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Old 09-18-2018, 02:35 PM   #1
woofa.express
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Default Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

Modern Shock Absorbers.

The ride in my ute was harsh so I removed 2 rear springs leaving 10, the same number as a touring car. I added 4 new shockers, the modern type as I have displayed in the picture.
This has made no difference to the ride andI am disappointed of course and think that I may remove more. One member suggested applying a liquid graphite to the springs, I think that may be a good idea but yet to do it.
How have others found these modern shockers? I welcome all comment, on the shockers, springs and other suggestions.
Thankyou in anticipation. Gary


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Old 09-18-2018, 02:49 PM   #2
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

From info provided from the vendors, these are apparently gas charged shocks though not as stiff as KYB, etc. You may want to investigate EMPI 9600 series shocks for '65 VW, Would have to ream the link pins or add new bushings, but these are pure oil, non gas charged , with a softer ride. The spray graphite works fine but use a good spring spreader and large C clamps to deal with the rear spring.
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Old 09-18-2018, 03:56 PM   #3
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

I was working with a friend about 10 years ago, who had gas tube shocks on a Coupe.

Gas shocks were too stiff. I had a set of low mileage Sears shocks for 1969 VW Type III. Straight oil shocks ... no gas. He liked them better than gas,

I also had a set of Koni adjustable oil shocks for 69 Type III. I do not remember if we tried those on Coupe or not.

Each is individually adjustable for rebound and compression rates ...

Seems these would be worth trying.

Last edited by Benson; 09-18-2018 at 08:39 PM.
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Old 09-18-2018, 06:27 PM   #4
Kurt in NJ
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

how well lubed are the springs---dry springs will ride hard
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Old 09-19-2018, 11:25 AM   #5
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

If that was a 13 leaf spring and you had it reset, put about 8 ton of super in the back and it should ride OK.
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Old 09-19-2018, 03:05 PM   #6
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Quote:
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If that was a 13 leaf spring and you had it reset, put about 8 ton of super in the back and it should ride OK.

Do you reckon that will fix it?
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Old 09-19-2018, 04:01 PM   #7
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

No.

Most rough riding is noticed in the front spring. So start there.

Without the shocks the springs should be supple enough to absorb the bumps.

You want the shocks to absorb bounce after the bump (the spring letting go) ie. Like when driving over railway tracks, tne shocks should control the bounce.

Cart springs already have a lot of built in resistance so you don't need to add much with the shocks. I'd only add it on the rebound to control bounce. Let the springs absorb the bump.

Check if the spring leaves are sliding and the shackles spin free etc. as this adds too much resistance.
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Old 09-20-2018, 10:52 AM   #8
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

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No.

Most rough riding is noticed in the front spring. So start there.

Without the shocks the springs should be supple enough to absorb the bumps.

You want the shocks to absorb bounce after the bump (the spring letting go) ie. Like when driving over railway tracks, tne shocks should control the bounce.

Cart springs already have a lot of built in resistance so you don't need to add much with the shocks. I'd only add it on the rebound to control bounce. Let the springs absorb the bump.

Check if the spring leaves are sliding and the shackles spin free etc. as this adds too much resistance.

Thankyou. I will be in Griffith today so I'll purchase some spray on graphite. As it stands now the bounce would be better than the sharp ride I am experiencing.
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Old 09-20-2018, 01:34 PM   #9
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

Fought this stuff for years and finally removed the "modern" tube shocks and promptly threw them away. Stepped up tall and bought Bill Stipe. (Stipe Machine). I found them to be worth every penny. I'm not an engineer but my opinion is tube shocks beat the hell out of frames and the like. Make sure your shackles and bushings are spot on. Determine that your spring is to spec. Lube it ( I used a combo of slip plate and Kroil) Many have had success screwing around with different rebound and compression rates so good for them. I wasted a lot of time and money and all that went away with Stipe shocks. FWIW
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Old 09-20-2018, 01:57 PM   #10
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

Are Trucks normally exceptionally rough riding when to spec?


Just checking so I know if I need to address things as posted about cars.
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Old 09-20-2018, 10:47 PM   #11
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

Quote:
Originally Posted by woofa.express View Post
Modern Shock Absorbers.

The ride in my ute was harsh so I removed 2 rear springs leaving 10, the same number as a touring car. I added 4 new shockers, the modern type as I have displayed in the picture.
This has made no difference to the ride andI am disappointed of course and think that I may remove more. One member suggested applying a liquid graphite to the springs, I think that may be a good idea but yet to do it.
How have others found these modern shockers? I welcome all comment, on the shockers, springs and other suggestions.
Thankyou in anticipation. Gary


That is the exact set up I threw away. the only thing of any real quality was the front axle mounts.
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Old 09-21-2018, 06:20 AM   #12
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

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Originally Posted by 30 Closed Cab PU View Post
Are Trucks normally exceptionally rough riding when to spec?


