Question on Rear Suspension...

[Mike6568]

I noticed something this weekend and was hoping someone could explain what I found. I have a rolling chassis no engine or trans installed.

Front Shocks: The collars are adjusted to about an inch of the top thread. When I jack up the front end the suspension appears normal the control arms drop and the shocks extend, and the collars separate from the springs. When you let the jack down the suspension settles in.

Now the Question:

Rear Shocks: The rear suspension does not travel. I originally had the collars adjusted so that the spring was snug between the ring and collar. If I jack up the rear it immediately lifts off the ground. I then adjusted the ring down 8-10 threads and thought the weight of the car (limited at this point) should compress the shocks and react the same as the front end, but no change. Everything seems too stiff? Did I do something wrong or is this ok?

I have the Moser 3-Link Rearend....thanks in advance for any insight....

[michael everson]

Where are you jacking it up from? Try disconnectin one shock at a time and see if anything changes.
Mike

[Mike6568]

I tried jacking from both the pumpkin and bottom of shock mount. I'll try disconnecting a shock to see if there is any change and report back...thanks

Where are you jacking it up from? Try disconnectin one shock at a time and see if anything changes.
Mike

[Arm7419]

When you jack the pumpkin or under a shock you jack the whole car.

Chuck




QUOTE=Mike6568;66555]I tried jacking from both the pumpkin and bottom of shock mount. I'll try disconnecting a shock to see if there is any change and report back...thanks[/QUOTE]

[Mike6568]

This may be my own inexperience so thanks for bearing with me...

I tried a few different things and here is what I found:

1. If I jack under the right rear shock, the right shock compresses very little (probably because there is very little weight pushing back down) but the opposite side shock opens up considerably (probably because the weight of the rear end is pulling it down).

2. If I jack under the pumpkin the whole car comes up immediately with little movement of the shocks, when you set it back down, same thing very little movement.

Conclusion:
I'm an idiot and I think everything is fine...

Last Question...is it normal for the very front of the differential to sit only about 1/4" from the panhard bar frame? Again I have the Moser 3-Link. I appreciate you guys for responding...thanks again.

My only concern is the

When you jack the pumpkin or under a shock you jack the whole car.

Chuck




QUOTE=Mike6568;66555]I tried jacking from both the pumpkin and bottom of shock mount. I'll try disconnecting a shock to see if there is any change and report back...thanks

[/QUOTE]

[michael everson]

Mike.
If you are jacking from the pumpkin, the shocks will not more. Think about it. all the weight of the rear of the car is already on the shocks. Your not changing that relationship by doing what you are doing. Try lifting the car by the frame and you will see a different result. Also until the car is fully assembled, there isnt a whole lot of weight in the rear.
Mike

[Mike6568]

Gotcha, it makes perfect sense now...I did try lifting the car at the frame, you're right the suspension does droop, up until the rear end rests on the panhard bar frame. I've attached a picture, does everything look right? Thanks again for your insight.Rear End.JPG

Mike.
If you are jacking from the pumpkin, the shocks will not more. Think about it. all the weight of the rear of the car is already on the shocks. Your not changing that relationship by doing what you are doing. Try lifting the car by the frame and you will see a different result. Also until the car is fully assembled, there isnt a whole lot of weight in the rear.
Mike

[sheephearder]

Everything looks good to me. If you are still not satisfied, shortning the panhard bar will increase the gap. Good luck! John

[riptide motorsport]

Don't forget your axle limiting straps...........