Shocking conversion

[kodanja]

I changed the rear shocks in my 71' TR6 to the new conversion shown below,about 3 months ago but haven't really drivin the car since. I just wanted anybody's feedback on this kit as far as durabilty and comfort.

thanx

 

[NickMorgan]

I used the much simpler conversion on my TR4A many years ago. This used Spax telescopic dampers with the top bracket clamped to the wheelarch. It transformed the car, which drove so much straighter over bumpy surfaces and gave a generally firmer ride. I had no problems for the four years I kept the car despite concerns that it would put too much stress through the bodywork. I would recommend the conversion to everyone - a good choice.

 

[DougF]

I converted mine to type 2 a couple years ago using KYB shocks. The ride is a little firmer which I got used to very quickly. I always thought the rear ned was a little soft even with Goodparts springs. Durability? Two years isn't enough time to help you there, but I can't imagine they won't last for many years. Replacement costs, unless going with Koni or Spax, will be considerable less than rebuilt Armstrongs.

 

[richards]

I used the Blind Moose kit.
I think the drawing you show, shows 3 different type of kits, and
what shocks did you use?
What shocks to you have on the front end?
Are you using stock springs?

 

[Brosky]

Bill,

I've read posts from several guys who have had problems with #2. The best, but hardest to install is #3 and #2 is right in the middle. From what I've read (not actually experienced) #1 & #2 puts too much stress on the frame in that area by changing the load from the new angles of the bracket.

I do not know if the statement is true or false.

 

[Flinkly]

heh, my rotoflex gt6 comes with the shocks mounted to the wheel arch. i didn't really like the idea of stress on the body so i switched it over to the frame. funny to think that someone would switch a shock from the frame to the wheelarch, even if to get rid of a lever arm.

 

[kodanja]

I'm using the type #3 Kit (shown above) with Koni's in the rear, I bolted & I had the brackets welded for better support. So far they feel a bit more ridged than the stock dampers. I'm also using the stock springs. This year I plan on refitting the front end with all new bushings and a new sway bar, along with new front Koni shocks.
I'm thinking about possibly putting in new springs in the front,but I'm not sure if I need to .

What is the best indication of excessive front spring wear?

 

[Brosky]

With springs, you just get a sagging front end. Kind of like humans as we age....

The other suspension parts are less obvious to notice outwardly, but more apparent in noises, such as squeaks and rattles and tires wearing unevenly.

 

[kodanja]

Paul when we get together maybe you can give me your expert opinion whether or not you think the front end is sagging.

I dont hear any squeaks or unusal noises or do I notice and uneven tire wear... /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/thankyousign.gif /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/banana.gif

 

[rooster]

Hi,

I've had the type 3 for about 10 years, with Koni shocks.
So far so good. I recommend it.

 

[kodanja]

thanx /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/banana.gif

 

[Brosky]

Bill, somewhere on this forum is the specs that indicates the ride height of the car, measured from the ground to the center of the fender line (I think that this was the proper method).

We had a discussion about it after I did my rear suspension and saw how far up the front used to be compared to the sagging rear.

That's the best way to make an accurate assessment of the situation. Ooh.....that sounded very tactical, didn't it?

 

[kodanja]

sounds like a plan thanx
I guess i'll have to put the wheels back on for that...huh

 

[Brosky]

Nah...........just use your imaginary tires and take a W.A.G.

It won't matter as long as you're not driving it anyhow.

 

[kodanja]

W.A.G?

 

[AltaKnight]

Wild Ass Guess! (WAG)

 

[richards]

Ride height stuff.
Because all of our TR6s are a little different, maybe the best way to check ride height is to measure from the wheel centers vertically to the wheel arch. This type of measurement eliminates the effect of different wheels, tires, and tire pressures.
Stock and non-stock springs, old and new springs will effect that measurement.
I have Goodpart springs front and back.
The approximate measurements from the wheel center to the wheel arch are:
Front 13 5/8 inch
Rear 14 3/8 inch
gas tank about 1/2 full

Other stuff:
Check out Triumphs Only website for more information https://www.triumphsonly.com/pages/main/index

 

[Brosky]

That's it! Center of wheel to center of arch.

Thanks Richard.

 

[kodanja]

can ya do it with the wheels off?

 

[Brosky]

No, the suspension is hanging down, not compressing the springs. And do it after a drive or pushing up and down on each corner two or three times.