rear ride height 1962 3.8 FHC

[andrewh]

Guys, I am just assembling my new Koni Classic shockers to CMC road springs for my 62 FHC. Question is, do I need spacers at the top and the bottom of the spring? I did not have spacers on the old shocks from recollection, but they have now gone to the recyclers. Some say to get the ride height correct it needs these. Cant quite get my head around it, so any help would be much appreciated. I DO NOT want to have to take them off again to reset the ride height if at all possible. thanks

[38E]

I'm wondering why a company like Koni wouldn't provide explicit instructions regarding the fitting of the springs to the dampers, especially considering the amount of work required to add spacers later.

I have my set of original '62 springs and shocks handy if a measurement would help.

FWIW, I used Spax adjustables together with new stock springs all from Manners and my rear ride height didn't change at all. I like the fact that the Spax can be readily adjusted simply by turning a screw. And the setting really does make a lot of difference.

[andrewh]

Thanks for the offer of help. I may come back to you on that but first to save you the trouble I intend to speak with CMC tomorrow and check what they say. Further investigation states in the parts book that by my chassis number 860897, the springs had been lengthened to negate the need for spacers. This is what I took off as well but I have to say that it really comes down to the length of the springs CMC supplied to me. I will check.

I also liked the Spax but ultimately, for me, I thought they looked too modern looking. Probably will regret it. Thanks

[Heuer]

Koni Classic's - mine failed variously after 10,000, 15,000 and 30,000 miles. Never, ever, adjusted them. Personally I don't think they suit the E-Type at all.

Spax - no personal experience but I am told the 'click' adjusters fail fairly quickly so maybe better to stick with the non adjustable types.

[andrewh]

ummh.........that doesnt sound very good does it? I have checked my adjustment out and have been advised to set them, initially on the first level. At this point it is possible to fairly easily pull the absorber apart. At several clicks on it is not possible to do this. All this leads me to think that if you never adjusted yours they may have been set too hard, hence your dislike of them? Think about it. You have four shocks on the back. Thats is 50% more than most similar vehicles. 4 x shocks will mean that if you have them too hard, it has a multiplier effect. Anyway, I respect what you say and will have take a punt on it as I have now bought them on CMCs recommendation.

[Heuer]

My Koni's were set to the factory default which is 'average' in terms of stiffness. It was always considered they were of the highest quality with a lifetime guarantee and the ability to adjust them was there for weekend racers or bragging rights at the pub. As I found out the quality is dismal, adjusting them on an E-Type is almost impossible and their characteristics do not suit the E-Type at all otherwise Norman Dewis would have specified them during his testing. I eventually fitted standard Boge on mine and the car has been fantastic. And guess what - it was Andrew Turvey at CMC who told me to avoid Koni!

[andrewh]

not a good omen then! well we will have to see. Its not the end of the world to change them for something else if needs be. expensive mistake though!

[Heuer]

Don't despair they are not that bad! I think the "suitability" concern comes from owners who muck about with the settings without understanding and screw up the car's handling. Because it is such a faff to adjust them back they are left with the inappropriate damping and a reputation develops. I suggest:

1. Go for a setting similar to the standard shocks i.e. fairly soft.
2. Check each one is on the same damper setting before installation (I have heard of cars handling badly because none of the shocks had the same 'factory' setting).
3. Check them each year for signs of 'misting' which is how all mine failed. This is seen as a fine mist of oil on the outer shock (orange, or black in the case of Koni Classics) housing. They should pick it up on the MOT but it is hard to spot on the rear's. A wipe with a clean white paper towel is a good test.