Broken Varishock

[dhutton]

Assuming a 3400lb car, with 45% rear weight that would put 765lbs on each spring assuming 50/50 left and right weight. On a 200lb spring that should mean 3.825" of compression, which would take a 12" spring down to 8.175. On a 165lb spring it would be 4.64" of compression, taking a 14" spring down to 9.36". Given the G-bar varishocks are designed to operate with a 12" spring and retain full function through ~3" of vertical adjustment, 1.5" each direction of center, the spring length shouldn't hurt at static height. Where the issue might come in at heavy compression and re-bound, I can't speak to the shock travel depending on loads, but it could have tried to yank the rod out in re-bound. Given the diameter of the shaft, I almost can't believe this kind of damage, the load must have been huge.

Thanks for putting some math to this. Does this analysis take the angle of the shock into account?

The dip was fairly abrupt. I didn't go back for a good look but I think they trenched across the road and then didn't fill in it correctly. It was likely an abupt 2 inch drop followed by an abrupt 2 inch rise so the shock took a one two punch. Maybe I'll return to the scene of the crime to take a closer look.

The interesting this is my AME subframe with 500 pound springs rode through this like a walk in the park.