Brad,
I, and I'm certain others on the list, use Monroe or Gabriel air shocks. I
believe that Corvette rear shocks from about 1972-79 fit the Spitfire with a
little modification to the top mount bushing. Replacing the corvette bushing
with the Spitfire set is an easy fix. The Gabriel and Monroe come standard
with only one air pressure inlet, with a tee to each shock, so they can't be
adjusted separately. Both Gabriel and Monroe sell an inexpensive adapter so
that each shock can have a separate air inlet and different pressures. My
driver's side has about 40 lbs pressure, and passenger side about 15 lbs.
Levels the car out , and as a bonus, greatly improves the ride and handling
of the Spit (IMHO). A set of these shocks cost $60-$90, depending on the
source.
I helped another Spitfire fanatic install a short, lightweight helper leaf
spring on the drivers side (only) of the rear leaf spring. These come in
pairs, are designed for axle-over-leaf-spring rear suspension (one short
(18") spring in front of and one behind the axle), are adjustable, and cheap
($20-$30 pair). JC Whitney has several flavors. We used the lightest one,
for light loads on small Japanese cars. This worked surprisingly well, and I
plan to use the same solution next time I have a tilted Spit to straighten
up.
Marty
drzzzz@compuserve.com
50 MGTD - 1/4 daily driver
53 MGTD - undergoing complete restore
67 Austin Mini - 1/4 daily driver
77 Spitfire - 1/4 daily driver
92 Mitsubishi 3000GT VR4 - 1/4 daily driver
----- Original Message -----
From: Bradley D. Richardson <brichard@us.oracle.com>
To: Triumph Spitfire Mail List <spitfires@autox.team.net>
Sent: Monday, July 26, 1999 12:16 AM
Subject: air shocks for spitfires?
>
> As a last resort for my height problem, someone suggested air shocks to
> overcome the unbalanced condition. He thought the air shock is the same
> as can be used on a Corvette.
>
> Does anyone have any experience in this area? Is it indeed the
> corvette, and if so what year, and are any modifications needed?
>
> What about for the front?
>
> Brad Richardson
> Portland, Oregon
>
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