Woodies Chat

Just got my winter project on the road and suspension at front is stiff as hell and gives a real lumpy ride. On inspection there are 2 systems in place ; an "Armstrong" and a telescopic damper. Is this a normal mod or should one be taken out? At rear there is just the telescopic.
Any thoughts please
Paul

Even with telescopic shocks, the Armstrongs are needed as part of the front suspension. But the valve is usually removed, so it doesn't affect the shock-absorbing action of the telescoping ones.

Personely i like the factory shocks.

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Paul Van Wig
Big Bear/Lakewood, CA
facebook.com/pvanwig
1959 Nash Metropolitan "Tiffany" (the wife's fun ride) w/63MGB motor
1960 Austin Healey Sprite " Frogari"
1968 Morris Minor Woody RHD "Thomas"
2005 Jeep TJ Lives @ 7440'
2012 Turbo Diesel Ram 2500 4X4
2021 Jeep Gladiator (the wife's Mountain car)
2022 Hyundai Ioniq 5 EV (the wife's work ride)



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026-04-09 12:27 PM by pvanwig.

Yeah, when fitting telescopic shocks to the front, the bottom valve has to be removed, but damper oil should still be used for lubrication. Some people just leave the damper empty. Another problem is that the 4 bolts holding the damper come loose even though they have tab washers fitted. The bolts actually stretch a bit in use so should be checked occasionally. I've done away with the tab washers and fitted Nord Lock washers to the bolts instead. This makes for easier tightening. Also, if silicone bushes have been fitted then the suspension will feel stiffer.

Hi Mike,

I just learned about Nor-lock washers today from YOU and I can see the application for the exact reason you did but also other things now and in the future.. Thanks for sharing this really great piece of information.

TX
Mr fixit
Chris

Thanks Chris, that really helps
Cheers
Paul

Nord-Lock washers are indeed an ingenious bit of hardware! A bit pricey, but in mission-critical applications, they're invaluable. Properly installed, They. Won't. Let. Go. Note that each Nord-Lock washer is a two-piece affair, the two parts lightly glued together. I gave a Nord-Lock heads up to a friend to use on his race car; he bought a pack and promptly disassembled the ten washers into "twenty" washers, claiming the package was mis-labeled. "Nooooo! Glue them back together!"