Upgrading TR6 Rear Shocks With Tube Shock Kits

The original question:

Any advice on whether to replace failed rear shocks on a 76 tr6 with original lever-action shocks or the gas shock coversion kits i see advertised? Anything pro or con would be appreciated.
Thanks.
Ian McLeod

Answers from the list:

Date: Sun, 05 Jul 1998 10:02:47 -0400
From: "James H. Davis, Jr."
Subject: Re: tr6 rear shocks

Ian,

I haven't converted because the design doesn't allow tires wider than 185/70 or 195/60, and if you're riding around on skinny tires, then why invest in the conversion? The lever shocks can be revalved to give additional damping if that's what you're after (Apple Hydraulics will do this). Most TR6 rear suspension problems stem from worn rubber bushings. If you replace your trailing arm, shock link, and diff mount bushings with urethane, replace the shock links, the rear springs with the upgrade (from TRF, Moss & others) and have a good suspension shop set up your rear suspension with the correct camber, the stock lever shocks in good condition perform well and your car will handle so well you won't consider converting. This assumes of course, your front suspension is in good shape and you have a good set of 205/70 or larger tires.

If everything else is worn, the conversion kit won't save you.

Jim Davis
Fortson, GA
CF38690UO
CF37325U

Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 07:08:37 -0600 (MDT)
From: Aaron Johnson
Subject: Re: tr6 rear shocks

I've heard pros and cons for both. I uprated my lever arms so they are a stiffer damper. Some people will tell you that they are horrible and the tube shock conversion kit is the only way to go. I'd say this is the case only if the front suspension has been uprated as well. I have been autocrossing my car and have found that spax in the front with an uprated rear lever arm is a good setup for the car. The biggest improvement in handling would be from changing springs. I have also heard people with the tube shock conversion kit complain of a floating rear end under braking but I don't know if that is just the setup of their particular car or a side effect of the tube shocks.... This is only my opinion.....

aaron
CC84967U

Date: Mon, 6 Jul 1998 19:47:35 -0400
From: Dave Massey
Subject: Re: tr6 rear shocks

Ian,

I put one of those tube shock conversion kits on my car. The one with the three pieces that transfers the stress to the frame. What a pain in the a#*. (Excuse me, bum) If I had it to do over again I wouldn't. These kits have three pieces on each side: one bolts to the frame, one bolts to the first one and mounts inside the trunk (boot), and the third mounts in the wheel well and bolts to the second. I had to remove the gas tank and drill 16 holes. The Koni's are marginally better than the stock shocks but if you want more damping with the stock models you can drain the shock oil and replace it with something heavier.

If you really want to go new, get one of the new ones which have one piece and mounts directly on the frame. Under no circumstances get the cheap version that mounts to the inner wheel well. These put all the stress of the shock absorbers onto the body work which wasn't designed for it. It can cause all kinds of cosmetic problems, especially if there is some rust in that area.

Good luck

Dave

'71 TR6
'74 TR6
'78 TR7