Thread: IIA 88 rear shock absorber lengths

Originally Posted by debruiser

Agreed, on shock lengths. Max travel is what we'd be chasing. Maybe it'd be a good idea to look up what they use with the para's cause those are supposed to give you up to 50mm of lift, so one would think that the shocks are longer to compensate. Although would the valving be different to account for the different spring rate of the paras?

Yes, I get the impression that the shocks they seem to use for parabolics give 50mm more downward travel, but I am unsure of the compressed lengths.

It seems comparatively easy to order such shocks from the UK, but once they're here and they turn out not to be correct....

Also, the point of valving and spring rates has to be considered. Ozdunc raised a good question in why am I interested in getting HD shocks, and I realise that in the long run I may go back to standard. But I do want to have a bit of a play with some HD units to compare to my previous setups.

It is just frustrating to see stock items listed as correct, but the only examples I have managed to get hold of were definitely too short.

I feel your pain, ordering the wrong thing is not an option for me either, and I'm extremely reluctant to order these sorts of thing without some form of guarantee. Finding shock details are often difficult.

I'd love to be able to try out different shocks to see what they feel like and what I like best, but there is no way I can justify purchasing more than 1 set. So it's research research research for me.

One advantage over the parabolic springs that the originals have, is the spring damping between the leaves.

I don't think heavier rates of damping are really that applicable on the standard set-up. Hopefully someone with dampers off a parabolic conversion, can measure the extended and compressed lengths for us and let us know a brand name, or part number.

Alternatively; if someone lives near a parts shop (I don't) examine every damper in stock and see if one comes close. I did this for a Morris Minor van once in 1982 and the perfect match was off a Ford Escort,

Cheers Charlie

Originally Posted by chazza

One advantage over the parabolic springs that the originals have, is the spring damping between the leaves.

I don't think heavier rates of damping are really that applicable on the standard set-up. Hopefully someone with dampers off a parabolic conversion, can measure the extended and compressed lengths for us and let us know a brand name, or part number.

Alternatively; if someone lives near a parts shop (I don't) examine every damper in stock and see if one comes close. I did this for a Morris Minor van once in 1982 and the perfect match was off a Ford Escort,

Cheers Charlie

You're right, Charlie. All advice seems to point to heavier damping not being particularly applicable to standard springs due to the inter-leaf friction providing in-built damping. BUT... everybody's vehicle is different once it gets to fifty years of age. My springs are pretty bouncy and supple (and not LR items) and I just want to give the heavier damping a go. If I don't like it, I will then buy standard shocks and make a generous donation to a more needy person...

John

OK, the latest in the damper saga. I emailed Rover parts and explained my problem on the 109" as explained earlier in this thread. Hopefully the information here might benefit you Johno. All dimensions are from centre-to-centre of the eyes.

RTC4442 is the standard damper for the front of a 109". Extended length 530mm; compressed 470mm.

STC3941 as fitted to Aust Army Rovers with the extended spring shackles. Extended 650mm; compressed 580mm.

Britpart one Paddock sent me. Extended 415mm; compressed 280mm - nowhere near the right size!.

If anyone can tell me what the Britpart one will fit, I will be happy to know; I also have a pair of Monroe gas dampers, which are similar in dimension to the Britpart and were on the car when I got it.

Anyway I am going to buy a pair of RTC4442 and I will let you know when I get them if they fit.

For those with SWB have a look here Land Rover Parts - SHOCK ABSORBERS - SWB 88"" and email Sean if you have questions; he has been very helpful to me with my stupid questions,

Cheers Charlie

Originally Posted by chazza

RTC4442 is the standard damper for the front of a 109". Extended length 530mm; compressed 470mm.

Are you sure that's not a typo? only 6omm of travel?

Have you guy's tried out this crowd Rocky Mountain Spares UK > Improved Engineered Parts and Accessories for your Land Rover

I got a set for my 109. As I wanted to put para springs on it.. But changed my mind because of the rear mod that needed to be done for the para's. So ended up cleaning up and sticking to the standard springs. And I still used these shocks. They seem to handle very well. And from memory cost me around $400 with some other stuff I got with them..

Wolf

Originally Posted by debruiser

Are you sure that's not a typo? only 6omm of travel?

Whoops! Yes; that part no. is for the rear damper on a LWB. The figures quoted are from Rover parts

Cheers Charlie