i'm truly stumped trying to figure out how to select a shock based on criteria other than just what fits in the hole! i can't find anything that talks about damping rates.

i removed a stupid amount of mass from my car (a little rambler roadster), its now 2250 lbs measured. the stock shocks, even "regular duty" (thinking that might soften) are simply way too stiff.

i realize that proper damper design will probably be too complex, and not really appropriate for my casual circumstances. and i don't have $1000 chassis software. i'm fine with a bit of cut'n'try.

i'm not racing, won't be overheating or aerating the fluid (seriously, is that a problem for shock-buyers outside of pro stuff?). "light duty" is fine. i drive hard (plan on doing a two-day "vintage rally" assuming i can find shocks!) but it's mainly a street car.

any ideas? motorcycle shocks? i can make my own mounts to accommodate found objects.

my biggest problem at the moment is the rear; probably 300 - 350 lbs per wheel. sprung/unsprung ratio SUCKS (i think that's the technical word for it). live axle, the smallest air springs Goodyear makes with about 15 psi in them, and wishbone and panhard.

suggestions welcome!


PS: anyone ever tried using a lever system to make a shock truly adjustable? eg. a long arm with shock closer to the fulcrum to decrease it's effect... considering that... or making lever friction shocks!

Last edited by tom jennings; 09/21/15 02:51 AM.