Adjusting Hartford type shocks

[Black VXR]

Hi There, Does anyone have any instructions or ideas on adjusting Hartford type shocks

These are the type with the round friction discs held between two metal plates and then with two arms to connect them between the axel and the chassis

I have a set of these attached to an old car and I would like to set them up properly

I have taken them apart and greased them up (they were fairly dry), to adjust them its a matter of tighting up the center nut, but how much?

Thanks

[guru_1071]

should the discs be greased?

surely its the dryness of the discs is what creates the friction that they rely on to work?

[Black VXR]

Thats a fair point, I looked this up and the advice on the web says oil with stright 140 oil or grease the discs well before you try to adjust them.

It also says to tighted them up until they lock with the wheels on the ground, then jack the car up with the shocks locked. Loosen them until the axel just drops - I tried this but I got to 50lbs on the torque wrench and couldent get them to lock. I was a bit worried about going any higher than this, in case I sheered off the nut.

I have them set at 30 lbs rear and 35 lbs front at the moment, its a fairly heavy car but I down know if I am even close to how they should be set?