good online so let me know how it goes. My neighbor also recommended ordering tires and he could mount them for me (VW Mechanic). Just worried that since every van is just a little different

Cole, what brand/model where the Discount Tires? They wouldn't try fitting anything on mine and said the BFG's were my only option. Also, are we allowed to post pictures? I received an error trying to include a pic of the van. Thanks for the spacers and all your posts online. It's nice to know there is hope for playing around with the vans.

Luke
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: Cole on February 26, 2016, 12:01:47 pm
The tires I've put on the last two vans with 1.5" lift.

http://m.discounttire.com/dtcs/findTireDetail.do?ra=searchTiresBySize.do&fl=&tc=HANRA4&c=0&rcz=80236&pc=10810&ar=70&rf=true&rd=16&rc=CODINT&cs=225


I'm not totally sure why the image upload isn't working.

But you can still post images hosted elsewhere
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: Cole on February 26, 2016, 12:04:58 pm
Here are 225/70/16 Hankooks on with 1.5" and stock wheels. No trimming......and of course some weight on the hitch!

(https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1551/24214714435_9092e9180f_z_d.jpg)
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: erik.wahlstrom on February 27, 2016, 07:44:34 pm
And done! 0.75" life (Thanks Cole). Fox Shocks. Torsion bars adjusted. BGF AT KO2's LT215/65R16 on stock wheels.
(http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h412/erik_wahlstrom/public/IMG_1315.jpg)
(http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h412/erik_wahlstrom/public/IMG_2040.jpeg)
(http://i1108.photobucket.com/albums/h412/erik_wahlstrom/public/IMG_5285.jpeg)
I could have gone bigger but I didn't want the van too high.  The tires are a bit loud, but the shocks and leveling of the van are very noticeable (in a positive way)!
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: Cole on February 27, 2016, 08:47:04 pm
Looks Awesome!!!!


CaveVan sticker???? ;)
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: erik.wahlstrom on February 29, 2016, 09:26:09 am
Looks Awesome!!!!


CaveVan sticker???? ;)

Not till I'm done with the awning, electrical and flooring.  ;D
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: Cole on February 29, 2016, 10:50:06 am
 :D
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: Itsamoto on March 01, 2016, 12:34:07 am
Looks great -- such a clean van. Thumbs up!
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: BouncyHouse on March 10, 2016, 01:28:37 pm

Got the tires from Discount. They rubbed like crazy. My neighbor was going to help me roll the rear bumper when....I noticed that the bumper screw mount (closest to the tire) was oblong. I was thrilled. I actually drilled out about 1/4 more of the hole, then slid the bumper back and re-tightened. The tires fit great now with plenty of room!

https://goo.gl/photos/5sSfrmHnX6gC4C2N6
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: Cole on March 10, 2016, 02:36:22 pm
Looks great!

(If your rear bumper is slid forward it may rub  ;D)
Title: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: billymiller on October 09, 2016, 02:56:36 pm
I just installed the GW fox shocks with the cavevan 1.5" spacers in the rear - pretty straightforward though having the 140 mm deep socket from GW ($30) would have made torsion bar adjustment much quicker. The only concern with a larger tire will be clearing the fox reservoirs in the front - as it sits now with hankook 225/60/16s I have 1/2" clearance at either end of the turn. Just something to consider with these over a bilstein or non-remote reservoir shock...

Tightest clearance is at the top 90° turn in reservoir nose
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161009/8c682939d9f378a0572411f10b27d703.jpg)

Cavevan spacer in rear
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161009/7aaf2778ddd9e4ba9f489ec9801f9527.jpg)

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Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: gabner on March 29, 2017, 12:43:08 am
Just reviving this old thread as I'm curious about Fox shocks. My rig has bilstein shocks (http://4wheelonline.com/BilsteinShocks.4997) and I have no problems with them. Smooth ride quality and there's only very little wiggle or no wiggle at all when hitting potholes.  I'm curious if Fox is really worth the cost? Just curious here because I'm thinking of upgrading my shocks.
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: mech23 on March 29, 2017, 03:26:19 pm
I've had the GW Fox shocks on my weekender for about a year. Well, the fronts have been on the whole time. I went back to Bilstein on the rear within a month. I don't think the Fox shocks have near enough rebound damping. I'm going pull the fronts back off (re-installing Bilsteins) and send both front and rear sets back to Fox to get them revalved. They are a smooth ride, but not nearly enough rebound control. I have the front torsion bars adjusted to level the van with .75" spacers on the rear springs. From what I've read, my case is the outlier, most people seem really happy with Fox shocks.
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: billymiller on May 01, 2017, 09:02:57 pm
I've had my Fox shocks on for 6 months now and have had the same experience as you mech23 - I've reached out to Fox about having them adjusted/revalved, but have not heard back yet.  What was your experience with this? Cost? Did this fix the issue for you?
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: rcowan on May 01, 2017, 11:07:36 pm
Anyone have problems with squeaks with the Fox Shocks? My front, passenger's side won't stop. I've white lithium greased it like crazy. It works for a little but then the squeak comes back...... I'm frustrated and just hoping someone has had the problem and fixed it! :-) Thanks.
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: billymiller on May 04, 2017, 10:14:05 am



Rcowan I haven't had this experience with squeaking in my Fox shocks - prior to doing the shocks which included doing upper and lower ball joints, I did have a nagging squeak. Not sure if it was the old shocks or the ball joints.


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Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: rcowan on May 09, 2017, 04:21:06 pm
BillyMiller, thank you for the reply. My ball joints are fairly new so I don't think that's it.

However, I think I found the issue though. I don't have too many miles on the fix but it's quiet so far. First, GoWesty's instructions were a bit weak in my opinion and I couldn't figure out what a few extra rubber washers were for. The attached picture that I found on their site yesterday helped me.... a lot. Don't leave the washers the red arrow is pointing at or you will get a squeak once the shock eye moves down to the control arm. :)
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: billymiller on May 10, 2017, 02:14:52 pm
Nice detective work! Thanks for that. Yeah my set came with zero instructions, luckily I saved the extra parts


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Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: Veejdub on September 04, 2017, 12:32:55 pm
New to the forum. Which Bilsteins
do you prefer or have on you van? I have an 03 Weekender and looking to swap out the stock shocks. GoWesty has HD and XHD. Just curious about others experiences. Thanks
Title: Re: GW Fox Shocks.
Post by: billymiller on September 04, 2017, 02:53:02 pm
I personally haven't heard of any bad experiences either way with the Bilsteins, but don't have any first hand experience with them myself - I went with the GW Fox shocks and so far I'm not impressed, especially given the price. I am going to be sending the fronts back to Fox for revalving ($35 per shock), to see if that helps improve the ride.


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