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Hello all. I am planning on replacing the shocks in my BJ8. I see that A.H.Spares sells a shock which they refer to as up rated. Has anyone had any experience with them? Any noticeable difference or should I stay with standard shocks. I am aware of the conversion kits but I prefer to keep the car close to original. Thanks
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Replacement shocks
- Thread starter BJ8TONY
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57_BN4
Guest
Guest
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If your shocks are worn out then just replacing or reconditioning them will be as much of an upgrade as you need for road driving. I did the DIY 'upgrade' by shimming the big spring and winding the adjustment in on the small spring plus changed to 20wt motorcycle fork oil. Not convinced the result is what I'd prefer but it is pretty good if a little on the firm side at low speed.
If I try and bounce the front fender by hand it mostly just bounces on the tire because the damping is too stiff to get any rapid movement in the suspension. How does that compare to yours?
Andy.
If I try and bounce the front fender by hand it mostly just bounces on the tire because the damping is too stiff to get any rapid movement in the suspension. How does that compare to yours?
Andy.
Healey Nut
Luke Skywalker
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Send them to apple hydrualics for restoration and upgrade to the stiffer valving .....works great .
Rob Glasgow
Jedi Knight
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I agree with Andy. If your shocks are worn then a rebuild will do wonders. You won't believe how well you car handles after the rebuild. I sent mine to Peter at World Wide Auto Parts in Wisconsin. I had my own units rebuilt and returned as opposed to doing an exchange because I wanted to keep the car as original as posible. I was very please with the service.
BoyRacer
Jedi Warrior
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You didn't say why you want to replace your shocks. I assume your shocks are leaking oil, right? If they don't leak they don't need replacing.
If they don't leak, and they are not stiff enough, you have two options. You can use a higher viscosity oil (use motorcycle fork oil). Or, with the front shocks, you can also buy competition valve/springs to easily replace your stock valving. I would simply recommend some fresh 30 wt fork oil for your BJ8 shocks (if they are not leaking)...otherwise send them to Worldwide for rebuild.
If they don't leak, and they are not stiff enough, you have two options. You can use a higher viscosity oil (use motorcycle fork oil). Or, with the front shocks, you can also buy competition valve/springs to easily replace your stock valving. I would simply recommend some fresh 30 wt fork oil for your BJ8 shocks (if they are not leaking)...otherwise send them to Worldwide for rebuild.
Richard I assume what you are telling me is that if the shocks are not leaking, they should be OK. And by changing the fluid weight that will adjust the dampening. What about the shock valve replacement? I would think that after 30+ years they would become weak.
Rob Glasgow
Jedi Knight
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3 of my shocks were not leaking when I sent them in for rebuild. The other was damaged to the point that the arms moved without resistance. Since the car has about 175,000 miles on it, I figured I would have all four rebuild, even though only one 'needed it'. What a pleasant surprise when I installed the rebuilt units. I expected the elimination of the tire bounce from the broken shock, but the car really rode and handled like new. It was a remarkable change.
I don't know exactly what they did when they rebuilt them, but it made a hugh change. In my opinion, if you have high milage shocks and even though they are not leaking, they will still benefit from a rebuild. At least that was my experience.
I don't know exactly what they did when they rebuilt them, but it made a hugh change. In my opinion, if you have high milage shocks and even though they are not leaking, they will still benefit from a rebuild. At least that was my experience.