Damper length

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by ssg295, Jun 9, 2021.

  1. Had a quick search but couldn't find an answer.
    Our bus is lowered a couple of inches at the front by beam adjusters and by one (I think) spline at the back.
    The dampers are originals and have seen better days so I'm going to get some gas ones.
    How do I determine the correct damper length to buy? I guess standards aren't the correct length as it's been lowered but unsure what to measure front and back.
    Thanks,
    Stu
     
  2. Betty the Bay

    Betty the Bay Supporter

    Mines lowered at the front and very saggy at back .... got standard shocks all round.
     
    Lasty likes this.
  3. mikedjames

    mikedjames Supporter

    If it still has bump stops, then standard shocks will do.

    Otherwise, your suspension travel is wheel against wheel arch (minimum) to the same extension (maximum) as stock .

    With a standard shock this is BANG as you smack the shock absorber against its endstop at minimum extension, just before/as the wheel rubs if you dont have bump stops.

    Beetle rear shocks are recommended to avoid the banging. (shorter minimum extension)
    Coilover shocks are recommended to avoid the banging and the rubbing.
     
    ssg295 likes this.
  4. Yep, still got bumpstops. What length max and min is standard? Seem to be loads of different lengths on vw heritage. Anyone got experience of GAZ adjustable?
     
  5. EggBoxes

    EggBoxes Supporter

    Last edited: Jun 9, 2021
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  6. 77 Westy

    77 Westy Supporter

    Standard extended/compressed lengths:

    68-69 Front 419mm/16.5 - 217mm/8.54”
    70-79 Front 414mm/16.3” - 272mm/10.7”

    68-71 Rear 561mm/22” - 347mm/13.6”
    72-79 Rear 581mm/22.9” - 358mm/14”


    I’ve had Gaz adjustable dampers on my MGB for 20 years and on the bus for about 3½ years. They're easy to adjust with a thumb wheel, double acting and they can be rebuilt if necessary – although I have never needed to.

    I have these on the front http://www.rallydesign.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=5244 with 140lb springs https://www.rallydesign.co.uk/product_info.php?cPath=465_1153_1161&products_id=13250
     
    Last edited: Jun 10, 2021
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  7. 77 Westy

    77 Westy Supporter

    By the way, congratulations on correctly calling them dampers and not shock absorbers, shocks or even shox. :thumbsup:
     
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  8. Ozziedog

    Ozziedog Supporter

    One of my pals is always rattling on about the correct names for this and that. He would indeed accept calling them dampers but would mildly interrupt and give them their full title of ‘Road Spring Dampers’ then congratulate you for not using an ‘Americanism’ like shocks etc. Don’t ever get him started on ‘Tracking’ :)

    Ozziedog,,,,,,,, and I just wanted to drink my Fosters :beer:
     
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  9. "Dampeners" is even worse...
     
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  10. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    I'm thinking of "throwing" a new set of shocks on mine. :)
     
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  11. You mean “shox”?
     
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  12. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Even I have a line I won't cross.
     
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  13. Soggz

    Soggz An inquisitive supporter

    ‘Shockers’.:thumbsup:
     
    Ozziedog likes this.
  14. I bet you have your “oil galleys” “align bored” ;)
     
    Zed likes this.
  15. Knickers!
     
  16. To get the correct length of Bilsteins or Gaz ordered is this the way to do it?
    Once I've got the adjusters set to the ride height I'm happy with, do I remove the dampers (front and rear) then measure the distance between the mounts, add/subtract 40-50mm to get max and minimum spec?
    Is this the correct method for front and rear?
     
  17. Ozziedog

    Ozziedog Supporter

    Ozziedog,,,,,,,, Then get em on there boy, but not in the car park.:)
     
  18. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    I tried throwing them on the Yank way but I dented the bodywork and scratched the paint. I'm guessing the yanks have more skills/better aim. :(

    I had intended to throw a new engine in too, but I can't even pick it up!
     
  19. Ozziedog

    Ozziedog Supporter

    Are you going to the Techy??? Be good to see you in real life again

    Ozziedog,,,,,,,,maybe a beer or two :)
     
  20. Zed

    Zed Gradually getting grumpier

    Nay lad, I called it a day after about 20 on the trot...or was it 30! All my mechanical exploits are now outdoor in a rough carpark as it is and living in a boat is like camping every day - sort of.
     

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