Escort Front Shocks

[danscort]

Can someone please tell me if 1974 - 80 front shock inserts fit 1972. Ford at Elizabeth don't know. ABS at Salisbury does them for $220 (1974 - 80). I want to make sure they fit before ordering them. Part no. 25-3827 (Munroe).

[Fev]

Two things:
Call this bloke and ask - his name's Stephen. Stocks heaps of stock and performance parts for MK1-Mk2 Escorts.

http://www.smckaperformance.com.au/

If he doesn't know try Brian at Small Four Spares - 02 9603 5333

[danscort]

Thanks Fev. I rang Monroe and they checked the specks and they think the later model will fit. Im going to order them from ABS. What bushes etc. should I change while I'm at it?

[Puzzlescort]

there are 2 types of strut, the 2 Ltr strut is different.

If you know you dont have the 2 ltr strut then the listed part should be correct

I would recommend replacing all the bushes in the front end if the havent already been replaced ( there really isnt that many )
inner & outer lower control arms, front sway bar & steering rack, if you get keen even look at the steering connection

[Fev]

IF you've got the cash change all of them. The more the better really. Get your brakes done too if they're a bit iffy. I learnt the hard way :'(

[danscort]

All stabiliser bar bushes are ok, going to replace tie rod ends, pivot ball joints/control arms ( I hope the bushes that go in the crossmember end come with it). Left side brake pads are low, Ill change both sides.

[danscort]

Today I got tie rod ends, shocks and brake pads. Tie rods look right, the brake pads are too small.. ( maybe I have mk2 brake callipers?). And the shocks don't fit, the top part of the struts hole is too small for the shaft of the shocker. I think I may have to get the top part of the strut from a mk2? used:

[Puzzlescort]

mmmmm Dan

seems you might have to do a bit of checking to see what your cars has in it
if you can do 2 things, take a pic of the strut with the wheel off so we can see the brake caliper & measure the strut tube diameter.
My initail thoughts are either Mk2 escort or capri struts (the capri struts have a removable steering arm)

[danscort]

The strut tube diameter is 50mm.


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[danscort]

I forgot to mention that I took a sample brake pad to ABS and it turns out its a mk2 pad.


ABS said to drill the hole larger on the strut top to take the new shocks. Is that a good idea?

[Puzzlescort]

yea Dan looking at the strut I would say that you have MK2 struts, not sure but the measure for the tube on 2 ltr struts is over 51mm & 1600 struts is under around 48mm

I am amazed the strut inserts dont go thru the tops... what dia is top of the insert?
I would be cautious of drilling the top out too much

My guess is that you have 2 ltr struts with early strut tops to suit the MK1 strut tower where the later MK2 2 ltr struts would have the smaller strut top

we will sort this out......

[danscort]

I don't have calipers so I'm measuring with a ruler but I think is pretty close. The hole in the strut is 14mm, the old insert is 13mm and new is 16mm-17mm.

[Puzzlescort]

I have a few struts & strut tops kicking around at home I will take a few measurements tonite

[danscort]

I went to u-pull-it at Elizabeth today and they have a mk2 panel van with struts. $9ea for the tops only, I think they are what I need ( bigger nut and a notch in the top of the thread). Thanks Puzzlescort and Fev, I will let you know how I go. Plus you will probably see a new post from me when the next problem arises.

[danscort]

Not having much luck. I got the strut tops from u-pull-it, right size hole, but the whole thing is too small.

I rang pedders and they have the correct ones in stock $300. ABS are going to give me a refund on the wrong ones

[danscort]

I rang a different pedders store (Salisbury). They will have them Thursday $250. Fingers crossed.

[Puzzlescort]

Dan

for that sort of money I would be looking at adjustable strut tops from Burton
Power in the UK or even try http://www.smckaperformance.com.au/ $275 for alloy tops.
The biggest advantage of these tops is the spherical bearing which makes a big difference in the steering

[danscort]

Sorry what I meant was I was getting different shocks from Pedders. Keeping the old strut tops. I should have gone to Pedders in the first place Hope these shocks fit as I'm back to work Monday and I dont want to catch public transport. Maybe Ill look into getting the alloy tops when I get my project 2 door, if I ever find one.

[allanv6gt]

Strut tops had two different shaft sizes 1/2 inch (say 13mm) and 5/8 inch (16mm). Escorts had two different bolt PCD-thingy on the strut top plate (just like your pic above). MK2 smaller? (Escort guys would know).
And I wouldn't go drilling out your small shaft stut tops. Drilling will weaken that sleeve - it has that wall thickness for a very good reason - it is also a crush tube. I have 1/2 and 5/8 shaft tops in my sheds-o-bits, but wall thickness is the same with rubber width being different.

[danscort]

Job complete. I got the shocks from Pedders and they fit. Whoohoo

[blackjack74]

Originally Posted by danscort

Job complete. I got the shocks from Pedders and they fit. Whoohoo

out of interest what is the part number?

[danscort]

Part number - 8709

[2T Institute]

I have an old drawing for the offset adjustable strut tops "somewhere". They are very easy to make. Something like 30 holes on a 110mm PCD, the spherical bearing was only $10 or so and there was $80 in materials.

[blackjack74]

Originally Posted by danscort

Part number - 8709

Thanks- just checked that's a Mk1 cartridge ( non twin cam ) 10mm longer body, 30mm longer overall stroke.