converting MA61/MZ10 struts to inverted mono-shock?

[thechuckster]

I have a set of RA23/28/40 struts that have been converted to suit inverted mono-tube bilsteins.

...and I'd like to do the same with my MA61/RA65/MZ10 struts.

Has anyone seen threads/articles about suspension mods like this?

I'm mostly concerned with locating and fitting the seal & guide at the top of the strut tube (and I'd rather not cannibalize the struts I have as I'll probably sell them).

It's obviously similar to the standard coil-over conversion except that there's no retaining ring, the rod end of the shock insert screws thru the base of the strut tube, you need a upper spring hat to suit the top shape of the tube, etc.

tia,
charles

[The Real Roadrunner]

I'll see if i can get someone to put up pics of my new struts, they are a work of art but cost about the same.

They run an adjustable Ohlins monotube and have a seperate ride hight and preload adjustment. way more work than any AE71 deserves really.

Ive got some spare Z10 struts laying around to if you need a spare set.

cheers
linden

[thechuckster]

Thanks linden,

i think I have 2 sets of donor struts but thanks for the offer.

I've got some pics of the unit here:




I'm most interested in the seal and nylon (or delrin?) guide that hides inside the threaded section. There's no retainer like the usual setup and the end of the piston rod insert screws thru the base of the tube (it was rather difficult to remove).

It came off a early model Celica setup for Targa Tassie and the springs are close to rock-hard.


edit: I wonder if you could drill down the centre of the top section to attach a schraeder (spell?) valve or fitting to attach a remote cannister? The valving in the shocks is for tarmac rally not gravel.

[YLD-16L]

Chuck, I've got inverted Bilsteins in the front end of my corolla but mine aren't threaded through the base like that so I don't know how they are set up inside the casing - seeing that has got me wondering now??

For my upper hats I just put them on the lathe and turned a stepped ID on them so they sit over the large step below the thread by 4mm (specific to mine I would assume as I was trying to have certain parts all fit and work together). Then a stepped ID steel washer sits above the top hat and the spacer/sleeve and bearing above that.

The seal/guide at the top of my strut tube just looks like a gland nut essentially, not like your setup. See pic below:

[wagonist]

Linden's setup (click for bigger image) (and turn your head

[thechuckster]

thanks for the pics guys... i do like Linden's setup!

some detailed pics of what i have are below - the reason I started this thread was tha i wanted to know:
- what ID of threaded tube should i use?
- whether is the seal something special or just whatever fits?
- what the guide section below the seal made of?
- the grease on the strut - bearing grease OK or something more suited to exterior exposure?
- any idea on prices for re-valving bilsteins?

As delivered (non-captive springs and no spherical bearign at top )


spring & shock removed from strut (ruler is 60cm)


top bits (annoyingly incomplete and no thrust washer used?)


piston rod & bump stop (note: thread is M10 1mm pitch)


links to bigger versions are here.


some suspension-related links I found while researching this stuff:
http://www.resuspension.com/ - very sexy looking stuff.
http://farnorthracing.com/autocross_secrets6.html - slightly dated but very thorough

[takai]

For M10x1 nuts, if you cant find any at fastener shops (i had some issues) then head to a local bike store, preferably one which services/sells track (velodrome) bikes, the boltup axles on them are 10x1 for Campy and Shimano stuff