Front shockers bottom pin

Dochie

Member
I have just wrestled the front shock absorbers off the car today and I think they must be original as they fought hard to stay where they were.
Both split pins were solid and had to be cut flush so will need to be drilled out now. My question is has anyone threaded the bottom pin and fitted a nylock nut.
If so, what size and thread of die nut did you use?
I think this would be an improvement on the split pin method

Dochie
 
The split pin method works great — as long as you have the special tool. Which is kind of the flaw in the whole idea, as the tool is a rarity.

Yours
Vern
 
Hi Vern

The trouble is that after 38 years the split pins did not want to move, where as the nuts on the top pins came off no bother. After breaking a pin punch I thought there must be a better way and decided to try and thread the bottom pin to make the shocker securing method the same as the top pin. This should make it easier for the future although, at my age, I don't think it will be me doing it.
I'm sure Rover had a good reason for using the split pin method but I can't think why.
Just waiting on the die nut coming and I'll get on with it.

Dochie
 
Be aware that if you are fitting replacement adjustable shocks that use parallel mounts they rattle like crazy. Nuts will no doubt help to ease the situation. In my case I had to weld old original mounts onto the new shocks.
 
I will be putting the origional shocks back on. I took them off to replace the rubber bushes which looked way past their sell by date.
The shocks themselves feel good when stroked so I have cleaned them up and painted them and will re fit them
 
The tool, if you have it, makes removing the rusted in cotter fairly easy or at least easier.

I'm not disrespecting your solution, just saying there was a method to Rover's madness.

Yours
Vern
 
I will be putting the origional shocks back on. I took them off to replace the rubber bushes which looked way past their sell by date.
The shocks themselves feel good when stroked so I have cleaned them up and painted them and will re fit them

Good news
If ever they need replacement in the future do not throw them away until you are satisfied with the new shocks. Someone I know :rolleyes: threw his away, and then had to find and buy a knackered pair in order to get hold of the end mountings to weld onto his new shocks......... doh !
 
can understand Rover using split pins. these are easy and safe to fit when everything is new. putting thread and nut oil may well be answer but do ensure you take pics and get insurance approval as its technically a 'modification' and if ( unlikely ) an accident occurred and engineer sees this part failed ? insurance may be declared invalid! ouch very expensive mod. much depending on insurance assessment as to if part played a part but with insurance companies famed for declining payouts ( especially if high) when they can find a get out of jail free card. Not a risk I would take.
 
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