Just checking so I know if I need to address things as posted about cars.
Yes, if you have the truck empty. 200 pounds located at the rear of the box would help the ride.
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Old 01-07-2019, 05:30 PM   #13
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

I removed the front shockers and get a better rid. I will remove rear ones now and perhaps an additional or maybe 2 rear springs. both the front of the vehicle and the rear do not lie strait. vehicle slightly lower one side. I welcome useful suggestions on how to remedy this.
Hope I got the word lie spelt correctly.
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Old 01-08-2019, 07:33 PM   #14
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

I believe having the tilt is pretty common with older springs. On mine I discovered the rear spring had popped out of the center of the frame , so it leaned worse. The other thing you can try is open the leaves and reverse every other leaf to balance it out.


If the tilt wasn't there earlier, check the hat the springs are centered in the bolt hole.

Rudy
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Old 01-08-2019, 08:22 PM   #15
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

I had a really stiff ride with my 30 CCPU a few years also, so a sprayed penetrating oil on the front and rear springs. It helped. It was only a temporary fix. So, this spring I decided to fix the hard ride once and for all. I bought a new front spring and a 7 leaf roadster rear spring. Disassembled both springs and painted the contact surfaces with graphite paint and rounded the lower edges of the ends of the individual leaves. My final step was replacing the worn out aftermarket arm style shocks with a set from Bill Stipe. Hard ride problem solved. Be advised that all Model A car styles had the same front leaf spring. Also, you said you removed two leaves from the rear spring. IMO, Softening the ride will be achieved by changing/modifying the rear spring.The Model A 10 leaf truck spring has a thicker main leaf then all the other models. So by removing a couple of leaves, you did make the ride softer. but it's still firmer that a standard 8 leaf spring.
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Old 01-09-2019, 11:26 AM   #16
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

Quote:
Originally Posted by Benson View Post
I was working with a friend about 10 years ago, who had gas tube shocks on a Coupe.

Gas shocks were too stiff. I had a set of low mileage Sears shocks for 1969 VW Type III. Straight oil shocks ... no gas. He liked them better than gas,

I also had a set of Koni adjustable oil shocks for 69 Type III. I do not remember if we tried those on Coupe or not.

Each is individually adjustable for rebound and compression rates ...

Seems these would be worth trying.
Concur or oil filled VW bug shocks. Check the shock parameters to fit the vendors kits. Note that the vendor's tube shocks shown won't fit with front mounted Panhard bars.
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Old 01-10-2019, 02:12 PM   #17
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

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The Model A 10 leaf truck spring has a thicker main leaf then all the other models. So by removing a couple of leaves, you did make the ride softer. but it's still firmer that a standard 8 leaf spring.


Now that's interest ALinNY. One thing I'm not clear about, you say the truck spring has a thicker main spring. Is that truck as in truck or truck as in pickup? cheers, gary
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Old 01-10-2019, 03:48 PM   #18
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

My 28 ccpu rides better than my new car,so does my 33 and 34.
Heres what I did to fix them all, fit new shackles
take the springs out,strip them ,grind all the burs and grooves out,clean them all,assemble them,starting with the main leaf,hold it by one end in the vice,cover it with a layer of grease,and graphite powder,lay the next leaf on, do the same, until you have the spring assembled,wrap the whole spring in denso tape,make sure the denso tape is not under where the spring mounts to the frame.
this will make it smooth and last for years.
and they all have the stock original shocks fitted,.overhauled of corse
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Old 01-10-2019, 05:03 PM   #19
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

I have that setup and hate it. I should be wearing kidney belts driving the thing. I keep thinking I will get used to them, but have not yet. Changing them is on the list but other things are first.
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Old 01-11-2019, 01:21 AM   #20
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

If you measure the compressed and extended length of those front shocks someone might be able to find one of the VW shocks to fit. The Model T guys seem to use those.

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Old 01-12-2019, 12:56 PM   #21
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

About VW type III shocks ... sorry maybe not everyone knows this:

The VW Type III is also known as Fastback or Squareback and these are the shocks mentioned in post #3.

Also made 1962 to 1968 in single and dual carburetored versions and called Variant or "VW 1500" outside USA.

It's the Electronic Fuel injected VW 1600 that debuted in 1969 and was made until 1973.

As I remember they have an eye on both ends like the third picture of post # 20 above.

I could check the set of Koni adjustables for the Type III that i have but at present I have not been able to remember where they are.

Last edited by Benson; 01-12-2019 at 01:22 PM.
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Old 01-12-2019, 04:31 PM   #22
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

See Empi 9600 series; pure oil filled, no gas charged.
Eyes both ends, metric holes.
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Old 01-12-2019, 05:54 PM   #23
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

Hi Woofa,


I had a comparible problem. The rear spring of my roadster was left very hard, right very very soft.


