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shocks and springs: new original or new upgrade

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J

jobster

Senior Member
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thinking about replacing springs and shocks for a new set. Rimmer Bros (www.rimmerbros.co.uk) in the UK have several sets including front and rear springs and shocks (part RR1410).
But they also have the springs with a set of Spax or Koni's (incl. brackets for the rear shocks part RR1411 or RR1412 but I would order with a different set, type 2, of brackets).
Double the price though. Not sure what to do. Any thoughts? I am not a streetracer, not a touring type of guy either.
 
Were TR6's delivered in Europe a different ride height that those delivered in the US for your year.

I have a 1974 TR6, and installed springs that are one inch shorter and stiffer than stock (Goodpart springs). I tried different shocks, and ended up with Konis. The car looks and drives better now that it has been lowered.

Do use the adjustable swing arm brackets from Goodparts and maybe his bushings also.

The end result will be a much better driving car.

Good luck. Have fun.
 
mine is a '73 previous US car. I would definitely choose the uprated (read lowered) springs. It's the shocks that are bothering me in terms of what to choose.
 
To adjust the Konis, you have to remove them from the car.
I think with the Spax, you can adjust them on the car.

I never have driven any car with Spax, so I cannot say how good they are for your use.
I have had Konis on everything from a Mini to a Shelby GT350, and have never been unhappy with them.

Maybe you could get some advise from Revington or Racetorations, Both create hi performance TRs
 
What type of driving do you do? If you go out for the leisurely drive in the country, stock springs and shocks are adequate. Although I would upgrade the rears a notch due to squat problems.
Remember that the rears are always softer than the fronts.
If you want to drive those country roads at a higher rate of speed, I would bump both front and rears a notch. Also look into an upgrade front sway bar and add one to the rear.
Faster road/autocross, I'd move up a notch to the lowered stiffer springs and defintitely the sway bar package. Look at an upgrade to urethane or nylon suspension bushings. Upgrades to the shocks are also very helpful at this point.
Spax and Konis are excellent. KYB is very good for road use.
Keep in mind that every pothole or larger bump is an obstacle when you lower the car. You have to contantly be aware of the road surface ahead. Dead raccoons will knock your exhaust off in a heartbeat. Ask me how I know.
If you don't mind a 2 1/2" ground clearance and very stiff suspension, go with the lowered set up. You will want to upgrade wheels and tires....it can get a little costly, but it's worth it.
 
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