when going over bumps instead of a smooth ride a get a bang, me thinks its the shocks. is there anything else it could be?

 

If its coming from the rear check your antiroll bar bushes . nice motor by the way i used to live in brum (my brother still does hes got a silver wagon aswell)

 

Sparewheel, is it bolted down ?

Drop links can slap the control arms.

Various bushes that erode away at the rear. I had all of mine renewed pressure fitted on the subframe. Also the diff is held by 2 floating bushes so if one of those is eroded the diff will move about more.

 

Thanks for the advice guys w ill get under and have a good look, I know the drop links look ok and there isnt a spare wheel so I know its not that.

I have a bit of a dilema I posted an ad on here yesterday for some rear shocks, i didnt expect to get a reply I have been offered some standard rear shocks, full set of STI shocks or i have seen some gas shocks on fleebay which ones do I get.
Being sensible says buy the standard ones but I am under no illusion they will be gone again as I heard this is a common fault, I have heard that the STI ones are stronger and better quality any truth in that?
Don't know anything about gas shocks

Any suggestions?

 

Any that come off a 10+ year old car are going to be pretty tired tbh.

I have STi ones on mine and I like them, ride is firm yet comfortable. I am also like you and under no illusion that they are becoming tired.

If it were me I would be looking at the aftermarket options, but this will see you part with £500+. On the upside buying new ones is preferable to buying twice.

There was a coilover GB running which would be worth looking at to see what classic owners have said about upgrading.