Shocks, how do you guys set them up?

[Dirtyrat]

I'm using some mustang rear shocks, which are gas charged units.

At ride height (suspension loaded) where in the range of travel of the shock do you guys usually setup your shock length? [S

Also one other question, do you guys typically use steel straps to retain the coil springs in the event that the suspension is unloaded? I've seen them on the front end of different vans, etc..

I'm estimating a minimum of 2" of rear suspension preload from body weight, and the tank.
And then about 3" of suspension travel to set the axle snubbers (about 4" of body to tire clearance, down to 1" at the snubber)

Thanks for any input guys!

 

[sgtpontiac]

I was surprised how little travel your shocks move

I'm using some mustang rear shocks, which are gas charged units.

At ride height (suspension loaded) where in the range of travel of the shock do you guys usually setup your shock length? [S

Also one other question, do you guys typically use steel straps to retain the coil springs in the event that the suspension is unloaded? I've seen them on the front end of different vans, etc..

I'm estimating a minimum of 2" of rear suspension preload from body weight, and the tank.
And then about 3" of suspension travel to set the axle snubbers (about 4" of body to tire clearance, down to 1" at the snubber)

Thanks for any input guys!

when you're driving on normal roads even with a few whoopdy do's......after doing the c notch to the truck I set it up with about 3 1/2 inches of up and down from normal loaded ride height........had to peruse the Monroe Catalog to find ones that were close to the correct length.....ended up with front shocks for a 1985 to 95 Chevy van.....I had the weight of the bed, estimated weight of fuel and tank...used barbell weights to simulate........then I set the bump stops so the shock wouldn't bottom out.....not sure I've explained that well but I also haven't tried it out yet either....lol I'm sure it was a by gosh and by golly set up but seems to be about right compared to my other vehicles...not sure that helps at all......[S

 

[rainman]

You answered your own question! I set mine up with shocks fully extended just before springs loosen! That is if I'm using coils!! In other words, let the shocks hold the springs in!

 

[Dirtyrat]

You answered your own question! I set mine up with shocks fully extended just before springs loosen! That is if I'm using coils!! In other words, let the shocks hold the springs in!

I had thought about that, but was not sure if thats really how they are setup.

Was thinking about measuring a mustang sitting at ride height, and the length of the shock and see... since I know spring free length I'd be able to see if it is really setup that way from the factory.

Would love to hear more input... I know this is a little different because I have to worry about tire to fender clearance.

 

[rainman]

I had thought about that, but was not sure if thats really how they are setup.

Was thinking about measuring a mustang sitting at ride height, and the length of the shock and see... since I know spring free length I'd be able to see if it is really setup that way from the factory.

Would love to hear more input... I know this is a little different because I have to worry about tire to fender clearance.

Cars I've noticed over the years, thats pretty much how you'll find them!!
Of course it's a little different with leaf springs, but same principle applies!

 

[Dirtyrat]

I'm talking coil springs here...

Anyhow, I'm thinking thats NOT how they are setup.... using the shock to stop suspension travel just does not seem like its how it would be at all.

 

[Dr Crankenstein]

I agree with rainman.

If memory serves me, our Fox Mustang's rear would droop beyond the shock's extended length if the shocks were disconnected. I believe I changed the coils that way, just pulled the driveshaft and shocks to get maximum downward travel and the spring would come loose. Seems to me my big '67 Impala was done the same way.

Unless you're pulling Dukes of Hazzard stunts, the suspension will never droop that far and the shocks won't "top out". I've never seen limiting straps (obviously I've never seen the van you're talking about either) except for airbag setups on tractor-trailer units... and off road machines where hyperextension is possible and expected.

Does that make sense?

 

[deerchooper]

what ive heard and how i did mine. measure total extended length of the rod. push the shock in 1/3rd the total length of the rod. set the car/ truck at ride and fab mounts from there. also you want the shocks set at a angle, around 30*. if it rides rough kick the shocks out farther to reduce its work load.

its worked for me as of now.

 

[sgtpontiac]

guess maybe I over thunk it....LOL

Rainman, your way sounds a lot easier....I got there in a round about way...[S LOL

 

[rainman]

I'm talking coil springs here...

Anyhow, I'm thinking thats NOT how they are setup.... using the shock to stop suspension travel just does not seem like its how it would be at all.

Not stop travel, stop the springs from unloading and falling out!!

 

[rainman]

what ive heard and how i did mine. measure total extended length of the rod. push the shock in 1/3rd the total length of the rod. set the car/ truck at ride and fab mounts from there. also you want the shocks set at a angle, around 30*. if it rides rough kick the shocks out farther to reduce its work load.

its worked for me as of now.

I usually start at 20, but thats close enough!!

 

[Dirtyrat]

I usually start at 20, but thats close enough!!

Thanks for the input guys, I was thinking about this a bit today, and looking at how I was going to make the upper mount, with a piece of tubing that goes inside the spring, I should be good, I might still put a retention strap on the lower spring mount as that is a very shallow mount... So I'll probably give the shock a little more travel, like 1 more inch of travel upwards after the spring is unloaded, as the spring will never come out with the mount I'm going to build

Shocks will be angled as they were stock on the mustang rear end.

Thanks for listening to my questions, a lot going on lately, so its good to hear some thoughts on things outside of my own ideas