Changing front shocks
Discussion
Not a lot to it really,jack car up and its just two big nuts and bolts (3/4" AF although 19mm should fit).
I'd suggest start at about six clicks off softest setting and see how it feels, if you put them on the right way round adjuster is easy to get at for further tweaking.
Ride height maybe have about inch of thread showing, try for a mile or two to settle suspension and wind up or down to get a ride height that suits you, looks right and clears any local speed bumps, high kerbs onto driveway etc.
I'd suggest start at about six clicks off softest setting and see how it feels, if you put them on the right way round adjuster is easy to get at for further tweaking.
Ride height maybe have about inch of thread showing, try for a mile or two to settle suspension and wind up or down to get a ride height that suits you, looks right and clears any local speed bumps, high kerbs onto driveway etc.
Thanks,
I will use the settings from the old AVO's I'm taking off. I also have to change the springs to the new shockers, other than a spring compressor is there anything else I need. Do I need a spanner for adjusting ride height, I do not have one neither did AVO supply one with the new shocks!
I will use the settings from the old AVO's I'm taking off. I also have to change the springs to the new shockers, other than a spring compressor is there anything else I need. Do I need a spanner for adjusting ride height, I do not have one neither did AVO supply one with the new shocks!
With standard rate springs the spring may still be under considerable load when the damper is fully extended. Depending on the amount of travel on the spring seat and the spring length and rate you may be able to wind the spring seat down far enough to unload the spring. However, the condition of the damper body may make that impossible.
The alternative is to use spring compressors to compress the spring by an inch or so, so you can remove the upper spring seat. For dampers without adjustable spring seats, this will be your only option.
If you are considering using spring compressors I strongly recommend that you think four, five or six times before you do it. It is easy to do (although it involves a fair bit of brute force) but it is also extremely dangerous to do. This is one of the few jobs on the car that genuinely scares me. The coil spacing prevents any of the normal strut spring compressors from fitting, you will need to use either a cut down strut compressor or a very spindly coil-over compressor. In either case there will be very little engagement on the spring. There is a significant chance that the spring will slip, and if that happens you, or anyone near you, could be seriously injured. If you need to compress the springs to get them off, I would advise you to take the old and new dampers to any local garage and ask them to swap the springs over for you. It's a quick job that won't cost many beer vouchers.
The alternative is to use spring compressors to compress the spring by an inch or so, so you can remove the upper spring seat. For dampers without adjustable spring seats, this will be your only option.
If you are considering using spring compressors I strongly recommend that you think four, five or six times before you do it. It is easy to do (although it involves a fair bit of brute force) but it is also extremely dangerous to do. This is one of the few jobs on the car that genuinely scares me. The coil spacing prevents any of the normal strut spring compressors from fitting, you will need to use either a cut down strut compressor or a very spindly coil-over compressor. In either case there will be very little engagement on the spring. There is a significant chance that the spring will slip, and if that happens you, or anyone near you, could be seriously injured. If you need to compress the springs to get them off, I would advise you to take the old and new dampers to any local garage and ask them to swap the springs over for you. It's a quick job that won't cost many beer vouchers.
ttraynor said:
Thanks,
I will use the settings from the old AVO's I'm taking off. I also have to change the springs to the new shockers, other than a spring compressor is there anything else I need. Do I need a spanner for adjusting ride height, I do not have one neither did AVO supply one with the new shocks!
When I fitted new AVO's once I screwed the coil spring adjustor to the lowest point the springs were uncompressed and dead easy to swap, I have a 'C' spanner you are welcome to borrow but will be away until mondayI will use the settings from the old AVO's I'm taking off. I also have to change the springs to the new shockers, other than a spring compressor is there anything else I need. Do I need a spanner for adjusting ride height, I do not have one neither did AVO supply one with the new shocks!
Hi Tom
Will put in post probably monday, i still have your address, as you will need it to adjust ride height even if you get the springs swapped by a garage.
I do agree about the dangers as I once saw a spring compressor let go, if anyone had been in the wrong position then it would have very serious. You might find Neil (?) at AVO happy to help, Northampton isnt too far away (I think)
Norman
Will put in post probably monday, i still have your address, as you will need it to adjust ride height even if you get the springs swapped by a garage.
I do agree about the dangers as I once saw a spring compressor let go, if anyone had been in the wrong position then it would have very serious. You might find Neil (?) at AVO happy to help, Northampton isnt too far away (I think)
Norman
ttraynor said:
Norman,
I would be grateful if you could lend me your spanner, it sounds as if I have my work cut out.
Usually, if the spring seats are going to turn they will turn if you jack the car up so the weight is off the wheel and turn the bottom of the spring and the spring seat together, no special tools needed. Just be sure to do it while the bottom of the damper is attached to the car.I would be grateful if you could lend me your spanner, it sounds as if I have my work cut out.
My experience with OE springs and AVO is that they are too long for adjustable dampers (even on their longest settings) so they are under compression even when the height adjuster is backed right off. If you have OE springs (or at least the OE springs and AVO adjustables I had) you WILL need spring compressors to get the springs off.
Aftermarket springs are shorter, so aren't under compression with the damper on full extension, so Peter's method (Green V8S) would work then - and even if it didn't, you'd be able to take the damper / spring off, back off the adjuster with a C-spanner and just lift the spring cup out, and remove the spring.
Aftermarket springs are shorter, so aren't under compression with the damper on full extension, so Peter's method (Green V8S) would work then - and even if it didn't, you'd be able to take the damper / spring off, back off the adjuster with a C-spanner and just lift the spring cup out, and remove the spring.
Gerald-TVR said:
Hi Tom
Will put in post probably monday, i still have your address, as you will need it to adjust ride height even if you get the springs swapped by a garage.
I do agree about the dangers as I once saw a spring compressor let go, if anyone had been in the wrong position then it would have very serious. You might find Neil (?) at AVO happy to help, Northampton isnt too far away (I think)
Norman
Posted!!Will put in post probably monday, i still have your address, as you will need it to adjust ride height even if you get the springs swapped by a garage.
I do agree about the dangers as I once saw a spring compressor let go, if anyone had been in the wrong position then it would have very serious. You might find Neil (?) at AVO happy to help, Northampton isnt too far away (I think)
Norman
ttraynor said:
Norman, appreciate the loan of the spanner.
While its very kind and helpful of Norman to offer the loan, these can be bought for less than a tenner post paid, e.g. www.nookysnuts.com
By the time you've paid postage both ways ?
Worth getting your own then you've got it for any future adjustments?
Edited by phillpot on Friday 1st July 12:54
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