Freaky Suspension on 16" double cab

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steffanstringer
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Freaky Suspension on 16" double cab

Post by steffanstringer »

Hi, following lots of useful suggestions over the Devon weekend trip I wanted to post some pics of the setup I have on the back of my pickup.

The adjustable shocks are shorter than standard 16's and have a spacer at the top. The springs have chunks of rubber inserted in the coils and additional rubber spacers at the top

Image

The shocks are adjusted by this pump that is bolted onto the underside of the loadbed in the locker...

Image

which is controlled by this mechanism in the back of the cab..

Image

The shocks are oozing stuff and when pumped up they just sag down again so I have air and fluid leaks. I tried cleaning of the shocks to see if I could identify a brand with no joy as my first option is to see if I can get them repaired/serviced. Anyone recognize them?

If I end up replacing them http://www.syncro.org/suspension.html recommends part number 251 513 031 N 16'' syncro shock. Anyone got a tip and part number for a suitable spring?

Cheers

Steffan
Last edited by steffanstringer on 08 Aug 2006, 12:10, edited 1 time in total.
1988 Silver 16" Syncro Doublecab 2.1 DJ
1985 White 14" Syncro Westfalia Joker 1.9 DG/LPG

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HarryMann
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Post by HarryMann »

You need a set of standard rear springs and shocks (the 'N' Boge 16" shock), think all the springs are much the same, but the shocks vary on wheel size and weight.

Or a good upgrade would be Steve Schenks Syncro.org springs and OME shocks. Might be be a good idea if going the latter route to do the the fronts as well. Seikel springs are 'very' much stiffer.

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steffanstringer
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Post by steffanstringer »

HarryMann wrote:You need a set of standard rear springs and shocks (the 'N' Boge 16" shock), think all the springs are much the same, but the shocks vary on wheel size and weight.

Or a good upgrade would be Steve Schenks Syncro.org springs and OME shocks. Might be be a good idea if going the latter route to do the the fronts as well. Seikel springs are 'very' much stiffer.

Syncro.org says 'The "N" shock has stiffer compression damping like the "M" shock, but it also has stiffer rebound damping to compensate for the heavier 16" wheels. These shocks are not standard USA parts and are difficult to get and are also very expensive.'

Forgot to put that in my earlier post.
1988 Silver 16" Syncro Doublecab 2.1 DJ
1985 White 14" Syncro Westfalia Joker 1.9 DG/LPG

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HarryMann
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Post by HarryMann »

Many use those syncro.org springs and OME shocks with larger wheels.

The wheels and brakes are both bigger and heavier, and the radius arms have slightly more inertia too, but you won't get a 2nd hand Boge 'N' shock cheaply I suspect. Have you contacted Syncro-Nutz to see what their suggestion is?

Monroe Van Magnums are another shock made for Syncros...
http://www.tenneco-automotive.nl/monroe/van-magnum.htm

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toomanytoys
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Post by toomanytoys »

I am guessing they are Volvo or Mercedes estate shocks.. file them under "B"
The prev owner has tried to get more ground clearance and when loaded too..

I have a pair of Monroe Magnums on the front of my 14", so far very pleased, better than the leaky oe ones....

Nothing wrong with fitting the "STD" shocks as they have to be better than whats on in any case..

Syncronutz will advise the best option..

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Post by syncro4wd »

Hi Steffan,

This setup is coming from a volvo. Not sure which volvo.
The previous owner had a camperunit on the pickup
Hope this helps you.

Erwin

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Update

Post by steffanstringer »

Been running with SA springs that I got from SyncroNutz and the Boge 'N' shocks for a few weeks now. Since they were fitted I am getting some odd noises from the near side rear of the vehicle (LHD). Seems most obvious when turning to the left and is only noticeable at low speeds. I was wondering whether with the new angles (I've gained a few inches in height as the SA springs are a lot taller) that one of the CV joints might be getting overstressed. I had one dodgy one regreased and a new boot fitted but have still got the noise. Any suggestions on how to track it back to source?

Cheers

Steffan
1988 Silver 16" Syncro Doublecab 2.1 DJ
1985 White 14" Syncro Westfalia Joker 1.9 DG/LPG

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HarryMann
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Post by HarryMann »

Describe the noise Stefan, and when it occurs, frequency etc (to the nearest 2 Hz :) ..

Really, is it there all the time, not a squeak by an chance over undulations?

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Post by garyd »

With reference to the noisy CV joint - if it was already worn there would be shallow 'grooves' in the inner & outer races, where the balls were previously running. If you have now effectively raised the suspension the joint angle will have changed. As a result, the balls will now be running in a different position (running further from the central position & trying to create a wider groove). The noise could eminate from them climbing in & out of the existing groove.

Just a thought.
GaryD

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HarryMann
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Post by HarryMann »

Key words from Gary, 'if prev worn' badly. THen, peeps do change them round form one side to the other to load up the joint the other way, not sure what tracks that would make? Criss-cross :D

of course I was thinking simple, like top wishbone bush :oops:

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steffanstringer
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Post by steffanstringer »

HarryMann wrote:Describe the noise Stefan, and when it occurs, frequency etc (to the nearest 2 Hz :) ..

Really, is it there all the time, not a squeak by an chance over undulations?

Clive,

a clacking noise when turning left. Doesn't occur when running straight or turning right. What garyd said about worn CV joints seems to make logical sense. When they serviced it though they didn't seem to think it was worn. Sheesh - looks like I am going to learn how to do it myself :shock:

Steffan
1988 Silver 16" Syncro Doublecab 2.1 DJ
1985 White 14" Syncro Westfalia Joker 1.9 DG/LPG

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HarryMann
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Post by HarryMann »

Does 'sound' like an outer CVJ.. prepare for a few £££.

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