front struts - replacements?
Discussion
Hiya all,
My Geep has got Mk1 struts up-front, with a 12mm dia strut top bolt. I replaced the strut-top bush as part of the MOT checklist, but unfortunately the strut itself seems to be very wobbly.
Does anyone know of good aftermarket replacements for Mk1 escorts? The Geep feels like it needs a firmer spring and shocker - it's far too wallowy at the front.
Also, does anyone know if anti-dive kits designed for Mk1 escorts will fit on the Jago chassis..? I'm disconcerted by the sudden dive every time I press the brake pedal...
My Geep has got Mk1 struts up-front, with a 12mm dia strut top bolt. I replaced the strut-top bush as part of the MOT checklist, but unfortunately the strut itself seems to be very wobbly.
Does anyone know of good aftermarket replacements for Mk1 escorts? The Geep feels like it needs a firmer spring and shocker - it's far too wallowy at the front.
Also, does anyone know if anti-dive kits designed for Mk1 escorts will fit on the Jago chassis..? I'm disconcerted by the sudden dive every time I press the brake pedal...
Hi Max,
has the correct bush been fitted? If not the front end will be wallowy if the struts aren't secure.
A read through a classic ford mag will list suppliers of parts (see recent post also), although its always worth trying your local auto-factor.
On a crossflow Geep standard spec struts should be more than adequate with the reduced weight of the Geep. However, I know that Capri struts are a popular upgrade with Escort owners so may suit your Geep if its Pinto powered - has anybody else had experience here?
As far as anti-dive kits go - i'm not too familiar with their fitment.
You have to take into account the extra ride height & axle articulation of the Geep and what effect any extra suspension linkages might have.
Have the front brakes been uprated? If so, the rears should be as well to maintain balance.
If unmodified then try adjusting the back brakes up to keep the back end in check.
Its also worth remembering that the short wheel base & high centre of gravity makes the vehicle more prone to pitching than the donor Escort.
Let us know how you get on.
Swizz...
has the correct bush been fitted? If not the front end will be wallowy if the struts aren't secure.
A read through a classic ford mag will list suppliers of parts (see recent post also), although its always worth trying your local auto-factor.
On a crossflow Geep standard spec struts should be more than adequate with the reduced weight of the Geep. However, I know that Capri struts are a popular upgrade with Escort owners so may suit your Geep if its Pinto powered - has anybody else had experience here?
As far as anti-dive kits go - i'm not too familiar with their fitment.
You have to take into account the extra ride height & axle articulation of the Geep and what effect any extra suspension linkages might have.
Have the front brakes been uprated? If so, the rears should be as well to maintain balance.
If unmodified then try adjusting the back brakes up to keep the back end in check.
Its also worth remembering that the short wheel base & high centre of gravity makes the vehicle more prone to pitching than the donor Escort.
Let us know how you get on.
Swizz...
As mentioned there are two sizes of bushing in the suspension tops due to there being two sizes of "stalk" at the top of the strut piston. If your strut is wobbling around in the strut top mount you have got the smaller diameter strut shaft in the bigger size bush. You either need to find the right sized tops (if your struts are in good condition) or find a local engineering company who can turn out a piece of steel bar of phosporus bronze bar to the right size to match the two components. If your struts are passed their best then you need new inserts with the correct bigger shaft to match your top mounts.
You will also find that there are also two sizes of strut top mount fixing plates hence why Jago did a set of adaptor plates to allow the "smaller" top mounts to fit the Jago strut mount points on the chassis.
You will also find that there are also two sizes of strut top mount fixing plates hence why Jago did a set of adaptor plates to allow the "smaller" top mounts to fit the Jago strut mount points on the chassis.
Cheers guys,
yup the strut top bush is the correct size - I measured the strut top bolt diameter (12mm) when I ordered it, and it fits in pretty snug. The wobblage is coming from the strut insert (top bit) in the slider (bottom bit).
I did have a set of Capri 2.8i Bilsteins (complete with 4-pot calipers), along with various other Capri bits, off my old 2.8i which was scrapped a few years back. I went to dig them out a week ago and they're gone - I guess my old man must have had a clear-out of the yard and slung everything away
I might investigate the possibility of new strut inserts to reduce the wobblage...
yup the strut top bush is the correct size - I measured the strut top bolt diameter (12mm) when I ordered it, and it fits in pretty snug. The wobblage is coming from the strut insert (top bit) in the slider (bottom bit).
I did have a set of Capri 2.8i Bilsteins (complete with 4-pot calipers), along with various other Capri bits, off my old 2.8i which was scrapped a few years back. I went to dig them out a week ago and they're gone - I guess my old man must have had a clear-out of the yard and slung everything away
I might investigate the possibility of new strut inserts to reduce the wobblage...
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