The blades of the spring was on the ends abrassed(?)/scratechd(?) at 0,5 mm deep.

I used

https://www.oks-germany.com/de/produ...aertend-spray/


Now the spring glides softley on both sides.
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Old 01-12-2019, 08:22 PM   #24
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

Do what Lawrie suggests, OR after cleaning, grinding the burrs, etc, buy & apply Graphite paint available at Tractor supply stores, then reassemble. This works well and doesn't require wrapping the springs, as the paint won't attract dist, etc., as the grease will.
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Old 01-12-2019, 08:59 PM   #25
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Werner View Post
Hi Woofa,
I had a comparible problem. The rear spring of my roadster was left very hard, right very very soft.
The blades of the spring was on the ends abrassed(?)/scratechd(?) at 0,5 mm deep.
I used
https://www.oks-germany.com/de/produ...aertend-spray/
Now the spring glides softley on both sides.
https://www.oks-germany.com/en/produ...rdening-spray/

This seems to be an air hardening molly spray. Anything the dust doesn't stick to would be good here, as some of it is very fine and in bulk quantity.
However, I can't seem to find a dealer for OKS here unfortunately. I would be happy to add it to my collection of spray cans of stuff dust doesn't stick to.
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Old 01-12-2019, 10:56 PM   #26
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Yes! Shocks are a pain! For mine, I used Monroe "gas-matic" #59017. These have an "eye" or ring at both ends. I found them rather easy to work with. I believe there's a sketch with two views in my album "My A" of the shock bracket. There are a left one and a right one, so they can be mirrored, but not duplicated. There is some welding involved with it so if welding is not your thing, better buy a kit.

I had my spring off so there was not a problem with lubricating it. I merely loosened the center bolt somewhat( Be very careful not to loosen it too much,Springs are very dangerous!) Besides, you're only creating a small where oil can pass through (It gets trough the .001 gap between the crank and the bearings, doesn't it?). Saturate it with oil for a day or two while the spring is on it's side. Then blow it out with compressed air and saturate it again and stand it up for a day or two so the oil penetrates down between the leaves then turn it over so the oil (STP, 600w, corn head grease, old drain oil, graphite, what have you!) seeps into the other side. When all done, tighten the center bolt to tighten the spring pack and reinstall.
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Old 01-13-2019, 11:16 AM   #27
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

Hello Updraught,


yes it's like MoS2 "paint". In USA it is manufactored by Dow Corning. The general meaning is "Anti-Friction-Coatings".


The picture showes my declamped spring. Several times before I tried to get a smoother function with very thin penetrating oil (WD 40 is known in USA?). Thats no really help! You see, that the leaves are dry.
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Old 01-13-2019, 01:00 PM   #28
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Quote:
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Yes! Shocks are a pain! For mine, I used Monroe "gas-matic" #59017. These have an "eye" or ring at both ends. I found them rather easy to work with. I believe there's a sketch with two views in my album "My A" of the shock bracket. There are a left one and a right one, so they can be mirrored, but not duplicated. There is some welding involved with it so if welding is not your thing, better buy a kit.

I had my spring off so there was not a problem with lubricating it. I merely loosened the center bolt somewhat( Be very careful not to loosen it too much,Springs are very dangerous!) Besides, you're only creating a small where oil can pass through (It gets trough the .001 gap between the crank and the bearings, doesn't it?). Saturate it with oil for a day or two while the spring is on it's side. Then blow it out with compressed air and saturate it again and stand it up for a day or two so the oil penetrates down between the leaves then turn it over so the oil (STP, 600w, corn head grease, old drain oil, graphite, what have you!) seeps into the other side. When all done, tighten the center bolt to tighten the spring pack and reinstall.
Terry
Home Depot in US has a graphite spray that appears to work well. Dries fine and can be layered to suit.
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Old 01-13-2019, 03:22 PM   #29
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Smile Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

thankyou to those who gave some excellent advise. AL in NY tells me the pickup spring is more ridged than the cars so I think I'll either talk to a spring setting business or replace at least the top ridged spring. With that I will replace the shackles as well. thanks again fellas. gary
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Old 01-13-2019, 03:48 PM   #30
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Default Re: Modern post manufacture shock absorbers

Like I said ,my 28 ccpu rides as good as my modern cars,drove it all the way to Murray Bridge on all the back roads from central Queensland as smooth as.you dont have to change the spring,
also takes loads of stuff to the tip without a drama.so it can handle a load
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Old 01-13-2019, 04:40 PM   #31
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I got a kit from the late Rainmaker Ron. Oil filled, and they are great. Been on for about 10 years, and I love em'.
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