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TR2/3/3A level action shocks tr3

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sp53

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My level action shocks on my tr3 do not line up parallel with the link. It looks like the arms on both shocks are toed in about ½ to 3/8. I am pretty sure that these two shocks are supposed to be that way. I have a small selection off shocks that I have gathered over the years and I think these might of came off a tr4 with those little blocks that go with the shock. I do have some that would work, but they are not as nice as these. I thought perhaps I could bend them in line; however, the metal looks pretty strong and would perhaps break or bend weird. Anyways, I had them on the vehicle before I noticed this little tweek and it looks like they would twist the rubber out prematurely. What is puzzling is that Moss does not mention them as being different. Anybody out there experience this before?
Sp53
 
You might want to call Apple Hydraulics, in Calverton, NY. They are specialists in rebuilding all lever shocks and are a very nice group to talk to. They can probably tell you if there are any differences in the shocks. The number is 800-882-7753

https://www.applehydraulics.com/index.htm
 
Thanks Paul that is a good idea. I will call them in the morning. I just cannot figure this out perhaps the bend was a necessary engineered bend that came later in tr4 production. My friend who is very good at this stuff maintains that they should all interchange tr2—tr4; however, he does say the arms are different in some small details, like shape. I looked the steel over; the stuff would break before it would bend. Perhaps when I put the tub on the extra weight will somehow make everything line up. I do not know. I have tr3 that I drive, but it is in the paint shop having a little dent fixed. Maybe Apple can give me some clarification because as it stands now, it looks to me like the shock linkage is in a bind. I want to get this right because I find putting those links on to be a real pain.
Sp53
 
Could you have a TR4 rear axle? Wider track than TR3.
 
Thanks doc I will look into that because I did notice that the numbers did not match the vin. However, it was a very high ts like 89***** and the vehicle is a 1961 and it was at least a ts number . Anyways the shock link fits on the bottom of the spring and the frame. I guess the rear end could be wider and pushed the spring over. I do not know all my vehicles are tr3. How much wider are tr4’s?
Sp53
 
sp53 said:
How much wider are tr4’s?
Sp53
Click to expand...

No doubt someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I'm thinking 1 1/2 inches wider. It is possible to put a TR4 rear under a TR3.

The axle number won't match the car Commission number even if it's the original axle, though.
 
"It is possible to put a TR4 rear under a TR3."

Almost anything seems possible with these TRs.

Crypty's got a TR4a tranny, TR250 block,
'69 steering wheel and dash, '70 seats,
'71 rear end and wheels and '72 carbs.

Now if only those parts all worked together
and produced a functional auto.

d
 
Sp53,
If the blocks you mentioned are part of the shock arm itself, they're probably TR4A (or TR250/6) shocks. The block acts as a bump stop. TR2/3/4 shocks just had a plain arm with no block.

Jeff
TR6 CF13816U
 
Well I talked to Apple Hydraulics and they said that the shocks with the little bend at the end fit an Austin Healey 100-4 or 100-6. This explains why I have gone through so many shock links over the years, and why I have seen so many shock links go bad right at the top. The bend is slight about 15% and they will fit a tr3 with little effort. I do not think I would have noticed if I was not doing a frame up and was looking down from the top. Anyways now I have a nice set of Healey shocks with the expected patina. After I went through my old stuff, I only found a passenger side for a tr3, so if anyone out there has a half decent driver side let me know. I am sure we can come to some arrangement.
Sp53
 
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