Toronado.org

Update: Probably gonna have to buy from a different brand, apparently Gabriel discontinued the 82139 and no longer sells them.

There is a couple other brands if you want something cheap and temporary:

Victoria British shocks for 62-80 Triumph Spitfire (okay quality but won’t last as long as KYB)
Part #: 5-435
Price (as of 2020): $19.95

British Parts Northwest shocks for 62-80 Triumph Spitfire (Unknown Quality)
Part #: GDA4011
Price (as of 2020): $19.95

Yes, Summit shows the shock as being for a Triumph Spitfire but is out of stock.

Here's a Gabriel on Amazon for $11 https://www.amazon.com/Gabriel-82139-He ... B001AM8GEY

Here's some on ebay for $18 and free shipping

https://www.ebay.com/p/75430427?iid=154 ... 0854.m4779


Extended Length in Inches 12.98
Collapsed Length in Inches 9.97
Stroke 3.01

I was finally able to replace the horizontal shocks today (snow thawed) and wow! The car feels fantastic and I don’t feel the turns! Feels like a modern car!

I lifted the front wheels and noticed that the left one has really bad play from left to right. It might be the tie rods, but have to do some further inspecting. There’s a pretty large dead zone in the steering wheel so when I’m on the freeway the car wanders around and makes it difficult to steer.

Did you buy the Spitfire shocks or the high dollar ones from Fusick?

The play in your steering can be caused by any of the connections in the steering linkage or a cumulative effect of several or all of them.

It helps to have a second person help you to track down the problem.

While one person turns the steering wheel, the second person inspects each connection in the steering linkage one at a time. When the steering wheel is turned, watch the rag joint for a delayed reaction to the turning of the wheel. Move down the line to the steering gear, pitman arm, center link, tie rods, etc.

Watch for delays at each point and either adjust or replace each part as needed.

Okay, I’ll see if someone can help me with that. When I took out the tire I saw (what I believe to be) the tie rod move and clunk. I think that could be the issue. In terms of the shocks, I used the Spitfire ones.

Here is the link to the video of it (I show both front wheels moving): https://youtu.be/70CHX3-ej9s

And in case that it’s the inner tie rods, where can I find them? I only see them in Fusick but for a hefty $70.00 each (same for Eldorado).

Probably not cheaper than Fusick but made in USA, high quality parts.

https://shop.rareparts.com/search?show= ... &year=1969

Thanks Otto, I’ll keep that one in mind. How long do tie rods usually last? Like are they a regular thing to replace or do they last a very long time?

wow... good job ! i want to change the horizontal shocks together with leaf springs in about 2 months, what about the front screws of leaf springs ?? I didn´t take a look on them, is that easy to remove them?
In Germany we have know a very bad weather with a mix of snow and salt , so I put the Toronadi into a winter-coma for 3 months

Thanks! Here in California it only snows in the mountains, but I’m usually in So Cal most of the time. I have not yet changed the leaf springs, but I don’t think they are that difficult to remove. Probably someone on this forum has done it and could let you know how it was done.