Purpose

Shocks, sometimes more appropriately called "dampers" do just that -- dampen the vibrations caused by driving on the road.  The springs reduce the vibrations, and the shocks dampen them so that you car doesn't bounce up and down for a few seconds after each bump in the road.

When you install lowering springs on your car, they are stiffer than stock-speck ones.  This means that they are tougher to compress, and once compressed they rebound with more force than a stock spring.  A stock-spec shock will not be damaged by being compressed more due to a shorter spring; what will wear them out quicker is the faster rebound caused by lowering springs.  You can get away with using stock shocks with lowering springs, but the shocks will wear out rather quickly.

As you may have guessed, there are very few companies that make shocks that are a direct replacement for the Fox.  VW dealers do carry stock-spec replacements, and I believe Monroe and other aftermarket companies also make stock-spec replacements.

As far as shocks suitable for use with lowering springs, here's what's available:
 

• Sachs-Boge of America

3658 Atlanta Industrial Drive, Ste.E
Atlanta, Georgia 30331
(404) 699-1131
(Sachs Boge UK Ltd.'s web site, I can't find a North American one) -- http://www.sachs-boge.co.uk/
• Here are the part numbers from Boge catalog:
• Fox except Wagon 87-93
• Front - (Automatic) 300 270
• Front - (Gas) 20-329-A
• Rear - (Automatic) 475 870
• Rear - (Gas) 20-502-A
• Fox Wagon 88-90
• Front - same as above
• Rear - (Automatic) 475 880
• Rear - (Gas) 20-527-A
• Here's some info from a web site:
• Boge Turbo Gas - The secret to the turbo gas is the twin tube design combined with Boge's exclusive infinitely variable valve system to insure the perfect balance between comfort and road holding. The induction hardened chrome plated piston rod, ground and super finished to exact roundness with a surface tolerance of only 5/100,000 mm, insures a smooth even movement. Engineered like no other, the turbo gas shock is specifically designed for each application...another example of the Boge upcompromising approach to quality.
• Boge Pro Gas are gas pressurized shock absorbers, normally manufactured in twin tube configuration, they are, however, also available in mono-tube versions for specific vehicles. Both types offer a unique combination of firm damping and excellent ride comfort. Boge Pro Gas operates in two distinct areas, the "Comfort Zone" and the "Load Zone" depending on the road and load conditions encountered. These distinct functions highlight the fundamental difference between Pro Gas and ordinary gas pressurized shock absorbers.
• Boge Automatic shocks are individually computer-tuned for the specific car model. As with all Boge shock absorbers, each unit is constructed of the finest material and individually tested to assure consistent quality. Our center ground, chromed, super finished piston rod, unique two-lip oil seal and patented multi-stage valving provides a unique blend of ride comfort and control.
• KYB America LLC -- http://www.kyb.com

901 Oak Creek Drive
Lombard, IL 60148
Phone: (630) 620-5555  -- Fax: (630) 620-8133
E-mail: Webmaster@kyb.com
• Here's what available, according to their web site:
• 1987-1993 Fox Sedan & Wagon (only front available)
• Front - 365008 (cartridge insert)
• Rear - None available
• Front Strut & Shock Mounts - SM5024
• Front Strut Boot Kits - SB101
• Info taken from here
• Krupp Bilstein of America -- http://www.bilstein.com
• (Look in the "Volkswagon" Section)
• Western Sales:

8845 Rehco Road
San Diego, CA 92121
(800) 537-1085
• Eastern Sales:

78 Rebeschi Drive
North Haven, CT 06473
(800) 745-4636
• Here's what's available:
• 1987-1993 Fox Sedan & Wagon (only front available)
• Fox Front - P30-0014 ("setting HD" - there's no explanation what this means)

In my quest for shocks here in Canada, I have found only a handful of shops that didn't laugh at me when I asked for performance parts for a VW Fox, and of those that didn't laugh an even smaller number were able (and willing) to order parts for me.  Here are some useful resources on the Internet, all in the USA:
 
• Autotech Sport Tuning -- http://www.autotech.com

32240-E Paseo Adelanto
San Juan Capistrano
CA, 92675 USA
(714) 240-40000
• Here are the part numbers from Autotech:
• Tokico HP Shock Absorbers (Autotech Conversion)
• Front Fox - 10.500.HZ1095K
• Rear Fox - 10.500.HU2770K
• Tokico Illumina Five-Point Adjustable Shock Absorbers
• Front Fox - 10.500.BZ1095K
• Rear Fox - 10.500.BU2770K
• Rapid Parts -- http://www.rapidparts.com

178 Route 59
Monsey, NY 10952
(914) 352-1138
• Here are the part numbers from Rapid Parts:
• KYB GR2 Gas Shock Absorbers (http://www.kyb.com)
• Gas Strut Insert Fox Front-K365008
• Rear - (no rear available)
• Boge Shocks Sbsorbers
• Front - 004-20329A
• Rear - 004-20502A
• Neuspeed -- http://www.neuspeed.com

Neumann Distributing
3300 Corte Malpaso
Camarillo, CA 93012
(805)388-7171
• Here are the part numbers from Neuspeed.
• Bilstein (HD setting)
• (numbers from the latest Neuspeed catalog)
• Fox 87-on
• Front- 1-P30.3005
• Rear- 1-B36.0030
• (numbers from old Neuspeed catalog)
• Fox 87-on
• Front- 1-P30.0014
• Rear- 1-B36.0030
• NOTE - Neuspeed claims to have rear Bilstein shocks, but Bilstein doesn't list it on their page; perhaps Neuspeed modifies ones designed for another application).

BIG thanks to Chris Chan for sending me the info on Fox shocks!!  And also to Jonathan Pack.