Knowledge Builders

why are shocks mounted at an angle

by Dr. Amanda Steuber III Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Angle of the Dangle
Mounting shocks at angles reduces the overall dampening effect of the shock. Reason being; the shock's mechanisms will travel geometrically, less of a distance than that of the suspension system.
Aug 1, 2013

Full Answer

How important is the angle in the shock absorbers?

The more angle in the shock, the more travel the shock has to do relative to the suspension travel. If you have an extreme angle, 30 deg. then the shock may not be long enough and actually bottom out before the designed rebound. Body roll is based on the suspension architecture and the roll center of the suspension, not the shocks.

Should I mount my shocks at an angle?

Regardless, if you try to follow the rules of thumb above as close as possible, you’ll be able to gain the most benefit from the shock absorber as possible. Mounting shocks at angles reduces the overall dampening effect of the shock.

What's the best way to Mount shock absorbers?

Some shock tech: Shoot for 15-25 degree angle for shocks, 1/3 stroke extension and 2/3 compression (angle softens shock, increases effective length and resists roll). Mount shock as close to tire as possible and make sure mounts are parallel.

How do you measure suspension travel in shocks?

This 8″ measurement is the length of the shock body you would need to control travel, measured from the mounting eye to the top of the shock body, and not limit suspension travel. In this situation you would actually have approximately 8″ of rebound or droop travel in the shock and 6″ of compression travel. Measuring Shocks at an Angle

image

What angle should rear shocks be mounted?

Most people aim for 90 degrees at full bump. That is from the front leaf spring pivot, to the lower shock pivot, and then to the upper shock pivot. This creates a slight rising rate. That being said there are lots of trucks people just mount the shocks where "they look good".

Does it matter which way you mount shocks?

The correct way to mount it is as shown with the boot down and the label facing so it is not upside down. So, If you are not sure which way is up on your shocks or wonder if you can mount them either way, always look at the Bilstein logo. If it is upside down, so are your shocks!

Can shock absorber be mounted horizontally?

The difference is that a mono-tube shock absorber can be mounted upside down or right side up and it will work either way. *NOTE A conventional two-tube shock absorber must be mounted somewhat vertically.

Are shock absorbers always mounted vertically?

Shock absorbers are always mounted vertically, not at an angle.

What happens if you install shocks upside down?

Some people say that monotube or gas pressurize shocks can be mounted upside down, however in time they will develop and extra inch or more of piston travel that has little to no dampening effect whatsoever. Ultimately: don't mount shocks upside down just because it looks cool.

Which way do you install rear shocks?

Before installing a new shock absorber it is recommended to manually pump them 3 to 5 times. When you do that, make sure the shock is oriented the way it will be in the vehicle, top side up.

Why are shocks mounted upside down?

Sometimes a shock must be mounted upside down due to space limitations, or to protect the shock body, if this is the case, make sure you use a shock designed to be mounted upside down.

Is vertical or horizontal suspension better?

Vertical suspension mtb's are known to be better for general off-road riding due to the fact that they are more stable meaning you are less likely to slip sideways.

How do you mount shocks?

0:1811:23How To Install Shocks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInto the top of the shock. There. Slide that over and then that top piece just clips on there. AndMoreInto the top of the shock. There. Slide that over and then that top piece just clips on there. And then you put a zip tie on the bottom.

Should you pump shocks before installing?

Since most shock absorbers are stored on their side prior to installation, priming the unit before the installation is recommended. To prime the unit, you should hold it up-right and vertical, then cycle the unit by fully compressing and extending the unit 2 to 3 times.

What's the difference between struts and shock absorbers?

However, shocks and struts are two distinct parts with different functions. While both can help with your vehicle's ride and handling, these parts work in different ways. Shocks are individual components of the suspension system while struts are a major structural component of the chassis and suspension system.

What is the difference between suspension and shock absorbers?

As far as shocks, also referred to as the shock absorbers, are a key component of the suspension system. They control the impact and rebound movement of your vehicle's springs and suspension, they ensure that the vehicle's tires remain in contact with the road surface at all times .

What kind of shock can be mounted upside down?

If you want to buy one that supports such an upside-down position, you are encouraged to go for gas shocks. With this type of air shock, you will not only get yourself a cooler bike but also ensure more efficient heat dissipation, a PP lever, and a cleaner mountain bike!

How do you mount shocks?

0:1811:23How To Install Shocks - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipInto the top of the shock. There. Slide that over and then that top piece just clips on there. AndMoreInto the top of the shock. There. Slide that over and then that top piece just clips on there. And then you put a zip tie on the bottom.

How do you align a strut mount?

3:5514:02Most Common Strut Installation Mistakes! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo this can angle like this. So if you do happen to find that one of your bolts has that oblongMoreSo this can angle like this. So if you do happen to find that one of your bolts has that oblong shape to it you want to make sure that it goes back in the same hole.

How do I stop my struts from making noise?

1:588:02How To Fix a Noisy Suspension ~ Noise over Bumps - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe have a few parts that we're going to need to take off. Like our sway bar end link we have ourMoreWe have a few parts that we're going to need to take off. Like our sway bar end link we have our lower mounts. We have probably an abs sensor. And a brake. Line that is mounted to our strut.

Why do you mount shocks at angles?

