TR2/3/3A TR3 Front Shock Install?

[karls59tr]

Car on stands and finishing front end rebuild. Manual says when installing shock"spring will have to be compressed slightly using small jack to achieve correct shock absorber fitting position."...what do they mean by slightly?...also""tighten the top nut till it just nips the plain washer and metal sleeve and lock with locknut".....I've done this but the shock seems loose and moves around at the top ofthe tower. Shouldnt it be solid? What am I missing? Karl

 

[tdskip]

The shock should be solid/firmly mounted in the tower for sure.

Are the shock mounting bushings all in place?

 

[TR3driver]

I'd guess it wasn't together all the way on the car.

My suggestion is to pull it back out, and temporarily assemble the top bushings, washers, spacer & nut with it off the car. With the nut tightened, the bushings should squeeze until they touch (or almost touch anyway) where the top plate would be if assembled on the car. You can also note how much thread is exposed at the top.

Not sure which manual you are reading, my factory manual says "It may be necessary to compress the road spring by placing a jack under the lower wishbone assembly." I believe what they mean is that some shocks may be too short to fully reach the top, with the spring pan resting against the frame. Jacking the suspension up slightly (not enough to lift the car off the stands) should let the shock reach the top. You'll need to do that anyway, to install the rebound stop (next step after installing the shock).