Fornt shocks added... WOW, what a difference!

[Lee_in_KC]

I've been driving my T for three seasons with no front shocks of any kind. I thought it rode pretty well except for the death wobble it had around 55-60 mph. I tried everything to cure it... toe in, toe out, more caster, less caster, higher tire pressure, lower tire pressure, had the wheels spin balanced on the car, etc. Just wouldn't go away. Well this winter I mounted hydraulic shocks. I drove the car today for the first time with the shocks. The difference was, well, shocking! Not only is the death wobble gone, but the car rides much nicer and carves turns more smoothly. Little bumps that used to come up through the chassis to my butt are pretty much gone. I mean it is really noticeable. I highly recommend hydraulic shocks on the front!!

 

[one finger john]

Saw the other post with the pictures first, then came here. Was the car driving with the jag rear end before the redo?
Reason is that the Jag rear could have made the difference and not the front shocks. You could take the front shocks off to see if there was a real difference. Or you can leave everything as is knowing that God is in Heaven and all is right in the world.
Beautiful car, xtra nice interior, not your average, run of the mill blown T (if there is such a thing).

Drive with pride, John.

 

[Lee_in_KC]

Nope, the Jag has been on there for two seasons. Believe me, the front shocks make a world of difference.

 

[butch27]

You did say HYDRAULIC shocks; right? YES - No friction shocks.

 

[terrymac]

I couldn't drive mine without front shocks, hit a patch in the road and it was death wobble every time. Install a set of houdaille shocks off a model A. Problem solved not the same car

 

[T-Odd]

Lee, as you know I also have a Spirit chassis and I've been trying to figure out a way to mount some shocks on the front.

You have any pictures of your setup?

 

[Lee_in_KC]

Todd, I'll get you some pix this evening. Ron (RPM) made the shock mounts from my design. He has the CAD file and could make some for you. Very reasonable.

 

[donsrods]

And shocks do wear out in time and can cause DW to return. I had a set I bought off of Ebay, used but in great shape. Had DW. Put new ones on from Speedway, DW gone. I could watch my front tires hop a little going down the road before, now they are dampened as they should be.

I think suicide front ends magnify the problem as the shocks are not acting directly on the axle, but generally a few inches behind. Probably less effective there.


Don

 

[Lee_in_KC]

Pix and info posted here...

http://www.tbucketeers.com/forum/f7/front-hydraulic-shocks-spirit-chassis-4317/#post43968

Todd, send me your e-mail address and I'll send the pix to you.

 

[one finger john]

Donsrods, DW - Darrel Waltrip? Yeah he's like that. You should see him at a party. Can't get rid of him.

John