FB original shock absorbers

Includes shock absorbers, springs and steering linkages.

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thomos60
Posts: 164
Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2015 1:37 pm
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Location: Hamilton New Zealand

FB original shock absorbers

Post by thomos60 »

Gents
The original shocks, are they any good? I have seen a set of original shocks on ebay (refurbished) but I thought they were a bit expensive. I have the originals which I can clean up and paint, and install new rubber bushes, but is there a way to test them? or should I just get a set of modern shocks, my intention with the car when finished, is drive on fine Sundays, and I will be running with cross ply's and the car will be at original ride height.
regards
Thomo.
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oz_ek
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Location: Victoria

Re: FB original shock absorbers

Post by oz_ek »

Are your old shocks still on the car?
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Errol62
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FB original shock absorbers

Post by Errol62 »

Put the shock lower mount in the jaws of a vice being careful not to damage the body with the shaft pointing vertically up. Make it tight then pump the shaft up and down a few times through full range of travel. There should be fair and even pressure required consistent between axle sets. No weeping of fluid from the gland and no dents on the body should be evident. Corrosion on the body, mounts or shaft is not good of course.

If fitted to the car bounce each corner. If the body oscillates up and down a couple of times before coming to rest shocker is sus.

New shocks are often stiffer valved to enhance handling over ride which is why the first thing we always did to our cars as lads was to upgrade to heavy duty or GTS shocks. This often required filing out the hole in the lower A-arm to the wider shock body could fit up through and bolt on. Yes the GTS Monaro shocks fitted up to FB EK and I think FC and possibly FE.

Suspension specialists insist new shocks should always be fitted in axle pairs. I have a few original units that look serviceable but would be pretty tempted to fit new pairs and just paint them black for an original look.


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thomos60
Posts: 164
Joined: Mon Mar 02, 2015 1:37 pm
State: INT
Location: Hamilton New Zealand

Re: FB original shock absorbers

Post by thomos60 »

Thanks Errol.
I reckon you may be right, I will go through the motions and clean up the originals, then stick them on the shelf under the bench, then paint a modern set up.
thanks again.
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