
- 22 -
- 23 -
SPRING PRELOAD
Spring preload is used primarily for adjusting ride height, and is not
used for altering camber or other suspension settings or characteristics.
Spring preload may also be used to adjust the tweak in the car. For more
information, see the section for setting ride height and adjusting suspension
tweak.
Adjusting Spring Preload
Adjust the alu. spring collar so you get the desired ride-height when the car
is fully equipped, ready-to-run.
Hint: File a small notch on the top of each spring collar so you can tell when
you have adjusted it one full rotation.
Adjusting spring preload does not alter spring tension. To change spring
tension, switch to a softer or harder spring.
SHOCK POSITION
The upper and lower shock mounting
positions determine how much leverage
the lower suspension arm has on the
shock during compression, and how
progressive the suspension is.
Effects of Shock Position Adjustment
Shocks More Inclined
• Makes the spring and damping softer
• Makes the car more progressive, giving a smoother feel and more lateral
grip (side-bite)
Shocks More Upright
• Makes the spring and damping harder
• Makes the car have a more direct feel, but less lateral grip
SHOCK DAMPING
Shock damping manages the resistance of the shock to movement, as
the internal shock piston moves through the shock oil when the shock
compresses and rebounds.
Damping mainly has an effect on how the
car behaves on bumps and how it reacts
initially to steering, braking, and acceleration.
Damping only comes into play when the
suspension is moving (either vertical wheel
or chassis movement or due to chassis roll),
and loses its effect when the suspension has
reached a stable position. Without damping,
the shock springs would cause the shock
to “pogo” or “bounce” (compressing and
rebounding) until it stabilized.
When the shock is compressing or rebounding, the shock oil resists the
movement of the piston through it. The amount of resistance is affected by
several factors:
• Viscosity (thickness) of the shock oil
• Restriction of oil flow through the piston (affected by the number
of holes in the piston)
• Velocity (speed) of the piston
Damping is affected by both shock oil and shock piston settings; getting the
optimum shock damping typically requires a lot of “hands on” experience.