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replace shocks in pairs?

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JPSmit

JPSmit

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so, way back at Elkhart Lake - at the 50th of our little square bodied boogers, Ms Triss became a spontaneous tech session as Peter from World Wide replaced my front passenger shock. I have been replacing my rear spring (drivers side) and there was oil on the shock. As I look, I think it is time to get it re-done.

It is my intent to get this done next spring and I think I will just get all three done, but, just as a conversation starter, with tube shocks you replace them in pairs. With lever shocks does the same hold true?

thoughts?
 
I think that if you can do a careful comparison of the shock action from one side to the other that that would determine whether they all need replacement. When I got my Mk3 Sprite the front right shock was shot and all leaked out. Replaced it with one from Peter C. The other one seemed OK but when I rebuilt the rest of the front end on that car I slid a pipe over the shock arm and compared their action side to side. The side that hadn't been replaced didn't have as good of damping so I ordered another from Peter.
 
If the non rebuilt shock shows no sign of leaking why bother? Street driven, non race car, no guarantee the second rebuilt shock will be identical and you'll likely not be able to tell the difference.
 
Bob Claffie said:
If the non rebuilt shock shows no sign of leaking why bother? Street driven, non race car, no guarantee the second rebuilt shock will be identical and you'll likely not be able to tell the difference.
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good point - I guess I am just wondering if after 40+ years if they start to show their age. (and before anyone says it - I certainly am! :smile: )
 
Send it to Peter and that way both shocks will react the same way. If shock has not had Peter’s magic touch you can be it will leak.
 
Jim_Gruber said:
Send it to Peter and that way both shocks will react the same way. If shock has not had Peter’s magic touch you can be it will leak.
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exactly what I am thinking!
 
I had one of the shocks that Peter C. built up for me go bad. He fixed it. No fuss, no muss. Even after repairs and presumably as "good as new", it's behavior was indistinguishable from the one that remained in the car.
 
SaxMan said:
I had one of the shocks that Peter C. built up for me go bad. He fixed it. No fuss, no muss. Even after repairs and presumably as "good as new", it's behavior was indistinguishable from the one that remained in the car.
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agreed! I don't notice any difference - actually I can't remember which he did (I think passenger - for sure front!)

Put the new rear spring on - and drove it 10 miles to storage but Oh my goodness even there a huge change!
 
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