Rebuilding Armstrong Lever Shocks on a BJ8

[Healey Nut]

Is that the setup where an external valve is added so the rebound is different from jounce?

No they look exactly the same as stock . They change the internal valving to stiffen up the ride and make it better able to cope with that big lump of cast iron in the front ,makes it a lot less wallowy and able to handle the weight transfer when you corner on quick right lefts etc .

 

[steveg]

No they look exactly the same as stock . They change the internal valving to stiffen up the ride and make it better able to cope with that big lump of cast iron in the front ,makes it a lot less wallowy and able to handle the weight transfer when you corner on quick right lefts etc .

Thank you for the clarification. I'd heard of a guy who adds a different circuit so the jounce is different from the rebound like a modern shock is.

FWIW the valves are available for front and rear and are easy to change.

 

[pkmh]

Thank you for the clarification. I'd heard of a guy who adds a different circuit so the jounce is different from the rebound like a modern shock is.

FWIW the valves are available for front and rear and are easy to change.

View attachment 64437

Ok Steveg,

Good to know Moss has those and I understand the possibility one can adjust the tension if desired, yes? My lever shocks were also leaking out the sides. I just figured on sending them out since there was not much in the way of videos on how to do yourself. I gave up this time. At some point, I want to have my rear lever shocks redone (if they need). I will inspect in the future. I have found videos on how to refill with fluid. Any good tutorial videos out there on how to rebuild? Otherwise, WWAP has done a terrific job. I have no problem using them again. But, for the sake of argument, I enjoy the restoration process of doing myself. So far, only three times I've had to have somebody else do work relating to my car...Polarize my existing generator from positive to negative (first Healey), balance my tires and now my shocks.

Thanks,

Paul

 

[Patrick67BJ8]

Ok Steveg,

Good to know Moss has those and I understand the possibility one can adjust the tension if desired, yes? My lever shocks were also leaking out the sides. I just figured on sending them out since there was not much in the way of videos on how to do yourself. I gave up this time. At some point, I want to have my rear lever shocks redone (if they need). I will inspect in the future. I have found videos on how to refill with fluid. Any good tutorial videos out there on how to rebuild? Otherwise, WWAP has done a terrific job. I have no problem using them again. But, for the sake of argument, I enjoy the restoration process of doing myself. So far, only three times I've had to have somebody else do work relating to my car...Polarize my existing generator from positive to negative (first Healey), balance my tires and now my shocks.

Thanks,

Paul

Don’t forget to have the rear brake drums balanced too. They can be as much as 6oz out of balance.

 

[pkmh]

OK Patrick, Thanks. Got that covered. I had my existing set of rear *brake drums balanced as well as a new set done over a year ago! That too, improved my shaking issues.

Today, I drove her for quite a bit. I hardly noticed any shaking. It was a very pleasurable experience. And that was from just redoing the upper trunnion assembly and refurbishing the front shocks. I have to bet that after redoing brakes in front, lower trunnions in the front, suspension link assembly, possible minor steering play adjustment and rear shocks (hoping leaf springs, bushes, etc., are still okay), should be an awesome experience on the road.

*(Hmm... just realized...I think that make "4" things I had to have somebody else do I could not do myself...losing count in my old age) :wink-new:

 

[twas_brillig]

We had the Armstrongs on our Bugeye rebuilt by WorldWide, and have nothing but compliments.
For our BJ7, we went with Putzke's "Fahrpass" tube shock conversion (see http://www.putzkes-fahrspass.com/Eng/kits.html as well as the trunnion bearings etc., and are (in a properly reserved British Austin-Healey fashion) ecstatic over the results.
We've got a second BE that's never been on the road since we bought it in 1972 (it provided the low budget parts to keep our first BE (and only car) running for a couple of years) and I'll be tempted to consider his kit for the BE, based on how good our BJ7 feels.
Later, Doug

 

[Bob_Spidell]

I give up, what is a 'BE?' A Sprite?

 

[twas_brillig]

Sorry - Bugeye. Doug

 

[Bob_Spidell]

OK, thanks. I thought maybe the Bugeyes used the 'Bxx' model designation scheme as well; ah, now I remember, they used 'Axx.'