Front shock absorbers

[Dieter H. Marschall]

Good morning all,
Yesterday my Mk1 Stag got new MOT - thank ggodness.
The only complaint was that both front shock absorbers leak a bit. I will have to replace them in the long run. When looking at Rimmers catalogue, I saw that there are many options: basically the shock aborbers alone or whole overhaul kits. The latter come either with standard insets or Spax, Koni or GAZ ones. Then again the options are rubber or poly insulators.
What would you recommend, please?
Best wishes,
Dieter - from Germany.

[mole42]

Mk1 Stags had struts which are not easily serviceable. I found out the hard way when I’d bought some adjustable strut inserts, the ones on my car didn’t use inserts, the outer tube contains the oil and pistons for the damper/shock absorber so I had to make some adapters to fit the new inserts. If yours are leaking, it’s just the seal at the top, but the screw cap is staked after fitting and a real b*st*rd to get out. I’ve still got the pin spanner I made but the scars have faded now. However, I’m very happy with the GAZ inserts but have replaced the new Indian strut tops with some NOS ones that I was lucky to find.

if you replace the struts, make sure to check and adjust the camber with those pesky little shims!

I would suggest buying rebuilt struts.

[JeffW]

Hi Dieter

On my Mk 1 the front struts were a mess when I got the car. It was sitting way too high (see my other posts about it) and no matter what I did I couldn't get it to the correct ride height. It had 1 older original strut top and one re-manufactured one. They were also impossible to get set correctly, so in the end I gave up and bought a complete set from Chris Witor with roller top strut tops. Could not be happier - they are amazing.

So if you go down the complete set route I can highly recommend these. Truly fit and forget for likely a very long time.

Jeff

[trunt]

KYB gets my vote, cheaper than adjustables but they perform well.

[KOY 23]

^^^^^ + 1

[mike@thenook]

Yes, me too for KYB

[jbuckl]

Chris Witor seems to supply parts that fit & work on stag suspension.

[Dieter H. Marschall]

Thank you all for your inputs.
I am a bit lost though with KYB. What does that mean?
Dieter.

[DJT]

Thank you all for your inputs.
I am a bit lost though with KYB. What does that mean?
Dieter.

Shock absorber manufacturer: https://kyb-europe.com

Triumph is listed under Austin-Rover Group on Page 52 of the online catalogue:

IMG_0089.png

[Dieter H. Marschall]

Thank you all for your inputs! I will try to get these KYB shock absorbers in Germany.
Shall I replace only the insets or the whole other parts, too?
Best wishes,
Dieter.

[wilf]

I ended up replacing everything, and as JeffW says, the Witor top roller bearing strut mounts make for a very smooth steering feel.

[JeffW]

Thank you all for your inputs! I will try to get these KYB shock absorbers in Germany.
Shall I replace only the insets or the whole other parts, too?
Best wishes,
Dieter.

Hi Dieter

I would say it depends on your strut top mounts condition. I haven't seen a lot of positive reports about the newly made tops and Chris Witor will not accept them as exchange for when you buy a complete set, so that may speak volumes.

Chris does give you your choice of inserts and like most I went with KYB.

Jeff