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The Shocking Truth!

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Tabcon

Tabcon

Jedi Warrior
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No, nothing juicy...sorry, just a few comments and questions about dampers, shocks, shockers, etc.

I'm at the stage where I've almost completed amassing all the various parts and fittings for the suspension part of the build. Definitely not stock, and hopefully the changes and improvements to the OE suspension system should prove worthwhile. However, I must admit I'm a bit stymied over the selection of shocks. Sure there are the standard Koni "Classic" style shocks as well as the other typical fare offered by Spax and Gaz as found in all the TR after market catalogs, but I was hoping to use something a little more exotic like Intrax, Penske or the bazillions of Koni racing shocks. Speaking with the shock geeks at all these places only has me more confused.

Sure these companies offer a dizzying array of shocks, but most are the coil over type, which of course cannot be used on the TR4 without a ton of other mods. I suppose I could use the coil over type shock without the coil, but that seems to defeat the point. The prices for these custom type, single and double adjustable shocks are crazy. The "cheap" ones seem to start in the $600 range, that's per shock mind you, and spiral upwards from there.

I was hoping that those of you who have made custom modifications to their TR rides may be able to offer some insight into my shocking dilemma before I cruise on down toO'Reily's and get some $30 Monroe's.
 
High end racing shocks like the Penske's, Koni Race, QA1's and Motons are absolutely awesome pieces. They're worth every dollar if you are racing, but they are not simple bolt on pieces.

How about looking at set of Koni Sports or Bilsteins? There are several companies that will revalve a set to your needs. I'm partial to Bilstein, but the Konis are adjustable so they might be a better fit for you. Most rebuilds/revalves are in the range of $60-$80 per shock (this in addition to what you payed for them originally).

Keep in mind, if you are going to have your shocks revalved, you need to know what spring rates you're going to use, wheel rates, type of roads, weight of the car, unsprung weight, suspension travel, etc. Shock revalving is a science much like camshaft selection, header designing, etc.
 
You're not kidding. I suppose you're also paying for them being rebuildable. This is a nice feature if your racing them.

I've done just about all the suspension calculations I can without having the car fully completed yet, including the frequency rates, but the only real way to tune it is by driving it.

Spax has range of steel shocks called "KSX", which are really somewhat custom built for your car and are bump and rebound adjustable for a great price. I'm getting 4 of these with rod ends in place of the mounting eye on the front shocks for 120 bucks each. I'm sure they will be adequate and if I need to move up from there, I can, but at this stage, spending upwards of $600 per shock is just not in the picture.

I'll let you know how they work...one day soon.
 
I run red Konis and they feel fine and never had let me down.
Lifetime warrenty makes it even better.

Cheers
Chris
 
The SPAX choice is great. You will be fine with 'em.
 
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