Coil springs, how easy job?

[Benross]

If they are the original shocks then they will almost definitely be gubbed, black with no markings and probably bit of brown decoration? I thought the same about mine but decided to start renewing bits just due to the age of the truck, shocks made a huge difference despite looking OK and passing MOT's and the at rest "bounce" test. How quick does it recover and gain composure after a dip in the road at about 50 mph? Does it bounce for a while?
Just because your Surf passes an MOT don't think all is well and the car is safe. Mine passed with shagged ball joints and TRE's, shocks were goosed at that point too. I found out the bits were shot when I took them off and had them in my hand on the bench, fine for MOT though
Back shocks are not an expensive job, all you need are the shocks and budget for a 14mm adjustable angle ratchet ring spanner from Halfords. I cut the first shock off as I could not get a spanner in, what a mistake that was! Other one was off in minutes with aforementioned spanner and vice grips. Fronts are a little more involved as the springs are SERIOUS and, IMO, not a DIY job to fit onto the shocks. I tried, got very scared, and then took them to a local garage!

Cheers

Ben

The truck rides well, doesn't bounce about over the bumps so I'm happy with the shocks. Although I wouldn't drive around in a dangerous truck, I am aware that it is an old truck that I bought as it was cheap and does what I need it to so I'm not going to turn it into a new truck part by part. As long as it passes the Mot at my local garage Im Happy.

[Benross]

Let me know when you're going to be on the roads in south Wales if thats the attitude you have for all the other safety related parts on your truck!

Cant think of a reason to go to South Wales tbh...

[shokenore]

Cant think of a reason to go to South Wales tbh...

Exactly, why bother when you can do a quick flit over the Tamar and you are in God's country.

South Wales is worth a visit too.

Hi Vince

[Benross]

Right, when my coil springs were fitted, my mate noticed an Anti roll bar was broken, so I got him to fix it and fit new Polly bushes. The truck now rides fantastic and rolls very little. I have however noticed that I'm steering a little like Mr T from the A-Team! Is there a known way of tightening up the steering on these trucks? Or a common part that wears and causes vague steering?

[Rob5464]

Right, when my coil springs were fitted, my mate noticed an Anti roll bar was broken, so I got him to fix it and fit new Polly bushes. The truck now rides fantastic and rolls very little. I have however noticed that I'm steering a little like Mr T from the A-Team! Is there a known way of tightening up the steering on these trucks? Or a common part that wears and causes vague steering?

First point of call really would be to tighten the box up if there is a lot of play in the steering wheel.

[Ben_D]

Do a search for pitman arm and or steering idler. Could be a few things though such as ball joints, track rod ends or lower arm bushes. I'd have all these things checked out.