Coilover bracket design

[mrn2obelvedere]

Why the curved profile on the diagonal part of the bracket? I think you should just make it straight because the stresses and deflections will be less. I did a quick n dirty FEA on it to illustrate.

Straight profile:




FEA, straight on top, curved on bottom (this is the stress distribution):

[dipren443]

Sean,

The profile is curved for control arm clearance. I still may need to mod my brand new control arms, but trying to avoid it

Nick

[mrn2obelvedere]

I wouldn't worry about it in either case. I was really just picking nits. The safety factor on it is really big anyway, I'm guessing 10+.

[tmcmillan5]

Hey I'm in the middle of a coil-over swap on my 68 Chevelle and like your design. I have a question on shock length, my plan was to use a 4.25 Varie shock w/ a max measurement of 14.25 extended length.
What I have done so far though is to move my lower mount outboard about 3" with your design I may need a longer shock which also means a taller spring , from 9" to 12" to equal a 16" extended eye to eye. I think I will also have to Shave my frame to allow for clearence on the outside of the spring. I am currently using the 12" 5.15 travel Varie Shock on the rear of my car that I can use to mock this up. Any thoughts here, spring weight, travel ect ?

Thanks, Tony

[Bowtie1z28]

Here is the setup I fabbed up for my 2nd Gen Camaro. I used the 6.150 travel VariShock and inverted the coilover giving free and clear access to the adjuster from the topside. The LCA is stock but modded with bolt in mounts for the lower coilover eye.

[tmcmillan5]

Hey Bowtie thats a neat setup. Are you sure we can run these Varishocks upside-down ?

Thanks, Tony

[Bowtie1z28]

Thx Tony! Yes you can run them upside down according to Alston/VariShock. I installed them in March of 08 and have had no issues so far. With a the shock being a sealed system it really shouldn't matter as long as the seal remains in good conditon.