Shock Placement/Travel Question

[71 Nova]

As part of my roll cage installation on my Nova, I'm going to move the shocks inboard of the leaf springs. I have CE Slide-a-links and Rancho shocks in the back. The Slide-a-links have tabs for shock mounts on both the inboard and outboard sides. The Ranchos have about 8 inches of travel. I'm going to use the inboard lower mounts on the CE's and fab a bar between the frame rails to fit the upper shock mount. I'm trying to figure out how much to angle them toward the center. I can't install them vertical because it would bottom out the shock. What is the optimum balance between extension and compression on the shock, that is, how much travel should be used up while the car is at rest? From that, I can locate the upper mount.

Is there any other better methods for mounting the shocks inboard that I might be overlooking?

[mytmouz]

http://www.dragstuff.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=1589

[cashier]

i have it set at 1-1.5" of compression. if it's mostly a drag car you will need 4-5" rebound. if it's a hi hp car i would consider cal tracks or remove the rubber bumper in the slide-a-links and make a soild piece to replace it... i do drive my car on the street with the 1-1.5" of compression and its fine..

[71 Nova]

tporter: Thx, shoulda scrolled down a bit, duh...

cashier: Cal tracks are definitely on the list, but i gotta get thru the cage install 1st. Solid bushings are a good idea. Should I use steel or aluminum?

[cashier]

on my old ones i used a aluminum spacer just becuase it was easier to make. it helped plant the tire better.

[novaz]

As part of my roll cage installation on my Nova, I'm going to move the shocks inboard of the leaf springs. I have CE Slide-a-links and Rancho shocks in the back. The Slide-a-links have tabs for shock mounts on both the inboard and outboard sides. The Ranchos have about 8 inches of travel. I'm going to use the inboard lower mounts on the CE's and fab a bar between the frame rails to fit the upper shock mount. I'm trying to figure out how much to angle them toward the center. I can't install them vertical because it would bottom out the shock. What is the optimum balance between extension and compression on the shock, that is, how much travel should be used up while the car is at rest? From that, I can locate the upper mount.

Is there any other better methods for mounting the shocks inboard that I might be overlooking?

I added that top crossmember on my 72 I have pix if you want them
also I am mounting the lower ends of my shocks to brackets on the axle tube that were previously there for a four link or ladder bar this will allow me to get the shocks vertical and free up some additional travel
Royz

[71 Nova]

Sure, pics would be great. Thx!

[jmarkaudio]

You need them as vertical as possible to give you the most range, keep from topping or bottoming out the shocks.