Shocks Upside Down?

[slomove]

Just got new Protech shocks and about to install over the weekend. I was wondering if there was a real benefit of installing the front shocks upside down with the shock body attached to the chassis. Are the few ounces difference important? Protech told me the shocks don't care.



Thanks, Gert

[Birkin42]

I have talked with a bunch of different shock manufacturers in trying to sort out which I want to go with. They all state that for a pressurized shock, it doesn't matter and the difference in mass on either end isn't a big deal.

For twin tube shocks that aren't pressurized, it is important that they are mounted body down/rod up and not be canted over more then 45 degrees. I believe the stock Birkin shocks are twin tubes and thus defines their orientation.

For mine, I was going to mount them body up since they will have a remote reservoir connected via a hose from the top of the body.

Let us know how they work out for you.



Jack

[slomove]

Thanks, maybe I just keep them right side up. The steel rod and piston are probably not much lighter than the ali tube, anyway.



I will post how they drive but at least the shocks look good:

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070209_181357_ProtechShocks.JPG



Also the price, customer service and turn-around speed (2 weeks for custom length and end fittings) are hard to beat. Shipping costs a bundle, though.



Gert

[lowflyer]

It won't make much difference, but mounting the heaviest part of the shock above the spring makes it "sprung weight", below the spring is "unsprung weight".



Keeping your unsprung weight as small as possible can help in the handling of the car.