Several years ago I re-did the suspension on my ‘70 Cougar. Heavy duty springs, 1’ drop and WCCC 41624 (Scott Drake High Performance C5ZZ-18125-HP). These shocks came with a warning on WCCC that they were Mustang shocks with lower max spring travel, but would be okay if the Cougar was lowered a inch or more. More recently I raised it back closer to original height. A posting (somewhere) reminded of the shock extension length issue. I saw a reference to RCD Classic-Bilstein shocks with a specific part number for the Cougar 55-R170 (vs 55-R056 for the Mustang) and ordered them. Taking out the Scott Drakes and comparing, the Bilsteins are a 1/2" shorter. The Scott Drake’s measure 17-7/8" and the Bilstein’s measure 17-3/8" extended. Not sure of the travel, they’re pretty stiff (the new Bilstein are stiffer). Looking around this site I find reference to KYB 344052s with an extended length of 19.37" as the correct length for the Cougar. Scott Drake lists theirs for the Mustang but none for the Cougar. Most parts sites list the same shocks for both Cougar and Mustang. It’s all apart now, I’m getting ready at add some spacers to the Scott Drakes and put them back.
I’ve run a year or two with the Scott Drakes with no apparent damage. Any thoughts on leaving it that way versus buying the KYBs and changing them out later?
As I returned from the hardware store with a box of washers to increase the extended length it occurred to me that I better check the short length to see if the shock will bottom out before the axle hits the bump stop. Distance to bump stop 4-1/2", length between mounts 17" and a generous allowance of 1-1/2" in the bushings. Must be less than or equal to 11" compressed. 17-7/8" extended minus 6-13/16" travel equals 11-1/16", tighten the bushings a bit more and don’t add any length. My springs and shackle arrangement are not OEM so these dimensions may not work for everyone. I’m reasonable comfortable with the shocks and their mounts taking up extra length if I un-weight the rear. The stiffer springs probably have less travel than the originals. So unless I missed something I think I’m good with the Scott Drake shocks.
BTW the Bilsteins had less travel at 6-1/4".
Someone here found that a KYB # # 344052 (GR-2) was a longer shock.
Ive used them on a few Cats and found installation a breeze with the extra length, and no issues with travel.
Don’t know if this will help your situation…
Thanks Bill,
My suspension geometry is likely less like the original than I thought. The KYB shocks show a compressed length of 11.3". That would have it bottom out on the shocks well before the axle hits the bump stops. I’m running the WCCC 43460 leaf springs. They are advertised as competition springs, stiffer and 1/2 - 1" lower. After running them for a couple of years I’m convinced that they were a full inch or more lower. I also tend to keep the trunk full of tools. That and the 235-60R14 tires (another 3/4" lower) had me dragging the mufflers too often. Now running a 5" shackle (vs 3-1/2" - that compensates for the tire size) and it looks to still be lower than factory. At this point it’s back together with the Scott Drake shocks and I’m inclined to leave it that way. This looks like it should be good and I don’t see any better options. Again, any other thoughts?
Hopefully the discussion and learnings here may help others.
I took the rear shock length from the WCC site and studied shock specs from various shock companies and discovered that the rear shocks on a Triumph TR7 or 8 match for compressed and extended length. I found a British parts company, Rimmer Bros that sell shocks for Triumphs. I ordered a set of adjustable GAZ shocks p/n GSA3741GAZ. They are fairly priced even with the tax and shipping. Delivery was less only a couple days. I’ve had them on for a month and have had no issues. I have the adjustment at mid range. As a bonus, there is an external knob for adjustment, removal not necessary to adjust.
