Technical Changing length of lever shock arms ?

Due to space limitations, I am planning on running original rear shocks on my 33.
BUT, I have changed over to 36 wishbones and spring, so now the shock arm is too long to line up with the dogbone mount ball on the trailing arms.

Would it adversely effect the function of the shocks if I shortened the arm?
Or should I just keep them the stock length, and add a dogbone ball mount in the correct spot on the 36 trailing arm?

 

I've never messed with lever shocks on a rod, but a shorter lever would make it stiffer action. On my 32 with 35/36 rear arms and late 40s buggy spring, in getting a perfect balance to leaf removal and shocks... I had to run somewhat soft rear (tube) shocks. My ride is 100% perfect. (It took a lot of effort/time to get that final balance correct).

There are so many variables, and one is the unsprung weight ratio on a light tailed car. I run a heavy early Olds rear, and that definitely must be considered in the choice of spring rate and shock stiffness.

I just don't know if I put your shortened lever shocks on my own car, would it ride like it does now?

 

Just make sure the shock doesn't bottom out with the shorter arm, either on the up stroke or the down stroke.

 

I had lever shocks on the front of my old coupe. IF you change the length, you should also change the oil in the shock...…..heavier oil, stiffer shock, lighter oil, easier shock. You can tailor the rebound that way

 

What kind of oil do you use in the lever shocks ? As hrm2k sujest havier oil would help give stiffer shocks , as mine hit the bottom on rough surface. I heard wrong oil would start to foam ?

 

I'd assume fork oil for motorcycle forks (and shock absorbers, but less people mess with those at home as they often require special equipment) would be suitable.

 

as usual, the discussion gets swayed in a different direction than the question asked...

I will keep the stock length arm, and make a new ball mount.

 

It seems the discussion expanded to discuss the broader implications of changing lever length rather than “swayed in a different direction”. Gave you more information with which to make your decision......perhaps you already knew all that, perhaps not. Either way, no harm done.