| Author |  Topic  | |
johnc
V4 Beginner
United Kingdom
93 Posts |  Posted - 17 Sep 2010 : 14:04:44  
| My shocks front and back I think are on their last legs.
For normal "spirited " road work( not race or rally ) what would your suggestion make for replacements be ? Should I go for gas filled ?
I have seen previous forum discussions but they seem to be on the merits of rally or fast road use bilsteins spax avo koni etc
Anyone have experience of Monroes, KYB or should I stick with what Saab dealers maybe able to come up with O/E.
Whilst I am at it what minimum bushes should I replace and in what material ? Is old fashioned rubber so bad now with poly ,nylon etc alternatives ?
Thanks for your help |
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Woody
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
2764 Posts | Posted - 19 Sep 2010 : 12:11:11
| The standard Shock absorbers were made by Monroe for the 96V4.
There was a change in 1972 at chassis No 96722000313;96726001827;95722000491 but I am not aware what that change involved. My 1st V4 was a 1969Deluxe, the next was a 1972 model post change. The shock absorbers outwardly looked the same. I bought new rears in 1980's and was supplied the later p/no (Monroe). They were never installed and still sit in their boxes.
I used to use Konis all round in 1972 that were adjustable. I found them OK but was going through the transition to Grp 2 rally and they weren't beefy enough for stage rallying and I replaced them for Bilsteins.
Contemporary alternatives were Woodhead, Armstrong, Gabriel (http://www.gabriel.com/)
I hadn't heard of KYB and see they list them in their catalogue ( http://www.kyb-europe.com/catalogue.asp ) I would assume they are oil based rather than gas.
There is also BOGE who have a listing for the V4 see : http://webcat-services.zf.com/index.asp?SPR=4
There are quite a few alternatives, and I would guess a motor factor would be able to advise availability and price.
Also keep an eye out on ebay. There are some BOGE ones listed at present http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Saab-96-V4-Pair-Front-Shock-Absorbers-New-/280563753796?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4152e72344
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Edited by - Woody on 19 Sep 2010 13:20:06 |  |
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Woody
V4 Guru
United Kingdom
2764 Posts | Posted - 19 Sep 2010 : 12:47:30
| With regards to suspension bushes, the swing arm bushes are rubber and quite robust. I would only replace them if the arms have lateral movement and if they are contaminated/damaged. Not sure where you would get replacements from though Saab might have something still available. I haven't any experience of Poly bushes so am unable to comment on their merits.
Saab V4 Suspension Bushes:
Upper: Saab 716360(3)
Early Production : Metalastik 13/816, Later Production: BOGE 2-30-005131-01
Competition HD : Metalastik 13/1677
Dimensions O/all length 33mm, Width 25mm, Tapered ends with flat central rubber 30mm long. I.D. 13mm
Lower: Saab 718444(3)
Early Production: Metalastik 13/818?, Later Production: BOGE 2-30-001146-01 or BOGE 2-30-005121-01
Competition HD : Metalastik 13/1678
Dimensions O/all length 38mm, Width 30mm, Tapered ends with flat central rubber 30mm long. I.D. 16mm
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Edited by - Woody on 19 Sep 2010 16:15:07 | |
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johnc
V4 Beginner
United Kingdom
93 Posts | Posted - 22 Sep 2010 : 18:46:50
| Thankyou so much Woody, most helpful and informative.
Anyone else got good things to say about their shock Absorbers ? | |
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| | Topic | |
Shock Absorbers 1975 96v4
