Steve, You are probably better off taking them out. Although I have a TC,
I had a similar problem. My right rear shock arm had slipped/worn its way
almost off of the shaft of the shock body. The splines were shot. (This
could end up being your situation too) Only the power of the geometry of
the linkage was holding things together, and the shock absorbing capability
was non-existant. As a consequence, I broke spring leaves. Taking the
shock off is not that hard. Remove the nut that holds the shock linkage
from the bottom spring retaining plate. If this bolt is "frozen" to its
nut, it is a bear to remove. If this is the case, drop the spring retainer
bottomplate and work on it out of the car. You will want to put new
bushings in the linkage. The bolt and bushing at the end of the linkage
that connects to the spring bottom plate needs to be pressed in with a lot
of pressure. I cant remember from my TF, but the middle bushing may only
be a hand press fit. The heavier press job will needs to be done by a shop
or someone with a press ( I recall something about 400 lbs.)
I had a pair rebuilt for about $110 each. I know Apple Hydraulics in
Calverton NY (1-800-882-7753) can rebuild them (maybe on a core swap basis
for the TD).
I gave mine for the TC to Skip Kelsey and he sent them off to one of his
sources. They came back completely redone...new paint, etc. They are
STIFFER! I thought the ride was a little hard before, but after putting on
new springs and the rebuilt shocks, the car follows the contour of the road
great...but I need my shoulder harness to keep my ass on the seat when
navigating Hwy 24 near here at 65 mph! They'll loosen up and the springs
will too, soon I HOPE. Otherwise I'll offer the car to the Maidenform
proving grounds for Bra research!
TTFN
TCSYD
----------
> From: Steve Tritle <stritle@epix.net>
> To: mgs@autox.team.net; mg-t@autox.team.net
> Subject: TD shocks
> Date: Friday, April 24, 1998 5:27 PM
>
> The shock link has almost pulled out of it's connection to the shock arm
> on the rear of my TD. Is there a way to fix this short of dismantling
> the entire shock and link and removing from the car?
>
> Steve
> 52 TD
>
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