Nose Dive

[10210ken]

I'm sure the front end is getting lower by the month as the bonnet is opening to a smaller angle. I have looked at replacing the springs. It appears to be a bolt top and bottom that holds it in place. Surley it couldn't be that simple. If it is an "easy" job the next question is which ones to fit. I don't think I'll be doing any track days and just need something for everyday use.

PS. can someone explain about clicks on the shocks

[spivvy]

bolt top and bottom it is that easy
as to everything else don't know

[Wildfire]

Set of AVO, SPAX or GAZ, with new springs.

Yes it is that easy. x2 Bolts.

The Clicks control the strength of the damper. Clockwise for stiffer, anti clock for softer. You ca also alter the height with a C spanner and winding up the spring platform.

[bugsy]

Yep
Got the same problem, Hoover said the Gaz were ok, so we're going for them.

[tvrgit]

There's a question I meant to ask - do you have to compress the springs (front or rear) BEFORE you take them off the car? Don't want to end up firing a spring and shock over the neighbour's house...

[Wildfire]

When I did mine, I didn't have to. They most certainly won't fire off the care, as they are captive on the damper unit. You shouldn't need a spring compressor to fit the new springs to the damper either. A little bit of force with your hands should do the trick.

[GreenV8S]

Spring and damper comes off as a single unit, you remove the spring (*very* carefully) once it is off the car. As well as the spring sagging, it's likely the damper mounting bushes have sagged too.

[bugsy]

tvrgit said:

There's a question I meant to ask - do you have to compress the springs (front or rear) BEFORE you take them off the car? Don't want to end up firing a spring and shock over the neighbour's house...

No you don't have to worry about that, you just undo the 19mm bolts top & bottom.

I believe the only time you need a spring compressor, is if you want to take the old rising rate spring off the old shock absorber.

[tvrgit]

OK Ta guys

[10210ken]

Thanks for all the info guys, much appreciated. It has prompted a couple more questions.
From Wildfire's reply you an raise the suspension with a spanner, how????
Next question, Where can I get the shock from. I guess it not something off the shelf from my local factors.

Thanks

[bugsy]

10210ken said:

Thanks for all the info guys, much appreciated. It has prompted a couple more questions. From Wildfire's reply you an raise the suspension with a spanner, how???? Next question, Where can I get the shock from. I guess it not something off the shelf from my local factors. Thanks

On the fully adjustable shocks from AVO, Gaz, Spax and others, the outer part of the shock is threaded and the spring seat can be wound up or down with a C spanner (normally supplied) thus lifting the spring and raising the car up.
You can get them allmost anywhere but if you noted my recent post moaning about some companies charging as much as £40 over the top per corner, you would be having a good look round first.

[10210ken]

Last stupid question. Have seen both AVO and Gaz for around £70-80 on line. Do I need to buy the springs separately? If so, what size.

[Heathyboy]

My advice is to never open the bonnet I might be too tempted and start fiddling with things I know nothing about.

[bugsy]

10210ken said:

Last stupid question. Have seen both AVO and Gaz for around £70-80 on line. Do I need to buy the springs separately? If so, what size.

Everybody seems to think that stronger springs on the front are the way to go, if you don't want too harder suspension maybe 350lb on the front and 300lb on the back would be ok.

[martyn-s1]

I found I definitely needed a spring compressor to be able to remove the top spring retaining cap so as to get the springs off the old dampers and get them on to the new ones.

I couldn't easily find a compressor for spring over damper types only for McPherson type dampers which do not fit so I had to make my own up from some alloy block and long bolts.