Shock absorbers

[Brian Cole]

I have got the Jupiter running quite well at the moment but I would likte to improve the ride quality if possible. Many of the roads in the Cotswolds are pretty awful at the moment although not as bad as in some parts of Surrey and Sussex! Rough surfaces and potholes show up the inadequacy of the suspension. I have the metal bushed suspension with rather unusual shocks which have a swiveling casting with a strange lug mounted on the lower wishbone to which the lower end of the shockabsorber is mounted. Because the upper end of the shockabsorber is mounted on the upper wishbone instead of the more common fixing to some point on the chassis or body, the range of travel of the shockabsorber is very limited, and must reduce the damping effect on the front suspension. Because of this I am wondering if fitting new shocks (if available) would make any difference to the ride? I would be interested in the views and experience of fellow members on this subject. Also source and types of replacement shocks available.

[Jack]

Hi Brian,

We fitted new shock absorbers to Amy's Jupiter during the rebuild - they are shown on this page: http://www.jowett.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=1207

They did require a couple of sleeves making for them to fit properly, however they seem to be effective. Keith should be able to advise part code etc they are, but they are new off the shelf products and the sleeves fairly easy to make on a lathe.

Jack.