Shock Absorbers

[mike@thenook]

I have to say in favour of the Spax is they are adjustable on the car whereas Koni are only adjustable off - which to me is a pain in the arse.
Still,like my KYB's though with decent progressive springs - so much more relaxing than my Cooper S which is sprung like a kart!

[Andy S]

Hi Brian, That's interesting to hear. I suspect the standard set up is quite pleasant and that was exactly what I though I was going to get with standard shocks.

My problems I think stem from a non-standard set up that I have no way of knowing which previous owner did with what. The old shocks are long gone and if they were non-standard there could be a chance the springs are also non-standard also. This may be why the standard shocks feel so hopeless. It could be I have updated springs for towing!

The car rode so well before I now feel i'm going to have to rely on the goodwill of other owners in my region to give me a lift so I can try and work out what set up I had.

Failing all that, your post presents me with an alternative to changing the shocks. I could change the springs and may be that would restore the ride.

However, this is where I get all Gas Monkey. If I change the springs this could mess with the ride height and this is something that is just about spot on at the moment. Often you see freshly restored Stags that seem to have a 1970's Mk.1 Escort jacked up rear suspension thing going on.

I might try putting some extra weight in the car this weekend to see what difference this makes. Concrete is a lot cheaper than new shocks.

Mike and others, you have almost convinced me regarding KYB setup. Will definitely try and find someone who has this setup to see how it rides.

Andy S

[Donkey]

Hi Brian, That's interesting to hear. I suspect the standard set up is quite pleasant and that was exactly what I though I was going to get with standard shocks.

My problems I think stem from a non-standard set up that I have no way of knowing which previous owner did with what. The old shocks are long gone and if they were non-standard there could be a chance the springs are also non-standard also. This may be why the standard shocks feel so hopeless. It could be I have updated springs for towing!

The car rode so well before I now feel i'm going to have to rely on the goodwill of other owners in my region to give me a lift so I can try and work out what set up I had.

Failing all that, your post presents me with an alternative to changing the shocks. I could change the springs and may be that would restore the ride.

However, this is where I get all Gas Monkey. If I change the springs this could mess with the ride height and this is something that is just about spot on at the moment. Often you see freshly restored Stags that seem to have a 1970's Mk.1 Escort jacked up rear suspension thing going on.

I might try putting some extra weight in the car this weekend to see what difference this makes. Concrete is a lot cheaper than new shocks.

Mike and others, you have almost convinced me regarding KYB setup. Will definitely try and find someone who has this setup to see how it rides.

Andy S

Good luck Andy.

I posted a thread here recently asking for advice on a "better" quality shock than the Rimmers standard and was directed towards KYB but decided to go with what I perceived as a standard set-up. As always with these things, "you pays your money and yer takes you choice."

Anyway, I hope you find a ride that suits.

Regards,

Brian

[Arbman Al]

I have to say in favour of the Spax is they are adjustable on the car whereas Koni are only adjustable off - which to me is a pain in the arse.
Still,like my KYB's though with decent progressive springs - so much more relaxing than my Cooper S which is sprung like a kart!

Hi Mike,

Which progressive springs did you get? Thinking of changing my springs as still on the originals.

Cheers...Al

[Arbman Al]

Hi Mike,

Which progressive springs did you get? Thinking of changing my springs as still on the originals.

Cheers...Al

Found it in an earlier post of yours - Monarch.

Cheers
Al

[mike@thenook]

Spot on Al