MGB Shock conversions?

Rear conversion is fairly straight forward where the new shock and mounting kit replace the old.

The front is different in that the Armstrong lever action shock actually forms part of the suspension. Conversion kits are available, but tend to be expensive and require more work to fit because of the extra components involved.

The jury seems to be still out on effectiveness with regard to cost. Although a wider range of tube shocks (some adjustable) are available, and once the conversion has ben carried out, old tubes are easily replaced, it is difficult to say if the conversion is 'better'.

Cheers Ian F

Most people that do this, rave about how great it is - the car handles better, rides better, etc. Of course, they are comparing old, worn-out lever shocks with brand new tube-shocks! Frankly, I can think of plenty of other ways to spend this money. My feeling is, keep your level shocks in good shape, or have them rebuilt, and save the money.

Dan D '65 B Tourer Project '76 B Tourer Driver Central NJ USA

My '70 B-GT came with a relatively new set of Armstrongs on the rear; less than 2,000 miles on 'em according to the invoice. I've never liked those things, and over the years have had my share of replacements, rebuilds, 'improved' valves etc. etc.

When I had the opportunity to pick up a new set of Spax in a kit for a reasonable price I jumped at it. The improvement to both ride and handling was very noticeable, and well worth the price in my book.

I haven't had a chance to examine a front kit in person, and am reluctant to get into that without seeing a set on a car. The front conversions are expensive, and I've heard contradictory reports on them.

The front Armstrongs on my car are also fairly new, having been replaced at the same time as the rears, but when I noticed the front end skipping about in corners with rough surfaces I checked on them. The left front was well down in fluid, although there are no signs of leaks. Topping that up to the proper level made a huge difference in the manners up front, but I'm not convinced the problem won't come back.

In the past I've had very poor performance from a set of those lever arm shocks rebuilt by one of the very prominent suppliers in the US, and of course those rebuilds are not cheap.

I have tried a less expensive rear tube shock conversion kit in the past ( not Spax), and the mounting brackets for those were junk. Granted the kit was less than half the price of the Spax, but not worth the time and trouble.

The adjusters on the Spax rears are a bit awkward to get at, but it sure is nice to be able to alter the ride to suit the situation; stiff for playing in the swervery, or soft for outings with the Mrs.