Home 
Home Search search Menu menu Not logged in - Login | Register
> Jensen Healey & Jensen GT Tech > Suspension > Aftermarket Shock Replacements

 Moderated by: Greg Fletcher Page:  First Page Previous Page  1  2   
New Topic Reply Printer Friendly
Aftermarket Shock Replacements  Rating:  Rating
AuthorPost
 Posted: 11-24-2014 08:37 am
  PM Quote Reply
21st Post
NigelK
Member
 

Joined: 07-16-2014
Location:  
Posts: 200
Status: 
Offline
Hi Eric

The spring compressor I bought when I changed the shocks and springs on my GT was too long. You might struggle to find a sufficiently short one in most auto parts shops.

But, you can easily compress the front spring using a trolley jack under the lower suspension arm (remove the grease nipple first) which will allow you to remove the shock absorber. This link is to an excellent step-by-step guide how to change front shocks and springs on a Healey, with very helpful pictures.

https://sites.google.com/site/johnsjensenhealeywebpage/maintenance-projects/5-front-suspension

The part I found really tricky was re-assembly - getting the tie rod, lower suspension arm and shock absorber bracket all lined up so the two bolts could be inserted. In the end I had to be rescued by my friendly local Jensen mechanic (who also happens to be Chairman of the Jensen Owners' Club...)

Also, correct torquing of the bolt securing the shock absorber to the bracket is pretty much impossible without a crows foot.

Best wishes,
Nigel

Back To Top PM Quote Reply  

 Posted: 11-24-2014 09:07 pm
  PM Quote Reply
22nd Post
Screenplay
Member
 

Joined: 07-12-2013
Location: San Francisco, California USA
Posts: 124
Status: 
Offline
Eric,
It's not difficult to remove the spring with a spring compressor; it's really something that can easily be done by many home mechanics. Use the internal compressor type that runs up through the center of the spring (after removing the shock absorber) and just make certain to exercise caution. Make sure all four of the arms of the tool are firmly in contact with the coil as you tighten (compress) the spring. Also, don't compress any more than necessary to unseat the spring from the control arms. Just remember to loosen (decompress) the spring as soon as it is out of the car-there is a lot of energy in a wound spring and there is no need to keep it compressed longer than necessary. I don't have a favorite video, but there should be numerous ones online showing the process.
Clinton

Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: 12-20-2014 05:28 am
  PM Quote Reply
23rd Post
Eric
Member
 

Joined: 11-11-2014
Location:  
Posts: 35
Status: 
Offline
Hi Nigel,
Just finished rear suspension. Looks like somebody replaced bushings and springs previously, so just going to do front shocks for now. Did you run into trouble aligning the bolt holes because you were replacing springs as well, or is this a problem I'm likely to encounter just replacing the shocks ?

Thanks

Eric

Back To Top PM Quote Reply  

 Posted: 12-20-2014 09:29 am
  PM Quote Reply
24th Post
NigelK
Member
 

Joined: 07-16-2014
Location:  
Posts: 200
Status: 
Offline
Hi Eric

The bottom bolts of the front shocks affix to a separate 2-piece bracket, which is itself affixed to the lower suspension arm by 3 bolts, 2 of which are the same bolts which affix the control arms (tie rods) to the lower suspension arm. So you'll need to remove these two bolts regardless of whether you are replacing the shocks and the springs, or just the shocks. Have a look at that web link I posted before and it'll make sense.

I think the job of aligning these bolts is much easier if the car is up on a hoist and you can get enough physical leverage to line things up. When I tried to do it, my car was on axle stands and it was impossible to get enough leverage from a prone position on my garage floor!

Hope this helps.

Best wishes,
Nigel

Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: 12-20-2014 09:32 pm
  PM Quote Reply
25th Post
Eric
Member
 

Joined: 11-11-2014
Location:  
Posts: 35
Status: 
Offline
Thanks Nigel..good to know. If there is any possible snag, I will definitely experience it.

