single adjustable shock-compression or extension adjust?

[High Plains Mopars]

Feel free to give a call for more info on the Varishocks. We`ve been using and selling them for quite a while now so we know them very well.

I haven`t used the Strange shocks but as a rule nothing violates the old standby that you get what you pay for, ;)



Mark SC&C

Exactly my concern. Hence this line of questioning. I'll plan on giving you a call in the coming months about them. Other build activities are going on at the moment, so if shocks are one of the last parts that go on, that is okay with me.

[Bryce]

i bought AFCO T2 double adjustable for $660 for both and that included the springs. i searched/waited for a good deal and found it. Im very happy with the performance.

i think a compression adjustable shock would help more as it will allow for how the initial bump will be controlled.

[silver69camaro]

I probably will also call the manufacturer to talk about where I am at with my wheel rates and intended applications to see if an off the shelf valving will work or if I need to get something custom set up.

That's what you need to do. Get a rebound adjustable shock with a matched valve to your application. If they're any good, it should be near spot on with maybe one click either way. But honestly, the people who really can do that charge a fair amount for a shock. Like I was saying before, $800 per unit will get you in the market for a high quality shock...and that's entry-level field. Some are $2500 each, but obviously you aren't looking for that.

Personally, I'd get a mid level Koni if you want something nice. Double adjustable is still going to cost you, but they have a good quality valve and a choice of valve specs. Cost is around $650 each. A Penske 8300 would be a step up from that.

[High Plains Mopars]

So you recommend a rebound adjustable rather than compression adjustable. Why is that?

[Bryce]

to rephrase what has been said, almost all single adjustable shocks change both rebound and compression at the same time. a few companies give you the choice, one of them is AFCO. Maybe give them a call and see what they reccommend.

Or step up to a good quality DA like Matt was saying.

I think the quality of the AFCOs i bought are great. They are not a Penske but a close second. I may never be able to tell the difference between the two shocks since my driving skills are not on a professional level. But i bough the best within my budget and do not regret my descision.

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My 2 cents: If you're going to go with a single adjustable, go with the rebound. Think of it this way: your shocks work in tandem with your springs. When you hit something, the spring compresses and soaks up that energy; while the shock does do its part in controlling the compression, the biggest effort is made during rebound and controlling the rate at which that spring releases the energy. (Your typical 'stock' non-adjustable shocks have more rebound than compression for just this reason.) Yes, compression adjustability is great and can be a huge benefit especially when paired with rebound adjustment, but if you're going to stick with single adjustables you'll get way more of what it sounds like you're looking for by adjusting rebound-only and having more tunability over how that spring releases rather than adjusting compression-only.

[silver69camaro]

I think the quality of the AFCOs i bought are great. They are not a Penske but a close second.

AFCO does make good shocks, as well as Strange, Alston, etc. BUT, these are low-end shocks in the real-world. I'm a bit of a shock snob, I know the benefits of a good quality shock:

1. Definitive & repeatable adjustments
2. Linear adjustments
3. No adjustment crosstalk (where a rebound adjustment affects comp)
4. Proper valving
5. Fade-free

Good, high quality shocks can be purchased from:
1. Ohlins
2. Sachs
3. Bilstien
4. Penske
5. Koni

Again, I'm a shock snob. I know these shocks are starting at $650 and up to $2000 each, which is why I recommend Koni and Penske for their entry level "budget" quality shock ($650 for Koni, $825 for Penske). There is a difference, and they aren't for everybody. If you don't know how to properly adjust a shock, don't bother. If you only plan on lap days maybe three times a year, don't bother. Most people find the valving too stiff for street use anyway, but I think it's important for people to realize there is a whole world of shocks out there rather than what you see in the Pro-Touring world.

Amber's comments are right on.