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I was wondering whether the standard rear shock mounts would be sufficiently strong enough to handle coilovers.
I'm getting ready to install a fibreglass spring, but was tossing up whether coilovers might be a more viable solution depending on the degree of modifications needed ... if any. I could possibly see that a stronger/thicker top mount bolt might be called for, but what of the standard lower mount? Will it hold up?
Any thoughts or experiences?
I don't think the lower stock shock mount will hold. It is just a small "D" that will end up turning. In coil overs they weld another mounting point on to the trailing arms. The top mount is also angled slightly so the shock will be loaded off center or one side of the rubber will be squashed more then the other. I have a set of coilovers and was looking at this this spring and decided to leave it till next winter. If it was as simple as just bolting it on I would have done it.
Thanks Norval. I knew I could count on you for a sensible and informative answer. It was just an idea for the moment, but something I'd thought about for a while now. Looks like another project for the future.
I'm still fine tuning my 6 link so I won't get too carried away with any other ideas just yet.
Norval...Thanks for those pics. I can see what you mean about the 'D ' being a concern with this installation. I'd be very interested to see what can be done to better this situation. I'd give it some more thought but I'm heading for bed now.
Looks like the glass spring goes in for now at least. Thanks.
I'm thinking about the same,
Putting coilovers all around would be somewhat cheaper or at worst the same price as getting new suspention stuff from VB and other companies.
I've seen on the web that a set of 2 koni coilovers cost around $200-$300, seen this it's better than just getting a new fiberglass spring that costs $300+
Paul
I was recently looking at the QA1 website. The HAL shocks are highly regarded by the street rod crowd and most of the major magazines. They are easily adjustable and can be configured to pretty much bolt into our cars. The question is, can the upper shock mount built into the frame and the lower mount built into the A-arm support the entire weight of the front of the car (and then some in corners)??? I hardly think so. The upper and lower mounts would have to be considerably beefed up. I'll bet if someone called tech support at QA1 they could provide more information about the support requirements. I would really like to do this on the front. You could use variable rate springs and adjust the height to get the front end just right.
I guess we are talking different coilovers. I am looking for a pair of shocks with springs around them, just to help out the tired front springs. I still what to maintaine the front stock springs.
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