Eric

Back To Top PM Quote Reply  

 Posted: 12-25-2014 06:18 am
  PM Quote Reply
26th Post
Frank Schwartz
Member
 

Joined: 02-18-2011
Location:  
Posts: 313
Status: 
Offline
You don't need a spring compressor or any fancy tools, I did mine with a set of socket and open end wrenches...but you must read my article in the JHPS magazine as to how to do it without pain....it's so easy and I remember previous jobs on the JHs just trying to get the front end thingys back in place....and I use Monroe shocks...work great for me....

Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: 12-25-2014 06:18 am
  PM Quote Reply
27th Post
Frank Schwartz
Member
 

Joined: 02-18-2011
Location:  
Posts: 313
Status: 
Offline
You don't need a spring compressor or any fancy tools, I did mine with a set of socket and open end wrenches...but you must read my article in the JHPS magazine as to how to do it without pain....it's so easy and I remember previous jobs on the JHs just trying to get the front end thingys back in place....and I use Monroe shocks...work great for me....

Back To Top PM Quote Reply  

 Posted: 12-25-2014 06:21 am
  PM Quote Reply
28th Post
Eric
Member
 

Joined: 11-11-2014
Location:  
Posts: 35
Status: 
Offline
Thanks Frank. How do I access your article in the magazine?

Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: 12-28-2014 05:09 am
  PM Quote Reply
29th Post
Frank Schwartz
Member
 

Joined: 02-18-2011
Location:  
Posts: 313
Status: 
Offline
Hi:
I will have to look back and see what issue it was in. I can make you a copy of it, however, if you give me your snail mail address. Do you have a parts manual? You will need it to identify the parts...I can make a copy of the related pages if you don't.
Getting the rear shocks off and on is easy...the fronts, as I wrote, can be a first double class bugger as the coil spring will try to push the whole assembly back and getting it back in place is almost enough to drive a man to suicide. My method is easy and works without all that bother...
Frank

Back To Top PM Quote Reply  

 Posted: 05-03-2018 07:53 pm
  PM Quote Reply
30th Post
dbeliveau74
Member


Joined: 12-28-2015
Location: Manchester, New Hampshire USA
Posts: 53
Status: 
Offline
I found KYB KG5552 on Ebay $27 ea free shipping

Back To Top PM Quote Reply

 Posted: 09-07-2023 03:07 am
  PM Quote Reply
31st Post
dbeliveau74
Member


Joined: 12-28-2015
Location: Manchester, New Hampshire USA
Posts: 53
Status: 
Offline
Greg,
Currently you list 2 shock sets in the club store, but neither description lists the name or any attributes.
Could you provide more info on these ?
Thanks, Dan

Attachment: 20230906_220409.jpg (Downloaded 53 times)

Back To Top PM Quote Reply  

 Posted: 03-21-2024 12:59 am
  PM Quote Reply
32nd Post
vnavaret
Member


Joined: 04-07-2022
Location: Oregon USA
Posts: 53
Status: 
Offline
Lads:

Reviving an old thread...

A photo showing how to modify the KYB front shocks to fit. I used the sleeves from the original front shocks, and pressed in a pair of Energy suspension bushings, then pressed in the original sleeve. I used a vise and couple of sockets to press things in or out. Looks factory, and everything fits!

The new bushings are Energy Suspension part 9.8141G, $8 from Amazon.

I did not want to cut up the original sleeves since they add strength to the top bolt. Slicing up the sleeves and adding the pieces to the top mount compromises the strength. Think about it; Imagine using only the original KYB sleeve - the shock now has a longer lever arm (the space between the sleeve and the frame) on the mounting bolt, and it is therefore easier to bend the bolt near the mounting holes in the frame. The sleeve does more than just keep the shock centered, it adds strength to the mounting bolt.

Vance

Attachment: IMG_0385.jpg (Downloaded 33 times)

Last edited on 03-31-2024 06:33 pm by vnavaret

Back To Top PM Quote Reply

Current time is 02:15 pm Page:  First Page Previous Page  1  2     
> Jensen Healey & Jensen GT Tech > Suspension > Aftermarket Shock Replacements Top




UltraBB 1.172 Copyright © 2007-2011 Data 1 Systems