After market rear tube shocks

[BUNDYRUM]

These look to be the Moss motors kit for the 4(?) seater. They are a most worthwhile addition to any Healey although going by the picture of this one it appears as though it needs more than just shocks. Regards bundyrum.

 

[steveg]

One of the sponsors of this site, British Parts Northwest, sells SPAX shocks--at a great price--which have 14 or more adjustments and will work fine in both the front and rear applications. Unlike Konis they can be adjusted in place by twisting a screw with a coin.

 

[steveg]

The problem with lever shocks is the damping is the same in both directions and that's not what's called for. Modern shocks have more damping on rebound than jounce.

 

[Dave Russell]

The problem with lever shocks is the damping is the same in both directions and that's not what's called for. Modern shocks have more damping on rebound than jounce.

Not exactly true. The Armstrong shocks have separate pistons AND valving for compression & rebound. Not only can the compression & rebound damping rates be adjusted separately but the damping progression can be altered.

It does require someone to know what they are doing to make the changes. Peter C. at NOS Imports would likely know.

You can read more about it here:
https://mywebpages.comcast.net/rhodes/shock.html
D

 

[steveg]

Dave,
Thanks for clearing that up about the valving. I had not heard that before and the linked website makes perfect sense.

In response, I'd say the lever changes look to be a fiddle--especially on the fronts--and if one were to install adjustable shocks front and rear, such as Spax, it's a great deal easier to make adjustments until one's got the ride the way one wants it.

In addition, the folks who've installed Udo Putzke's specially-valved-for-Healeys Bilsteins seem to be glowing in their praise of the ride afterwards.

 

[PeterC]

Steve,
Not to sound commercial, but we are making externally adjustable Armstrong shocks using a similar technique as used by Armstrong on their rear shocks as used in competitions.

Quite a few people are very happy with them. Here is an example of Sprite rears we've done.

Peter C

 

[steveg]

Peter,
Very nice! Do you have a way of doing the fronts like that, as well? Might as well get all the info out here. Thanks in advance.

 

[GregW]

Them would look real purdy with braided stainless line. Mmmmmmmm

 

[PeterC]

Peter,
Very nice! Do you have a way of doing the fronts like that, as well? Might as well get all the info out here. Thanks in advance.

Steve,
Thanks!
We have done fronts. Only on vintage race Healeys, though. (We've done other LBCs) The only difficulty is placing and plumbing the valve. We had several sets out with the flexible ss braided lines, but had some leaking. We prefer to send them out sealed and bled, so we need to know where to position the valve, and the hard lines have not leaked.
The vintage race ones are installed on MGB bodies to take advantage of the air chamber. Of course that means "relieving" some sheet metal, which most non-racers wont want to do. Here is a pic of that.
It has been a fun project.

Peter