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View Full Version : relocating shocks outside of spring pocket (for weight jack bolts)


jerome
06-26-2007, 03:53 PM
For an S10, but essentially same front end as a G-body metric stub
I want to use weight jack bolts with racing springs. SPC upper arms and stock lower arms.

weight jacks like this:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif
that pic is from ssduece's thread here (https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=28025)
that is what my frame looks like, and that's probably how the weight jack will be mounted

lower shock mount like this:
https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif


With the weight jack bolts, you cannot use a stock mount shock. My original idea was to have the shock mounted just inboard of the lower ball joint, and have the shock go up through the tubular upper arm. It would connect to some sort of tubular structure extending up from the frame roughly directly above the upper control arm shaft.
Pushing the lower mount further out makes for a better motion ratio and better dampening.
However, it doesn't look like there will be enough room to pass thorugh the UCA, because the spring pocket is in the way. I know alot of the circle track guys use these weight jack bolts, but I just cannot find any pictures of how they mount their shocks

Does anybody know how they get the shock to go from the LCA up through the UCA? Do they just hack away any interfering parts of the spring pocket since its no longer necessary?

Thanks,
Jerome
MrQuick
06-27-2007, 12:33 AM
Most just mount to the rear section of the LCA and top mount to a down bar of the roll cage. You might have room for that. or if you have the room.... http://stockcarracing.com/projectbuild/p83342_image_large.jpg

The outer section of the frame is still important for frame strength and rigidity
darren@ridetech
06-27-2007, 08:54 AM
With our CoolRide air spring setups we have to relocate the shocks as well. We mount it to the rear of the arm. This way the shock geometry remains that same as factory, moving out closer to the ball joint will require a softer valving.

We have bolt on mounts for that chassis.
bretcopsey
06-27-2007, 08:56 AM
With our CoolRide air spring setups we have to relocate the shocks as well. We mount it to the rear of the arm. This way the shock geometry remains that same as factory, moving out closer to the ball joint will require a softer valving.

We have bolt on mounts for that chassis.

I have a friend with a pro street 71 Camaro that has hydraulic's on the front and this is how his shocks were mounted as well. It seems that it could interfere with wide rim/tire combinations though.
darren@ridetech
06-27-2007, 09:08 AM
On some cars it can reduce your turning radius depending on how wide the tire is and how much offset. Usually not much of a problem on this chassis.
jerome
06-27-2007, 11:10 PM
I want the relocation to move the shock closer to the ball joint, so the air ride relocation is out. I had considered it, but with 8.5" wide wheels and 245/45/17, I think turning radius would be reduced some, and I wouldn't get the better geometry and wider shock choices that I wanted.

I like the top mount idea, but I didn't plan on having a full roll cage.

Lots of offroad trucks run this setup without any ill effect or even any bracing other than the shock hoop

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2007/06/hoopsinstall_500-1.jpg

Do you guys think that since most of the force is directed upwards, there doesn't need to be additional bracing?
If necessary, I was thinking a shock hoop just like the picture, but with a crossbar between the hoops that would be bolted in above the engine.

What is the best way to attach a hoop like that to the frame?
1. drill hole in top and bottom with reinforcing plates (with holes) above and below frame and weld in the tube ends?

2. have a 90* bend in at the tube ends and stick the ends into the frame and weld both sides with plate?

Thanks,
Jerome