Mounting shocks at angles reduces the overall dampening effect of the shock. Reason being; the shock’s mechanisms will travel geometrically, less of a distance than that of the suspension system. Some vehicles (early model Land Cruisers, etc.) have their rear shocks mounted at about a 30-degree inward (inward = leaning toward the differential, not forward or aft-ward) angle, while others have their shocks mounted at a 20 degree angle or so forward and/or aft ward of the rear axle (e.g. Chevy, Jeep CJ’s, etc.). There are several reasons why this might be done. First, available space… regardless, if this is something you are going to do yourself, you’ll need to increase the static pressure of shock to mimic the shocks effectiveness of it being in a perpendicular location. Secondly, you can gain more suspension articulation than would normally be limited by the overall travel of the shock absorber if it were located perpendicular to that of mounting your shocks at an angle, if you don’t have room for a taller shock absorber. The charts here show the overall estimated reduced effectiveness of a raked shock absorber. However, these numbers should only be used as a rule of thumb as other factors such as the arc of the suspension cycle can factor in.

What does a shock do to a suspension?

Secondly, since energy can’t be destroyed, the shock transforms the kinetic energy into heat as it dampens the “bouncing” of the springs. That’s it… that’s what a shock does.

How do shock absorbers work and why do I need them?

This may seem like an overly simple question to ask, I mean heck, they’re on every car, truck and SUV on the planet. And, they’ve been around darn near since the dawn of automobiles themselves and a shock absorber is a shock absorber right? Ummm… nope, not really! Regardless, before we answer these questions, let’s identify some scientific facts that cannot be disputed and identify some things you’ll need to know.

What is coil over shock?

Coil-Over Shocks. Coil-over shocks are fairly simple by design. Simply put, a coil spring is placed over and around the shock body, adding an additional spring rate to the shock absorber. These coils can be placed over just about any type of shock absorber depending upon the manufacturer.

How does a gas shock absorber work?

Reason; gas pressurized shock absorbers are built with pressurized nitrogen inside the shock body. The pressure can range anywhere from 80 to 350 or more p.s.i. This keeps the oil from aerating because nitrogen does not mix with the shock oil, and forces the oil molecules to stay packed together much more closely, thereby all but preventing the oil from getting any air bubbles within.

What is a twin tube shock?

What we will say is that a twin-tube shock is the “entry level” shock absorber if you were to compare all shock absorbers against each other.

Why do we need shock absorbers?

Simply put, a Shock absorber’s sole purpose is to dampen the compression and rebound of any suspension system by controlling the speed at which a suspension cycles.

Why do desert racers lay shocks on an angle?

The biggest reason for desert racers to lay their shocks on an angle is to achieve more wheel travel with a shorter stroke shock. The more inboard or layed down the shock, the more need for a sway bar to compensate for the resulting body roll. And the spring and shock must also be much stiffer. 8.

Can shocks control body roll?

Shocks cannot control body roll, only the rate of roll. Springs can affect body roll. Mounting springs at a angle (coilovers/airshocks) can effect body roll (at the cost of efficiency) and what is called the roll moment. That gets into under/over steer behaviors.

What do you want your shocks to be in straight line racing?

It is my understanding in straight line racing you want the shocks to be straight up and down. In road racing or street use you want the shocks to point to the contact patch of the tire. In each instance the placement provides the most shock motion for the driving conditions.

How much angle does Novaca1n have?

the one advantage to how novaca1n did his with a slight maybe 10 or 20 degree angle it also lets a little shorter shock have the same travel as a longer shock. with caltracs you need good shock movement on front and rear.

Can you drag a car straight up?

Yeah, for a drag car you really want them straight up and down. However, I mounted mine on an angle because at age 15, I thought it was a good idea. Been 1.33 to the 60 foot off the footbrake on a drag radial so I guess it works anyway

Is a verticle mounted shock stiffer than a shock mounted at an angle?

A verticle mounted shock will be stiffer than the same shock mounted at an angle. The more angle the softer the same shock will feel.

image

1.Shocks What Angle & Why??? - The H.A.M.B.

Url:https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/shocks-what-angle-why.324040/

36 hours ago  · Can shock absorbers be mounted at an angle? Mounting shocks at angles reduces the overall dampening effect of the shock. Reason being; the shock’s mechanisms will travel geometrically, less of a distance than that of the suspension system. What is the best angle for shock absorbers? “Shocks are most effective when operating nearly vertical.

2.Shock angles questions | Pirate 4x4

Url:https://www.pirate4x4.com/threads/shock-angles-questions.1084663/

20 hours ago  · What others have said is correct, there is a wide range of acceptable shock angles. The more angle in the shock, the more travel the shock has to do relative to the suspension …

3.Rear shock question on angle (suspension gurus)

Url:https://www.stevesnovasite.com/threads/rear-shock-question-on-angle-suspension-gurus.139640/

6 hours ago  · why are the shocks mounted at an angle. Jump to Latest Follow 1 - 2 of 2 Posts. jbreeze · Registered. Joined Aug 27, 2013 · 5,380 Posts . Discussion Starter · #1 · May 14, 2015 …

4.Why are most bikes’ and cars’ rear shocks placed in an …

Url:https://www.quora.com/Why-are-most-bikes%E2%80%99-and-cars%E2%80%99-rear-shocks-placed-in-an-inclined-position

31 hours ago  · FOX 2.0 Factory Series Smooth Body Remote Reservoir Shock - 980-24-635-1. $239.95. Daystar, Universal polyurethane bump stop 3" tall; 4-1/2" long; 2-1/2" wide slotted …

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9