Classic Alfa Forums

As we all know The various sud front struts components are quite easy to mix up so whilst I’m having a big clear out I’ve made the following observations. The only handed components are the top ring that the top mount sits in. This ring has the 2 register dimples that determine where the other items fit the base spring pan is also handed And should have the spring end towards the inside. when the strut is together the pan should look quite level relative to the tyre at the bottom

These observations are from my sud legs that I haven’t stripped down yet so I know they are right.
Hope this helps (or at least makes sense)
Lou

Hi, hope it can be usefull if I add this:

Front suspension parts are slightly different in alfa 33 respect sud,
but it seams to me they have a similar dimples rotation scheme:
here a photo of parts from one my alfa 33 of 1991 with carbs,
considering in my photo the top rings are seen from "below",

it seams the same dimples rotation scheme than in your photos

Here with added the rubber rings

if I remember, for alfa 33 also lower spring plates are handed
( see green marks on my first photo )

Ps.: in a late alfa 33 i.e. I found rubber rings sligtly different one side to the other,
same shape but driver side was a bit mote tall/thick to compensate driver weight,
this was for rubber in front suspension, I don't remember but probably also for rubber in rear suspension

It seams to me that these dimples in top mounts are a trick to use the same spring in left and right side,
the dimples change (differently in left and right side) the orientation of the top coil of the spring,
so that the lower spring plate will be correctly oriented respect the well in both sides also considering
a bit of rotation of the lower spring plate when suspension is compressed

Also, - Sud springs are 4 3/4 coils, some, not all, 33 and therefore later Sprint had front springs that were 5 full coils, so the rubber top mount was different to accomodate this.

Thanks for that John all this lovely information helps the hive mind .

Can confirm late 33s have similar dimples in my experience it's quite hard to get the positioning incorrect as the lower platform fowls the inner wing when the steering is on full lock, the upper spring platform is very easy to modify/reshape if you find yourself struggling to get hold of a left and a right item

I have found this wee guide invaluable. Thank you