Aldan Shocks

65 Blur · #1 (**permalink**) 08-19-2003, 03:37 PM

After some comments I got regarding the action of the rear end going around Laguna Seca this weekend, and Duane letting me know that I have stock Jag shocks, I gave Aldan Shocks a call.

They were very helpful, and knew exactly which shock the Butler used (#AS654). What I am questioning is that he said they were putting on 400 pound springs. From searching this site, I am seeing anywhere from 250 to 350. Peter, you said you had 300# on your new Aldan's and it was too stiff...Alan (Duane), do you know what is on yours?

Just want to make sure before I spend the $700 (I asked Tina if this could count for her birthday present and it wasn't pretty

)

Thanks,

Monster · #2 (**permalink**) 08-19-2003, 05:06 PM

Roy,

You've got me thinking I need to check my invoice from Aldan. I asked for the "Butler" setup when I got my shocks and I feel that my shocks are to soft (I've gottem turned to 6). I'll post what ever info I find later tonight.

Mike

Tom Howland · #3 (**permalink**) 08-20-2003, 09:06 AM

Roy,
I've got Aldans. I don't know the model numbers because I didn't buy them. I did increase the adjustment from 1 to 3 last week. Ride was soft with driver and really soft with passenger. Now the ride is better. Will try going to 6 next week just to see. I did the spring rate calculator and came up with 245 lb.
Tom

Chifo Jr · #4 (**permalink**) 08-20-2003, 09:15 AM

Roy:

I do have 300lb springs in the rear and I am set on 3 for shock valving. While I cant say it is too stiff, it is pretty tight. Keep in mind I have a small fuel cell (17 gallon) and havent filled it more than 5 gallons yet. 35 aspect ratio rear tires also dont give me much cushion from the road as compared to say a 50 series. 400lb springs seem like they would be too harsh on my setup. I would suggest you call Ron Butler and get his views.

Pete.

decooney · #5 (**permalink**) 08-20-2003, 12:33 PM

Hi Roy,
I had quad Carrera 275lb springs on my Unique and the were pretty good for overall. My ERA has 300 or 325lb IBOC springs in the back I believe, and I'd have to recheck when I get home this evening... Let me recheck that again.

One critical factor is to measure the ANGLE of the mounting points. For example, when the car is sitting on the ground, is the top of the shock at a 1:00 or 2:00 type angle? Every bit of lean changes the mechanical advantage and changing the effective spring rate. The more your lean the shock, the softer the ride gets; even just an inch makes a noticeable difference. So, if you rear was narrowed to fit those wide wheels on a Butler, you might be more more verticle now if the mount points were not changed above. I believe Aldan will want to know this angle if you can estimate it for them.

Also, there is a another critical factor to measure for when plannign this with the shock builder. While the car is sitting on the ground, fully loaded with at least a 1/2 tank of gas and one passenger in the car, be sure to measure the distance from shock mount eyehole to eyehole. This will give Aldan an idea as to what height shock you really need if the car is lowered. As I recall, it was fairly low in the back. If you fail to do this, it's possible you could wind up with shocks that are too long, and they will bottom out on sharp bumps. We ended up having to replace 3 different sets of front shocks on Uniques because they were too long and bottoming out once lowered 1".

Somewhere around 275lb to 325lb would be good for the rears. I would agree that 300s would be good, if you shocks have plenty of ride adjustment. Aldan will definitely know if you give them those measurements too. Good Luck.

Monster · #6 (**permalink**) 08-20-2003, 06:36 PM

OK a day late.............but here's what I got according to my invoice from Aldan

2pr. AS 654 coilovers/300# coils 5/8 .

MIke

Fred Douglass · #7 (**permalink**) 08-25-2003, 11:35 AM

Roy,
Unnhhhh--oooooooohhhh... Not so smooth with Rita! That's GOTTA hurt! (ar-ar-ar) Please post pix of scars/bruises....
As to Aldans, well, they're the best I've ridden on. I have (probably) the same as you, re rear-ends (XKE with quad Aldans). None other than Ron Butler set mine up. He'll have all the info you need. Butler Racing (805) 649-6000.

65 Blur · #8 (**permalink**) 09-11-2003, 05:02 PM

Talked to Ron today and he confirmed the Alden's are #AS654 with 300# springs.

Also asked about his modification to the MGB front and he highly recommends the Hawk unit. He has put them in two cars (non-Cobra’s) himself with Chevy rotors and Wilwood 4 piston calipers. He also has one that he has not installed yet if anyone is near Carpinteria, CA. and wants to take a look.

P.S. He does not care for the Moss units.