MGB Monroe rear tube shock part#

[Moderator]

On June 12 I posted about replacing Monroe Sensa-Trac (5877ST) shock absorbers with Gabriel Guardians (81464). To follow-up...

I have about 8000 miles on the Gabriel Guardians now. Although I still believe the dampening characteristics of the Gabriels are better, they have NOT been trouble free. The distance tubes at the top end of both Gabriel shock absorbers have crushed severely. (I think they used garbage-grade steel.) Since I installed the shocks with safety washers and elliptically offset nuts, there was no danger of things coming apart. However, the crushed tubes resulted in loose mounting, and subsequent banging noises and harshness. (You can tighten them up temporarily while on a road trip, but they continue distorting and coming loose as you drive further.)





The previous Monroe shocks appeared similarly constructed, but their distance tubes were definitely more robust. I've extracted one successfully, and transferred it into a Gabriel bushing:



Unfortunately, I destroyed the other Monroe distance tube during extraction so I'll have to come up with another plan for the other side shock absorber.

[MGBV8]

Hmm, you still bottoming out, Curtis?  Do you think the Gabriels are any stiffer than the Monroes?

I really need a slightly, (a bit more than slightly) stiffer rear shock. Maybe the Corvette shocks that Bill didn't like. Or, maybe the GAZ adjustables. Yeah, that's the ticket!  

[MGBV8]

Anyone have any GAZ info? I just tried the standard GAZ kit over at Jim Watson's/ The GAZ shock is too long for my lowered MGB. The shock measured 12" fully compressed. My Monroe at ride height is right at 12.5".  Need a shorter GAZ.

[mgb260]

Carl, KYB, Bilstein, and QA1 for  63-82 Corvette  rear are more reasonably priced than Gaz. Might be a toss up if you want adjustable.  
http://www.qa1.net/suspension/street-performance-racing-shocks-struts-and-pro-coil-systems/stocker-star-non-coil-over-shocks/403-aluminum-stocker-star-shock

[MGBV8]

I would really like to be able to reach under the car & turn the knob at track days & autox.

The GAZ part #s are GT5-2222 for CB & GT5-2223 for RB. Can't seem to find the specs anywhere.

[mgb260]

Gaz has adjustable for lowered VW beetle that would be about right for your ride height.  255mm(aprx. 10") to 356 mm(aprx. 14")
http://www.coolairvw.co.uk/Item/Shop_by_Product~Suspension_-P-_Steering_Products~Shock_Absorbers~GAZ_Shock_Absorbers/AC413Z/Eye_Top_-P-_Eye_Bottom_GAZ_Shocks.html

[MGBV8]

Thanks, Jim. I'll check it out.

GAZ shock specs seem to be Top Secret.

[Scott Costanzo]

Carl,
I worked with GAZ via email when I purchased different upper mounts for the front shocks I bought from Moss Europe. The were very responsive. Bet they would be happy to answer your questions.

[MGBV8]

I sent them an email earlier today, so we will see. Cannot believe in this internet era there is nothing out there. Driving me crazy.

[MustangSix]

I had a set of these on the shelf from another project and they were  the right length, so I bolted them on by putting a sheet metal sleeve inside the top mount and simply using a 7/16" bolt on top.  

No idea of the brand, but they have been working well.  Ordered a second set for my son's roadster.  Also seem to work well.  Decent ride, good damping.  

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speedway-Short-Gas-Filled-Shocks-Plain,2183.html

[302GT]

McMaster Carr has a wide variety of tubing that can be used to make shock bushings in steel, stainless steel and aluminum.

GAZ shocks were included with the Hoyle suspension kit I am using. I found these shocks to be poor. The single adjustment made both the compression and rebound stiffer so when rebound was in control compression was far too stiff. Then the bushings around the piston shafts wore out (about 30,000 miles). I replaced them with QA-1 single adjustable shocks (rebound only) and this was a huge improvement.

[mgb260]

Here's a nice rear shock for Carl!

http://www.qa1.net/suspension/street-performance-racing-shocks-struts-and-pro-coil-systems/stocker-star-non-coil-over-shocks/403-aluminum-stocker-star-shock