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TR6 Rear Shock Refurb Options 76TR6

Don_Houston

Senior Member
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I am getting ready to refurbish the front and back suspension. New bushings and shocks in the front and new bushings in the back. The car has significant bounce by just pushing down on the trunk so it would seem I need to do something with the rear socks. The car has 24k original miles but sat in a barn in Austin for 30 years.

What can I do myself and/or what do you think of the rebuilt ones advertised on line? I really don't want to consider the tube shock conversion. Many thanks!
 
When I rebuilt my 6, I sent my rear shocks off to a place in Wisconsin to be refurbished.... can't remember their name, but there are other companies that do the same. I'm sure other people will be here soon to maybe suggest some names.
I might suggest the going with prothane bushings or something similar. I used the stock rubber bushings when I rebuilt my suspension, used the car for a year, then redid the suspension with the prothane bushings and in my opinion, they make a world of difference.
 
Try Advanced Auto , World wide Auto
 
I recommend Peter C. at World Wide Auto Parts. I bought a set from him and they were very well done. Complete with return boxes and shipping labels for sending back your cores. Here is the link:
https://www.nosimport.com/
 
Last edited:
What can I do myself
Have you tried topping them up, or better yet changing the oil?

BTW, I'm not sure who Tony is, I've only dealt with Peter Caldwell at World Wide (in Madison,WI).
https://www.nosimport.com/shoxcatalog.htm

In addition to rebuilding the shocks, he improves them to last longer than new; and offers several options for valving including an adjustable valve (at extra cost). Somewhere I've got a long list of the work he does, but unfortunately not handy. Here's most of it:
https://www.gerardsgarage.com/Garage/Tech/ShoxWS.htm
 
BTW, I'm not sure who Tony is, I've only dealt with Peter Caldwell at World Wide (in Madison,WI).
You are correct. I don't know why I typed "Tony". I corrected my post.
I have used Apple before on Sprites and they have been OK, but the ones from Peter seem to be finished better and over on the Spridget forum, he gets good reviews.
 
TR3D - I certainly like the suggestion to top-off or change the oil. What kind of oil and any special instructions needed or will it be obvious where the check / drain point is? Many thanks!
 
Hi Don, you can top off the shocks by removing a bolt (cap really) with a socket. Clean the area really well before removing and filling it. The bolt/filler cap in question is on the top of the shock assembly on the flat part. It will jump out ar you when you stare at it or run your hand over the top of the shock.

Safely jack the car up level, remove the wheel, and it will be there.
 
Thanks. Is there also a drain plug/bolt? I might as well do a complete oil replacement (I'm sure it is all original). What kind of oil?
 
To change the oil, you really need to take the shocks off the car. Remove the top & the big plug near the bottom (which is actually the control valve assembly), then work the arm back and forth to expel as much oil as possible.

Motorcycle fork oil seems to work well; and you can vary the "weight" to change the shock action. Check at a Harley shop for something heavier than the stock oil (about 15 weight). Or the usual suspects sell "Official" Armstrong shock oil.
 
To All - thanks for the great input. Looks like all I need to know to flush and refill and see how they work. Although only 24k on the car the 30 year storage may have rotted some seals in which case I will have to buy refurbished. I will let you know how it goes, although it may be a while before I get to it.
 
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