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TR6 TR6 Springs__HELP

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scottsheppard

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Ok, So I am new but not that new to Briyish Vehs...I found my suspension a bit wanting on my 73 TR6 so ordered th emuch maligned Shock Conversion Kit from Vic British and new springs. I thought I would be clever and order 'heavy duty' because they were better (?). Half way thru the swap I noticed the old spings were about 2 inches taller than the ones I was putting in. The part I ordered from Vic British simply said HD (not shrtened). Part number 5-5551. Its not that it looks goofy or anything, but I must say the back end is rather stiff and I am beginning to wonder if I should have left the springs alone...anyone else have simialr experience?


To add to this, I ordered regular springs for the front and ordered just the regular springs which, as it turns out, are the same height as the new ones I just put in the rear! Your comments/criticism welcome!
cheers
scott
 
I think what you'll find is that the HD compress less than the regular springs; so they can start off shorter...but 2 inches ?
They must be really stiff. By contrast GoodParts 470# springs compared to stock 350# rear springs are only 1 inch shorter; yet with the weight of the car sit about the same. At least that was my experience.
Why tube shocks, though ?
 
thanks

I went with the tube shocks as they seemed a simpler alternative to repairing the lever type...I had read about the 'improved' handling as well. I plan to mitigate any risk of frame damage bu welding in a supporting bracket so thats not an issue...

And yes, they are stiff--plus about 20% thicker than the other stock springs...I am not a performance driver so kind of kciking mysel for the springs--I just want a nice smooth ride!

scott
 
I would call them and ask about the free length specs, they could have sent you the wrong springs?
 
poolboy said:
By contrast GoodParts 470# springs compared to stock 350# rear springs are only 1 inch shorter;
Click to expand...

Have you measured the Goodparts springs Ken? I'm asking because I have not. My springs came from TriumphTune.

Without spacers, the Goodparts springs will lower the car by about 1" (straight from the website). The uncompressed height on that much stiffer spring could be close to 2" shorter. The stocks initially compress quite a bit when loaded with the vehicle weight.

Old stock springs will sag and you might not notice a difference in vehicle height but there should have been a big difference in stiffness.

Just some thoughts...
 
No I didn't. Maybe I misinterpreted the the ad. I don't think that the car sat a whole inch lower with the 470 springs, though. I tried the spacers, 1/2" as I recall, but didn't leave them in.
 
You can still measure the wheel center to wheel arch, or wheel arch to ground and consult the body section of the Bentley. 28-5/8" rings a bell for stock height from the center of the wheel arch to ground. All four wheels level. Another way you can check the front height is by measuring from the ground to the center of the headlight. Stock should be 24".

Between my TriumphTune fast road springs and my 195/65 tires, my car sit a full 1.5" lower than stock.
 
Yeah 28-5/8 is what Ted Schumacher told me, when I was asking about the springs he was selling at the Mitty last year.
 
My car was dragging at nearly every driveway and dip in the road. I had read many posts about springs and the ride height problems described here. I had also read how so many had went with springs from Goodparts so I called Richard. I explained what was happening and that I wanted a stock height ride. He recommended his 470# springs with the 3/4" spacer. This photo is the result and made another happy customer.
TR6_1B.JPG
 
Hi Scott - this is a pet peeve of mine but shock height problems are a well known issue unfortunately. Moss, TRF and now it appears Vicky Brit all sell shocks that make the car sit at an iffy height once installed. At least TRF now provides a sort of warning on this, I have yet to see Moss or VB do the same.

Several of us have going with Richard Good's springs, some right away or others like me out of frustration with the situation.

I'd strongly suggest you call Rich and ask him for ideas and how his springs will impact your car. He is super knowledgeable and his prices, for the quality provided, are reasonable.

As mentioned above Ted, at TSI, is another good resource who will tell it to your straight.

Welcome BTW - good to have you here!
 
The only thing missing in that picture, Tom, is you and Shirley.
 
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