Shock mounts

[Craig W.]

Has anyone seen verifiable improvements by moving the shocks from the stock location on a Nova to a bar between the frame rails?

I've been thinking of moving my shocks for a couple reasons. 1) to improve stiffness of the mounting and 2) improve access to the knobs on the shocks.

I have no data to show that the stock upper mounting locations are flexing but I don't know that they aren't.

Thanks.

[supernova]

The crossmember shock mount is more consistent and reacts to shock adjustments better.
IMO

[John_Heard]

I moved mine inboard when we mini-tubbed it the first time. Benefits are you can put coil-over mounts on the rear end and make height adjustments easier, that and fitting a longer stroke shock, easier access, etc.

[Craig W.]

I wonder if I'd still get the leaf spring weight break if I removed the rear half of the springs, went to coilovers and left the front of the springs and the Caltracs in place? The rules say coilovers are allowed and don't say the entire leaf spring has to be there. They also say springs and shocks can be relocated.

[John_Heard]

You wouldn't be the first to do that, I don't know that it's any big advantage though. Weight savings for the rear half would probably be offset by the centering link setup / coil springs. Itt would be interesting to play with.

[supernova]

All the stock suspension class rules around here allow it. You'll have to check your class rules. That's one of the first things I did to mine.

[Craig W.]

You wouldn't be the first to do that, I don't know that it's any big advantage though. Weight savings for the rear half would probably be offset by the centering link setup / coil springs. Itt would be interesting to play with.

Yeah, people have been doing it for years but I haven't seen anyone around these parts. Not sure what the rules makers would say about it or if it even would give me any better performance.