KYB Shockabsorbers - any comments?

[Lanng]

When I get around to restore my "Bagheera", I have no doubt that the suspension needs to be replaced. Therefore I hope you have som advice on shock absorbers. I got a set KYB for my Saab - they was bought from a Saab specialist who recommended them.

/// Lanng

[andyowl]

I don't know "KYB" but I fitted a pair of UK made AVO rear shock absorbers on Baggy Joe and they have been very good. I had to drill out the bushes for the bolts to suit the Bagheera bolts but that was easy and quick.
I also needed a few washers to pack out the top housing but that was easy too.

I had been told that Bagheera rear shock absorbers were not longer available so I was very pleased to find AVO! They are adjustable too!

When you need the part numbers I will try and find the paperwork. I have some photos somewhere.

Front shock absorbers were not a problem to obtain.

Andy

[mimu]

I'm also thinking to change my suspension,
Is it totally crays to get out all of bagheera suspensions and install coil overs? With them I will be able to sink a car in exact height and they will probably do better work then suspension from mid 70s?

[andyowl]

Straight answer??? Yes, crazy!

The front suspension is easy to lower (or raise if you wish). Just turn the adjusters! The rear suspension is harder to adjust as it will have seized up years ago. But I have done it and Baggy Joe's rear ride height (original suspension) is adjusted by means of an Allen Key. I have photographs of how we did it.

The main advantage of coil-overs is that you can change the spring rate (stiffness). But that would also be possible by adding springs to the existing suspension. I would like to do that on Baggy Joe but I have not got around to it yet.

Andy