Proper shock angle?

thanks for the info guys

yea i have mine on the outside of the bridge running down 2 the link and it is very bouncy and i just put new shocks on it,i cant ride low cause its so bouncy!!!!!!!

Edited: 3/6/2007 10:46:10 AM by laynframe90

Shocks are most effective when they are mounted perpendicular to the direction of travel. Anything over a 30 degree angle will result in a loss of shock effectiveness. Keep the shocks as close to the wheels as possible and as vertical as possible to maximize their effectiveness.

Now on 4x4's theory is the same, but by mounting them on a 45 degree angle torward the center of the truck you can double the amount of travel from the shock, making an 8 inch shock travel 16 inches. A better way would be to mount them in line with the frame, forward or backwards. You will need firmer valving if the shock is mounted at an angle verses perpendicular to the frame and axle.

What do you think Max?

There is not one angle that is "proper." Every suspension design and shock length/valving will have a number of useable mounting positions. In the diagram below, an angled shock position can be calculated. The further the shock is layed down the less efective it becomes. This is the biggest problem that I have found while mounting shocks on the rear of minitrucks. Every (simple) mount that offers decent travel will be digressive. What that means is that the lower the truck is the less efective the shock becomes. Without building a rising rate linkage that will force the shock to be more effective or paying the $900 for custom shocks that are progressive, you as minitruckers are faced with a compromise. I have found a place, finally, that will sell you a shock that has different valving rates according to what your needs are (Steve Duck 619 328-5401 x109) but they still have linear valving, so you will need to compromise your mounting points.