RideTech / Fox shocks

[bret]

I was going to post this in the thread where the question came up, but I'm kind of allergic to the perception of hijacking another manufacturers thread.



There has been some discussion about the differences/similarities of the Hotchkis/ridetech/Fox shocks, so I thought I would share some insight and hopefully answer some questions.

The Hotchkis and the ridetech smoothbody shocks share the same basic Fox monotube architecture, the differences being valve codes, dimensions, attachment hardware, and of course, color and decaling. The biggest influence on performance is of course, valve codes. There are but two things to consider when tuning a shock...ride quality and handling performance...and the two are not necessarily exclusive of each other. We have found that the valving that offers the best handling performance also gives a great ride quality, especially on the short sidewall tires that this crowd likes. IF there is a decision to be made between ride quality and handling performance, we will lean toward optimizing the ride quality on the RQ Series shocks.
We do that because we also have a rebound adjustable version of these shocks, the HQ Series [RQ = Ride Quality, HQ = Handling Quality... cute, huh?] The HQ series is exclusive to us at RideTech and offers the hotrodder the ability to tune the shocks to their liking.
The other item that is unique to the RideTech shock line is the wide range of fitments available. Not only do we cover the standard Chevelle, Camaro, Mustang, and Nova applications, we have developed dimensions and valve codes for dozens of other "oddball" hotrods. http://ridetechshocks.com/

While Fox builds our large quantity production runs for the most popular applications in Watsonville, Ca, we build the special applications and do valve code tuning in house in Jasper, In. This allows us to constantly learn and refine our tuning skills as well as address a wider variety of special applications.

...almost forgot, ALL RideTech shocks carry a 1,000,001 mile RideTech warranty.

At the end of the day, I'm not sure most people could tell a lot of difference between the two companies smoothbody shocks. The details outlined above will matter to some people, not so much to others. That's why GM builds both Chevrolets and Caddillacs.

[AutoX_a_Truck?]

The other item that is unique to the ridetech shock line is the wide range of fitments available. Not only do we cover the standard Chevelle, Camaro, Mustang, and Nova applications, we have developed dimensions and valve codes for dozens of other "oddball" hotrods. http://ridetechshocks.com/

While Fox builds our large quantity production runs for the most popular applications in Watsonville, Ca, we build the special applications and do valve code tuning in house in Jasper, In. This allows us to constantly learn and refine our tuning skills as well as address a wider variety of special applications.

I have one of those oddball hotrods and my triple adjustable setup is miles better than what I had before. But without attempting to ask for any proprietary info I am curious as to what inputs and testing are useful for determining if you need to revalve shocks and/or what inputs and info are useful when you reset the valving? I know Rob MacGregor posted that he was able to work with Fox Shocks at a private event and it vastly improved handling characteristics, but is there anything the average guy can do? My triple adjustable setup is super nice, but since I don't have a Camaro or Mustang, how do I know if I am in the right ballpark?

[Auto Rod Technologies]

Mike has me pretty much talked into running these shocks on my 37 after he stopped by and discussed them with me.

[Josh@Ridetech]

Mike has me pretty much talked into running these shocks on my 37 after he stopped by and discussed them with me.

You'll be happy with them! It was good meeting you guys.

[marolf101x]

You know when you need different valving if you are constantly adjusting the shock to the max limits of the knob.
For example, if you go to an autocross and add rebound damping each run, and you get quicker do you get to the point where you went too far and you got slower, or did you reach the end of the adjustment range before you went slower?

If you reached the end, you may need more force. If you didn't you don't need more.

Rob was able to attend a test session James Shipka put together prior to the One Lap Event. We were there with a couple of Fox guys I work very closely with and we were able to make all the cars faster and easier to drive. Rob's deal was that he used long shocks all the way around. We use softer valving on the longer shocks as they are typically used in a rear application. As such, Rob need both an increase in spring rate and an increase in shock force to get reach the potential of the truck. Had he used shorter shocks (with the firmer valve code) he would have likely only required an increase in spring rate.

[AutoX_a_Truck?]

You know when you need different valving if you are constantly adjusting the shock to the max limits of the knob.
For example, if you go to an autocross and add rebound damping each run, and you get quicker do you get to the point where you went too far and you got slower, or did you reach the end of the adjustment range before you went slower?

If you reached the end, you may need more force. If you didn't you don't need more.

Rob was able to attend a test session James Shipka put together prior to the One Lap Event. We were there with a couple of Fox guys I work very closely with and we were able to make all the cars faster and easier to drive. Rob's deal was that he used long shocks all the way around. We use softer valving on the longer shocks as they are typically used in a rear application. As such, Rob need both an increase in spring rate and an increase in shock force to get reach the potential of the truck. Had he used shorter shocks (with the firmer valve code) he would have likely only required an increase in spring rate.

Thanks for the insight Britt. I am really just more curious than anything as I am learning much of this as I go. And I am trying to accumulate some more knowledge beyond the basics. I need to do some testing and get some more seat time, but usually I seem to be fastest running at or near full hard in the front, at least in terms of the rebound setting. Other areas could probably use improvement too, like my front suspension geometry though

[DTM Racing]

Awesome description Bret! Good info.

[MCB Matt]

Thats why ridetech is where they are, Brets knowledge and advise they offer.

[SicMonte]

Great explanation!

I have one of the first sets of the G Body coil overs that ridetech put out and I still can't believe how much they changed the car!! It rides awesome and handles even better.

Plus it is just really nice to see the ridetech crew at the events and just hang out with them. I have become friends with them over the last year and they are just the best bunch of people around. They will do anything for their customers and friends.