Choosing Shocks

OK I don’t need them just yet but because I’m designing my own suspension I do need to tick the box saying “shock type & size chosen” so I can design linkages etc.

Basics: it’s for a light weight (400kg) midi, pushrod suspension front and rear, shocks will be on display so cosmetics do play a part.

Are these daft questions?

Is there any advantage in using the linkages to increase the shock movement i.e.1” at the wheel giving, say, 2” at the shock? My though being, that this might give the shock an easier life and make it work more efficiently, long smooth strokes!!

On a light vehicle is there any reason to use 2.25” springs rather than 1.9”

The shocks are going to be mounted horizontally, will that prevent me using any particular type of shock? I remember reading somewhere that some couldn’t be mounted upside down, is this true?

Finally, is there a “standard” or at least more common length that might make sourcing easier/cheaper than designing the system then having to order custom shocks to fit?

Thanks in advance for any thoughts

[Edited on 24/12/11 by orton1966]

I personally would call Protech and have a natter, top blokes and will give you unbiased advice, although I would also buy Protech shocks as I think they are extremely good shockers.

Cheers

Rich

https://protechshocks.gostorego.com/contacts Telephone at top of page

[Edited on 24/12/11 by RichardK]

It would be worth calling nitron too.

Hi. Not a lot of time but this is maybe something I can help you with.

Look on Protech's site and you will find all the different lengths they can supply, and there is a big choice.

1.9 or 2.25 springs change nothing.

Using the linkage to increase the shock movement can be helpful if the wheel movement is very low. This is the case on a lot of single seaters.

You are right that too short a shock movement is not good. It will magnify any 'delay' in the damper at the wheel and also result in heavier rated and therefore heavier weight springs being required.

Hope this helps

Pl ask if you have any specific questions. I'm at Protech next week if you need anything asking.

Cheers,

Mike

ETA The question of working 'inverted' or horizontal is only about whether the shock has free air mixed in with the oil.

If the shock only uses free air as the compressible medium it will never work inverted or horizontal as the air will get into places where it stops the damping.

If the shock uses gas separated from the oil (lots of ways of doing this) then it just needs to be properly bled when built to eliminate any free air.

[Edited on 24/12/11 by MikeCapon]