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MG MGF Technical - Spax Shocks

I have just purchased a set of 4 Spax Shocks from MGOC, (amazing service...7 days from order via their website to delivery in Australia!!) and on opening the package found that there are no instructions on what level of setting to use. I have looked thru the archive and have found conflicting info on the number of "clicks" to set the shockers at. (I suspect some of this confusion stems from the fact that earlier Spax shocks had fewer adjustment settings than the current models which have 28 positions.)

Can somebody tell me how many "Clicks" on a 28 setting Spax shocker equates to roughly the same setting as the original MGR shocks for both front and rear?
Phil Stafford

Hi Phil,

I can't tell you exactly that, but I have just fitted a set of SPAX adjustable myself about 6 weeks ago.

The local roads are appalling so I wanted to set up a compliant ride and tried 7 clicks up from the minimum (anti clockwise start etc). Combined with poly bushes and new ball joints they gave a marked improvement to ride. But here’s the thing, they were still too stiff on the local roads and I spent more time than comfortable airbourne over the bumps.

I have since set up for full anticlockwise settings and suggest that this still gives a firmer ride than the o/e shocks I replaced. Although these were shot to pieces! On the few smooth bits of road we have I reckon a few clicks to clockwise would take out the nominal roll I experience, and I’d definitely crank them up for a track day.

Depending on your wheels, you should be able to adjust the shocks with a long screwdriver by lining up the gap in your alloys (I have 15” 5 spokes etc). Given this I’d said just try it out, but if your original shocks were like mine the SPAX are likely to be stiffer than before even on minimum setting.

Cheers, Russ.
R D Mellor

This seems to be the same trouble as Spax shocks on the MGB. They always seem to be too hard and most MGB folk run them at the fully "soft" setting.

Mike
Mike Howlett

Thanks Guys, I will set them at the lowest setting and try them out once I have finished splitting the stripped not that some Bozo in the factory overtightened when the car was built. (3 shocks took a total of 40 minutes to fit....The last on has taken 2 hours so far and I'm still not finished.)

I am dying to try them out and will post the results as soon as I have test driven the car.
Phil Stafford

Just been for a test drive and the lowest setting is definitely the best. Firm and controlled without being harsh. Way better than the CR@P that MGR fitted originally.
Phil Stafford

I believe the original MGR shocks only worked in one direction whereas the Spax ones work in both directions. So you can never replicate the action of the originals. My Spax are on the softest setting but one.

Bruce
Bruce Caldwell

This thread was discussed between 24/01/2006 and 30/01/2006

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