Standard Shocks & Springs

[georgethompson730]

I'm looking to revert back to a standard suspension set up on my 1850. Any advice would really be appreciated. I find my current adjustable Spax and lowered springs to harsh for the roads around Somerset, even on there softest setting, so looking to replace them. Would the products from Rimmer bros be any good or are there better qualityoptions for a softer ride?
On from this is the Sprint set up different ride height or firmer than the 1850?

[veloce_rosso]

I'm looking to revert back to a standard suspension set up. Any advice would really be appreciated. I find my current adjustable Spax and lowered springs to harsh for the roads around Somerset, even on there softest setting, so looking to replace them. Would the products from Rimmer bros be any good or are there better quality options for a softer ride?

I fitted Spax adjustable shocks to standard springs to the rear only to the 1850 and the ride comfort was fine. I used to buy most of my Triumph spares from Cox & Buckles, although not sure if they are still trading.

[georgethompson730]

Can I ask why only the rear? Very little weight on the rear. Another dislike of the Spax is I think I can hear a constant rattle, that I'm told is the internal valve.

[veloce_rosso]

Can I ask why only the rear? Very little weight on the rear. Another dislike of the Spax is I think I can hear a constant rattle, that I'm told is the internal valve.

The rear used to bounce and skip around the bends like a kangaroo on something illegal. The front, for some reason, was fine. Never heard a rattle from the Spax I purchased. Perhaps it is a faulty batch. (just a guess).

[veloce_rosso]

Can I ask why only the rear? Very little weight on the rear. Another dislike of the Spax is I think I can hear a constant rattle, that I'm told is the internal valve.

Are you sure the rattle isn't bush-related? If worn or perished you are looking at metal against metal.

[georgethompson730]

My main reason to change is for a better quality ride. I've lived with the rattle for a while and all bushes have recently been swapped out. Rimmer bros only show standard springs and shocks. I was curious of there quality, are there better standard set us components to use.

[veloce_rosso]

If one of the other guys can't point you in the right direction, it's probably worth while just calling Rimmer Bros and explain to them that the Spax are not compliant enough. Sorry, but all my Dolly experience came from at least two decades ago.

[georgethompson730]

Contacted Rimmers, chap did try to be helpful working from home, but....he said that the front springs are the same for all Dolomites. Has anyone fitted TKC768 to car other than a Sprint and the ride height is correct. For that matter has anyone fitted front and rear shocks and springs from Rimmers, and if so to which model?

[xvivalve]

The front springs are the same for all Dolomites based on their supply capabilities, but the Sprint used to have bigger diameter coils compared to the other models. Beware, the spring top plates are different for different sized springs; they look outwardly the same, but there is an extra plate on the underside. If you change spring diameter, you need to change the top plates too

I'm about to list a pair of NOS Sprint front struts complete on ebay...

[soe8m]

Some good used springs will be beter than the new rimmer ones I think. I did fit several of these over the years and all lowered themselves 2-5cm within a year. On my std cars I now use std 40 year old springs with no problems.

Jeroen

[georgethompson730]

That's an interesting thought Jerone, I like the idea of doing that. What shocks would you recommend, not keen on using old ones if I can avoid it.

[Carledo]

Consulting the last series universal Dolomite parts list gives the following results, for Springs........

Non HL 1300, 1500 AND 1850HL Part number 217989 (this probably explains the snooty, nose high look of non HL cars)

1500HL Part number 218323

Sprint Part number TKC 768

All these Springs fitted in conjunction with the same shock asorber TKC 992 BUT.......

OHV cars use topmount 142777 whereas slant cars use 157333

This is for Post 76 UK cars, I've left out the export, LHD and heavy duty apps as mostly irrelevant. Some earlier OHV cars and most Toledos did indeed have smaller diameter front springs with matching shox and topmounts.

Steve

[cleverusername]

Some good used springs will be beter than the new rimmer ones I think. I did fit several of these over the years and all lowered themselves 2-5cm within a year. On my std cars I now use std 40 year old springs with no problems.

Jeroen

Seriously? How can they sell low quality springs, I can understand some parts being difficult to source but a suspension spring should be simple. Plenty of companies can make them to any spec you want.

[georgethompson730]

Thanks Steve, that's really useful information to know. Is there any company that still supplies usable springs, remanufactured or otherwise?
As for shock absorbers, where to get TCK992's or equivalent?

[veloce_rosso]

I certainly wouldn't entertain the notion of using s/hand springs. That's just my choice. You can, also. have bespoke springs made if you have the patience and deep enough pockets. At least you know it'll fit exactly...