[Healeys] Lowering a BJ8 - Cape shocks

[Chris Dimmock]

Springs determine ride height.
Shocks (dampers) determine oscilation of springs.
If you don't understand the principles, your Healey will never handle.
i.e shocks stop springs from oscilating. They dampen (stop/limit)  
spring oscilation (the bounce in a spring) They don't determine ride  
height.
In my experience, the easiest way to lower a BJ8 is to fit earlier  
3000 (ie Mk I/ ii rear) springs, and drill out the centre locating  
bolt hole to fit the BJ8 one.
Then you can use an earlier 3000 competition main leaf, if you need to.
I did.
And I used 1/2 inch lowering blocks.
Then worry about your shocks.
I still have Armstrong lever arms.
But then, I'm an old school kinda guy.
And the maths said they were cine. At the back, with leaf springs.

Chris
www.myaustinhealey.com.

Sent from my iPhone

On 03/12/2009, at 2:48 AM, "Steve B. Gerow" <steveg at abrazosdata.com>  
wrote:

> James Sailer wrote:
>
>> ...and in conjunction with
>> conversion to tube shocks (both from Cape International), which as  
>> I recall
>> lowered it an additional 1/4 inch.
>
> Jim,
>
> I'm running the Cape rear tube shock kit and it lowers the car via  
> the use of insufficient travel on the rear shocks. When I installed  
> mine, with the car on stands, the rear axle didn't rest against the  
> rubber pads on the frame rails. The shocks limited the rebound  
> travel. Obviously this problem would be exacerbated on the BJ8 with  
> its longer rear suspension travel.
>
> The Cape lower mounts consist of an approximately 1/4" thick plate  
> which sandwiches between the spring and lower spring plate. This has  
> a stud extending from it which is the lower shock mount itself.
>
> After driving, both lower shock mounts bent upward and the one on  
> the passenger side is cracked halfway through. At some point I plan  
> on replacing Cape's rear shocks with longer-travelling SPAX units  
> and repairing the lower plates.
>
> I've found Cape to be communicative for Sales but not for Service.
>
> -- 
> Steve Gerow
> BN6 with Cape rear shocks