Shocks and springs and bushes

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Hurtzberg
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Shocks and springs and bushes

Post by Hurtzberg »

Hello All,

Are the standard Midget shocks (dampers) any different to the A35 ones? Eg, A worth while upgrade? Or are they worse as they are for a different weight car?

What's the recommended spring rate for fast road in a a35 without being overly harsh? For that matter, what is the standard rate ?

Thanks, Andrew.
Andrew

1957 A35
Dave Clark
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Re: Shocks and springs and bushes

Post by Dave Clark »

NEW Midget dampers (not reconditioned) are a better bet than anything else, but expensive. So called uprated reconditioned dampers are a minefield - could be OK could be useless.

I use 400 lb in front springs, From recollection the standard A35 spring is 280 lb in
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gazza82
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Re: Shocks and springs and bushes

Post by gazza82 »

Reconditioned Midget front dampers are probably cheaper than A35 ones as they are "more common"! :whistle:

Bit like when Austin and MM parts are identical apart from the extra ££s added to the Austin part! :roll:
"If you're driving on the edge ... you're leaving too much room!"

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Cars: "Project 757" '59 A35 2-door bought in 1971 & Subaru BRZ SE LUX Auto plus "family fleet": Alfa MiTo, Peugeot 206, (Ex '98 Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 TS)
Alan
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Re: Shocks and springs and bushes

Post by Alan »

i have 'uprated' midget dampers on the front of my car. they were an improvement on what was replaced.

think I paid £40 and gave mine in as exchange.
Modified 1963 AV8 A35 Van
Modified 1972 Rover P6 3500s

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Hurtzberg
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Re: Shocks and springs and bushes

Post by Hurtzberg »

Thanks Guys. I also meant to ask are the midget poly bushes any good? Sounds like they are easier to fit than rubber ones so I was going to fit those when updating the front corners.
Andrew

1957 A35
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Countryboy
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Re: Shocks and springs and bushes

Post by Countryboy »

Hurtzberg wrote:Thanks Guys. I also meant to ask are the midget poly bushes any good? Sounds like they are easier to fit than rubber ones so I was going to fit those when updating the front corners.
Yes

Go for the hardest option on the top bush and medium on the wishbone ones :thumbs:
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goodwoodweirdo
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Re: Shocks and springs and bushes

Post by goodwoodweirdo »

Am I right in saying Midget front springs are also shorter than A35's ... hoping to lower my car ...

Annoyingly I threw a set away only a few months go, do have the shocks though......

Cheers
Matt
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gazza82
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Re: Shocks and springs and bushes

Post by gazza82 »

According to my Autobook manual:
Free length:

A35 9.94"
Frogeye and Midget Mk I: 9.4"
Midget Mk II & III: 9.59"
1500 Midgets are longer though
"If you're driving on the edge ... you're leaving too much room!"

Club WebEditor.

Cars: "Project 757" '59 A35 2-door bought in 1971 & Subaru BRZ SE LUX Auto plus "family fleet": Alfa MiTo, Peugeot 206, (Ex '98 Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 TS)
goodwoodweirdo
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Re: Shocks and springs and bushes

Post by goodwoodweirdo »

thanks gazza82
that's what I've also found having a search around on google...

Other notes that might be of interest to someone:

"front spring stiffness was 271 lb/in throughout production, the bugeyes were 9.4" free length, increased to 9.59" in 1/'66, and 9.85" in 10/'72,and 10.2 in 1/'76.
Aftermarket springs are usually 340 lb/in or 400+, wire diameter 0.5", coil diameter 3.625", fitted length 7.08" (when under a 750lb working load), effective coils 7. "
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gazza82
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Re: Shocks and springs and bushes

Post by gazza82 »

Moss sell the lowered springs, and also sell kits to lower the spring pan in the arm by 12mm (about 1.2 inch) - part no AJJ3322 - so you can keep the springs you have.
"If you're driving on the edge ... you're leaving too much room!"

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Cars: "Project 757" '59 A35 2-door bought in 1971 & Subaru BRZ SE LUX Auto plus "family fleet": Alfa MiTo, Peugeot 206, (Ex '98 Alfa Romeo 156 2.0 TS)
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Countryboy
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Re: Shocks and springs and bushes

Post by Countryboy »

I am pretty sure that Spridget springs will lower your car
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Alan
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Re: Shocks and springs and bushes

Post by Alan »

I have a set of lower front springs i'd like to get rid of.
Modified 1963 AV8 A35 Van
Modified 1972 Rover P6 3500s

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goodwoodweirdo
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Re: Shocks and springs and bushes

Post by goodwoodweirdo »

Hi Alan
PM sent

thanks Matt
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