They don't have to be parallel, but the brackets should be angled so the bushings are not loaded to make the angle. Is the lower 4 link bracket as close the the ground as it looks in your pictures? Maybe post some clear pictures where you are now so you can address it as a whole. Keep in mind, a properly engineered triangulated 4 link will have a definite set of locating points. But in reality, there is flexibility on where those mounting points are, within reason.
Ill get some pics. Also theyll be higher cause im gonna put taller tires right now theyre just some rollers not even close to the size i plan on using. I read on another thread here on the hamb you dont wanna go over 30 degrees on your coilovers theyre thread was similar to what touble im having from what i read.
Shocks work better the further they are from each other, close to the wheels is best with more stability. The more vertical the shock, the more effective it is. A lower centre of gravity enhances the driveability. Also consider sprung-v-unsprung weight and choice of spring used on your coilovers.
I found it helpful to make a couple of "mock up shocks " to set up the rear. Make them the length (eye to eye) of your shock when compressed to the correct ride height. I like to allow for about 1 1/2" of sag to start. So, a static 16" shock would be 14 1/2", so your bar would be 14 1/2". This way you can bolt everything up and get close to your ride height. A lot easier to work with than a preloaded heavy shock. Set your angles accordingly. After all that, if it sags too low (spring compresses too much) you change the preload setting or you need a stiffer spring. But you've got to start somewhere. Worked for me. Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
I have coil overs in my car,when I set it up for drags they were set up straight up.Good for going straight.Not so good for handling .I reset rear with the coil overs at about 17 degrees and suspension works a lot better also running sway bars front and rear .It took a lot of dialing in to get it right.I wish I was involved in the HAMB when I did it there is a wealth of information that will put you in right direction.Make sure you include all information pertaining to car when looking for help.Joe
Has the reason for the inward tilt at the top been fully explained? Other than it softens the ride, which can be done with spring and dampening rates, plus axle width (and mounting location) is generally farther out than frame location.
The angle allows the shock to react better thru corners and curves. On the street u want about 20° angle. On a race car straight up & down this way the shock reactes faster to the front wanting to come up and tbe rear down. On the street at an angle the shock reacts faster to any side movement of the car as in turning, curves, uneven dips, etc. Its all about shock valving reaction. As a side note on the street u want the bottom of the shock as close to the tire so that the shock can react as fast and quick as the tire moves. Thus giving a better ride. On a race car its not as important because if the suspension is set up right the only movement should be straight up and down so side to side movement isnt an issue so the distance between the shocks isnt as important.
I dont see why 25 or even 30 degrees is bad especially when a chart is posted of showing a few comments above showing between 20 and 50 degrees it might lose a little on the springs but should work.
It's a little more work to drill and weld more sleeves in, but if you do one or two on each side about 2" apart you can tune the shocks and ride until it's exactly what you prefer. I don't think your 25 degree angle is a problem, but a couple more holes and sleeves will take care of it if it is. Looks like you have room between the rails in the present hole for a couple.
Why settle for decent, when you can have great? What I've learned about this specialty car stuff is, if you do it right the first time, you'll NEVER have to do it again. Why compromise your ride and enjoyment by "just getting by"? Figure out where 20 degrees is (or 70 degrees depending on your scale), find the proper length and rate shocks and get it done. Going by that chart, the ones on my T Bucket are about 75-80 degrees or 15 to 20 on the other scale. It rides great. That's almost straight up. It won't take corners like a Porsche, but it's NOT a Porsche, so I don't care.
The post that said " slow down " is right. I mocked mine up for not only ride hieght but fender to tire fit. I used a couple of pieces of wood and drilled them, it took me about 4 different pieces to come up with the right fit. I then ordered the shock length and spring rate. My Roadster tips the scales at approx 2250 pounds and I'm using 225 lb. TCI Coilovers. I also have two sets of upper mount holes to change the ride hieght if needed but I never have. If you're not running fenders it makes it about 4 times easier.
Yeah what he said! In addition to this, if you were to continue the "imaginary line"of shock, it needs to intersect the inside edge of the tire where it meets the ground. This angle creates/helps with stability & road manners of a car. A really easy to see example are the new Jeep Wranglers. When you're behind one, take a look! Posted using the Full Custom H.A.M.B. App!
BUMP. OK, let's say you have several locating holes for the upper mounts (to change coil over shock angle). Your shocks also have adjustments for spring preload and dampening. The ride is too soft. What is the difference between moving the upper shock mounts out or stiffening up the spring/dampening?
Well, if you have several holes, you could give it a try. Ride height will change with shock angle. Preload adjustment is really for just setting the sag and really won't help firm the ride much. Too much preload compresses the spring and reduces travel. Too soft?......Firmer springs.
Mounted as far Apart as possible , u can run softer springs, close together means u have to run stiffer springs , apx15 deg angle will get you in the ballpark, it all depends on roll center, and comfort of ride way too many ways to skin this cat ! IMHO !
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