ADVANTAGES OF TELESCOPIC SHOCKS VS. LEVER ACTION SHOCKS
- Performance & Damping Efficiency
- Tube-Type (Telescopic):
- More precise and consistent damping.
- Better at handling a wider range of road conditions and speeds.
- Quicker response to suspension movement, leading to improved ride comfort and control.
- Armstrong Lever-Action:
- Adequate at lower speeds or on smooth roads, but less responsive under dynamic driving or rough conditions.
- Prone to "fading" (reduced damping performance when hot).
- Mechanical Simplicity
- Tube Type:
- Simple, self-contained unit.
- Easier to mount directly to suspension components.
- Fewer moving parts compared to lever systems.
- Lever-Action:
- More complex with linkages and an external arm mechanism.
- Integrated into the suspension arm in some vehicles, making it more cumbersome.
- Maintenance &: Serviceability
- Tube Type:
- Generally considered "fit and forget."
- Cheaper and easier to replace.
- Available in gas or hydraulic variants for different needs.
- Lever-Action:
- Requires more frequent maintenance.
- Can leak fluid more easily and rebuilding them is time-consuming and expensive.
- Parts availability is limited today.
- Weight &: Packaging
- Tube Type:
- More compact and lighter.
- Frees up space in the engine bay or suspension areas.
- Lever-Action:
- Heavier and bulkier.
- Takes up more room, sometimes affecting design flexibility.
- Tuning &: Modern Compatibility
- Tube Type:
- Easy to tune or upgrade (e.g., KYB, Bilstein, Koni options).
- Better suited to modern suspension designs (e.g., MacPherson strut, independent suspensions).
- Lever-Action:
- Limited adjustment potential.
- Outdated for modern handling and safety expectations.
Summary
| Feature | Tube-Type Shock | Lever-Action Shock |
|---|---|---|
| Damping Control | Excellent | Basic |
| Size & Weight | Compact, light | Bulky, heavy |
| Maintenance | None | Moderate to high |
| Modern Use | Standard | Obsolete |
| Ride Comfort | Smoother | Harsher under load |
Why Bilstein Gas Pressurized Shocks?
Telescopic shocks work by controlling the flow of oil between two chambers via a restricting valve. As the shocks move up and down, the oil is forced through the valve which resists compression and rebound of the suspension over bumps. Without shock absorbers the car would oscillate several times after every bump.
The shock valves are carefully designed, based on the cars’ weight and spring rates, to optimize damping. However, in situations where the car hits bumps rapidly and repeatedly (like a rough road), the oil can form air bubbles (aeration) which nullifies some of the damping ability of the shocks.
Bilstein Gas Pressurized shocks prevent this aeration by pressurizing the oil. The result in continuous and controlled damping over a wide range of road surfaces and driving conditions.
The Fahrspass for Healey kits were designed specifically for Austin Healey cars by a Bilstein ride control engineer, Udo Putzke. The kits include ceramic coated brackets engineered to allow easy mounting in any Big Healey or Sprite, without any cutting or welding and using only basic hand tools. All Grade 5 and 8 hardware is included as are complete, illustrated installation instructions.
The changes are completely reversible if a new owner wants to revert to the original Armstrong shocks for any reason.
