Coilover Angle

[basemodel67]

So I am going to put my truck on coilovers, and I will start making the mounts for it soon. I have looked at a bunch of different setups and was wondering if there is an optimum angle they should be mounted at for best control. Some are straight up, and others are at about a 30 degree slant. Any help?

[draggin86]

there is some missing info here how much travel does the coil over have? are you going to be mounting it with some leverage or just behind the axle.. you should would be safe mounting them straight at 0 degrees.. you sure can mount it at 30 degrees that is the max that i would do.. i just did some shockwaves at 30 degree they are levered off the control arms..

[LONGHAIR]

For a coil-over I would get it as close to vertical as possible. The shocks are also the suspension in this case. So they work best in opposition to the direction of the suspension travel. Spring-rate is far easier to calculate, etc.

[Wild83C10]

As longhair stated as veritcal as possible and as close to the wheel as possible.

[noonzor]

http://www.qa1.net/qa1_motorsports/images/drag_tech.pdf

good info there.

[basemodel67]

Thanks for the info guys! I am going more for handling, so I want to get things set up with that in mind. If anyone has some insight on autocross suspension or tips for setting up a 67-72 with trailing arm rear suspension to handle, I'm interested in hearing what you have to say...

[Mike Bradbury]

Before you start welding Contact Steve Duck at http://www.racecardynamics.com/class...hr/indexhr.htm
He really knows his stuff as far as coil overs go.

I am going the same route with them mounted behind the axle and saw his presentation at the Good Guys Swap meet. He recommends an angle of about 20* on coil overs. I would not go with anything but Bilstein after seeing his demonstration on the differences.

[basemodel67]

Thanks for the info. I will definitely be going with Bilsteins anyway because I can get them at cost.

I am approaching the suspension on my truck with the reasoning that if NASCAR uses it and they can handle pretty good, why can't I make my truck do the same. Drag racing is fun, but driving is better!

[Wild83C10]

Originally Posted by Mike Bradbury

Before you start welding Contact Steve Duck at http://www.racecardynamics.com/class...hr/indexhr.htm
He really knows his stuff as far as coil overs go.

I am going the same route with them mounted behind the axle and saw his presentation at the Good Guys Swap meet. He recommends an angle of about 20* on coil overs. I would not go with anything but Bilstein after seeing his demonstration on the differences.

Why did he recommend a 20* angle?

[Mike Bradbury]

I believe it has to do with how the trailing arm supension moves vs other types. But I am not sure I just remember that number. I am working on a lincoln 9 that I am putting trailing arms and coilovers on so I will be calling him soon and will ask specifically why, Because I as well have heard that the more angle the less effective the shock is.

[Wild83C10]

I would shoot for more then 4" of suspension travel. 1" of extension will more then likely tear the shocks up on a street drive vehicle.

[basemodel67]

I think most shocks have a cushion internally to keep them from being damaged by overextending. And, 4" should be plenty of wheel travel. I doubt a new Corvette even has 2" of suspension travel, and lots of people drive them everyday.