Shock Absorbers

[Andy S]

I recently had the garage break a rear shock absorber (an additional service provided at no extra cost) and so I quickly ordered some new ones from Rimmer Bros as I was quite happy with what I thought was the standard Stag ride.

Oh dear, now I've had them fitted and the ride is awful. The car is bouncing around a lot more so I'm guessing the old ones weren't standard. This is based on the assumption that less bouncing means they were firmer. Unfortunately, the old ones were thrown away and so don't know what they were.

The ride previously was softer than a modern car and able to soak up the bumps well without wallowing around.

Does anyone know what are the best alternatives to the standard shocks to give a smoother ride?

Andy S

[Nambo]

I'm a little confused, you say the car is now bouncing around, so you consider the previous shocks must have been firmer, but then you say the ride previously was softer than a modern car. Are you saying the car is now even softer than it was previously, or just that it is wallowing around like a Toyota Corolla? Perhaps the new shocks are simply not to the same standard as original?
I fitted better shocks when I replaced mine, cannot remember the make but they are adjustable. DSC01026.jpg

[mike@thenook]

I used to have Spax adjustables on mine for around 18 years then Favershams suggested I replace with KYB's - these I hated for quite a while but now I really like them, they soak up bumps amazingly but still keep the car reasonably firmly planted. I have no idea how they achieve it but I'd definitely fit them again.
If you really want firmness or the ability to adjust i'd recommend the Spax adjustables.
I know Neil (flyingFarmer)has KYB's too but with lowered springs and he seems pleased with them too.

Hope this helps

Cheers

Mike

[Andy S]

Thanks for coming back and sorry for the confusion.

The old shocks gave a very planted feel. They were as you say a bit like the ride from a Toyota Corolla. Good rebound control ana a nice comfortable ride over the cart tracks around my area.

The new shocks seem to have little rebound control giving a very bouncy ride. They feel much like the car did with no damper.

I know ride can be very subjective. I'm not looking for a firm and realise experimenting with shocks could prove to be very expensive business.

Andy S

[Nambo]

. They feel much like the car did with no damper.


Andy S

Maybe the mechanic didnt attach the shocks at both ends? If it is that bouncy, it will be an MOT failure, maybe you should take it back?

[Andy S]

I'm never going back to that garage. The leaking oil switch that started this sorry tale has started to leak again.

I haven't had a good look yet, but had a good push down on the back and I would say the shocks are fitted okay, otherwise there would be a continued bouncing.

I initially I thought the car may have been changed for towing, but you would uprate the springs as well for that. Then I thought it could be worn shocks, but they would sit lower and give an uneven softer ride (much like it is now).

No I think either the PO fitted something non-standard, or the new shocks aren't as good as the original items. An all too familiar story in the classic car world.

I don't know what the KYB's are. I'll take a look on a few of the suppliers websites.

[flying farmer]

Got my KYBs from James Paddock, other suppliers may be available.

Neil

[Andy S]

Thanks Neil.

[DJT]

I've had these on 2 Stags and done 30 thousand miles on my current Stag with them fitted: http://www.jamespaddock.co.uk/rear-s...b-gas-a-just-2 Despite the name, they aren't adjustable, but they are fine for 'normal' driving.

[TR5convalescent]

Years ago I was advised that many owners fit very hard dampers and end up with the worst of all worlds. The thing to do I was told is to beef up springs first. I fitted 25% uprated springs all round on my 5, but kept the standard dampers. This worked brilliantly - compliant ride and better road holding and much reduced leaning in fast bends.

The point is, if you're going to have a professional replace the shocks, you might do better having the springs done at the same time rather than go back later. In which case you could get a perfectly matched set. Also, see if if you can scrounge a drive in a car that the owner knows to be standard and then others where they know what they have over the wheels. That way you might spend more money immediately, but you won't be shelling out for years to correct an intractable problem!

[mike@thenook]

I forgot to mention that I too have uprated progressive springs from Monarch but they are standard height - not sure what % extra stiffness they are but because they are progressive you don't end up getting extra hardness at all times, they load up more in cornering etc.

[Andy S]

Yes, that's a good point. I really need to try a ride in a few other Stags and establish what set up best matches the previous ride and as suggested switch springs and shocks. Really want to get it right first time.

Really frustrating as the ride previously was pretty spot on and didn't need anything. Everyone was quite amazed how smooth the Stag was.

I might pop into a specialist like Faversham to see if they can help.

Thanks everyone for your advice. Try before you buy sounds like the best way forward here.

Andy S

[Jonat127]

I recently fitted Gaz adjustables on the rear of my car. Set to the middle position they were horrid. Hard bouncy ride. So I wound them back to their softest setting and the ride is superb, soft(ish) but not wallowy. The damping rate makes a huge difference.

[Guest]

Years ago I was advised that many owners fit very hard dampers and end up with the worst of all worlds. The thing to do I was told is to beef up springs first. I fitted 25% uprated springs all round on my 5, but kept the standard dampers.

The worst possible thing you can do on a TR5 is fit 25% uprated springs.
I did a special progressive rated system which makes the car incredibly comfortable but with a quantum jump forward in handling.
Luckily I have not had to sell many in the UK, as the constant nonsense you get in TR register UK is a shame and an embarrassment to any owner's club.
I sold LOADS in Germany to replace that rubbish from Bastuck which everyone fits and complains about.
People were raving about them in Germany, but like a well kept secret!

As a direct result of the nonsense from TR register people like A Pringle, I stopped selling any in the UK.
He and most others never even bought a UNF bolt from me, so they are to blame.
It's nice because I could then concentrate on Jaguar and Aston Martin......

I never did anything for the Stag, but quite a bit for fast 2.5pi in OZ.

Of course if people complain about poor ride quality on a Stag then they as usual are fitting cheap poor quality dampers.
Spax are the WORST you can imagine. They have everything on the rebound, and because they are needle valve design go almost solid when faced with sharp transients.
Nearly all "adjustable" dampers use needle valves which is why they are all crap.

The ONLY damper which combines comfort with good low speed damping is a KONI.
This gives the magic ride and control they are famous for.

I do not fit anything else but Koni, because on Jaguar or Aston Martin it is OEM fitment on many cars.
You will not find any after market damper apart from Koni or Bilstein which are approved for OEM fitment.
That says it all really.

cheap dampers = cheap ride quality.

[Donkey]

I recently had the garage break a rear shock absorber (an additional service provided at no extra cost) and so I quickly ordered some new ones from Rimmer Bros as I was quite happy with what I thought was the standard Stag ride.

Oh dear, now I've had them fitted and the ride is awful. The car is bouncing around a lot more so I'm guessing the old ones weren't standard. This is based on the assumption that less bouncing means they were firmer. Unfortunately, the old ones were thrown away and so don't know what they were.

The ride previously was softer than a modern car and able to soak up the bumps well without wallowing around.

Does anyone know what are the best alternatives to the standard shocks to give a smoother ride?

Andy S

Hi Andy,
When I read your thread my heart sank, I'd just ordered a pair of shocks from Rimmers on the Saturday.
Anyway, I fitted them and the ride is fine. Maybe it's a bit like wine, it's all a matter of taste. It's certainly not a cheap ride!

BTW, as I said, I'd ordered them on Saturday and they were at my door here in rural France at 14.30 Tuesday. I was impressed!!

Regards,

Brian