Front Shocks Replacement

[Mike Armstrong]

After reserecting my SV I've begun to put some miles on it. Last week I noticed there were a few drips of what looked and felt like motor oil below the drivers side front shock but I couldn't find a leak anywhere on the engine (not even the valve covers ). After driving to a car show yesterday I now noticed drips of 'motor oil' below BOTH front shocks this morning. Apparently, not surprisingly, the old and possibly original front shocks have begun to leak fluid.

Anyhoo, looks like I'll need to start contemplating replacing the front shocks. Using the Search function reveals several makes and models of shocks to choose from, but, I don't see a 'how to' on replacing them. I want direct, no mod needed, plug in replacement shocks so I'm guessing a call to SS will be on order.

Has anyone replaced their front shocks recently? How much of a hassle was it and how is it done? Thanks

 

[Hillman]

I don't want to discourage anyone from keeping Rick in business so he's a good source. Most of the others mentioned here will work well but may need minor mods.

How? One of the easiest jobs on an Alpine. See page 13 of http://www.sunbeamalpine.org/downloads/WSM 145 SV Manual/9 Front Suspension (F).pdf

 

[65beam]

shocks

Raise the front of the car and remove both front wheels. This makes it easy to get to the nuts holding the shocks. There is one nut in the center of the upper A arm that screws onto the shaft coming out of the shock body. there is also a plate that is held on to the bottom of the lower A arm. remove the two nuts and lower the shock and lower bracket. remove the bolt holding the bottom of the shock to the bracket. installation is the reverse. total time may be 15 minutes if no nuts are rusted on. the lower two bolts do not remove from the A arm. if you want just a standard shock buy from SS or VB. somewhere on this site there is reference to shocks from other cars that fit the beams. the sky is the limit as far as cost of performance shocks.

 

[Mike Armstrong]

Thanks guys, I appreciate the info, and the link.

 

[Jay Laifman]

You're lucky. Any shock you buy will be Armstrong's. The rest of us have to deal with non-OEM brands!

I am running the Red Ryders or whatever they are called that are listed out there. Their ok. I did finally buy a full set of Konis from Rick. I probably won't install them though until Thanksgiving (when my son comes home from college).