Trailing arm "DILEMMA"

Posts: 306

I have to get this right sooner or later. I partially boxed my rear trailing arms thinking this will help some. But no. I think from the size of the tire the offsets and the main thing, shock position on trailing arm. Well acctually the main thing is how I drive but that will only generally get worse. Laughing

Does anyone think that moving the rear shock mount as far back as possible on the trailing arm will help? My only issue is what will happen to the ride. And the shock angle will be changed some.

Posts: 342

I would think the further back the shock the less force on the arm.
You will lose some shock travel but the ride should be about the same.

W.C.

Posts: 1899

The further back the shock, the firmer it will feel due less leverage being applied. The rear end may be little lower due to additional distance between shock mounts.

Posts: 342

I read my first post and it didnt say what I was thinking,
I'll try again.
Further back will be less stress on the arm , or less tork.
You will have the same shock travel but less trailing arm travel but I know you know that and yes less ground clearance.
Would be worth a try ,heck you can always move it back if you dont like it, seeing how your a fabricater now! Razz

W.C.

Posts: 9 · Joined: 15 Aug 2008 Posts: 9 Pictures: 0

Moving the shock mount out on the rear arm will drastically decrease the leverage ratio applied to the shock. This will cause the shock to feel overly stiff both in spring and valving. Also as has been said previously the shock length will need to be adjusted to maintain ride height and travel. i would estimate without moving the top shock position, the shock will need to be 5-7" longer to achieve full travel of the rear arm with out having the shock top out prematurely.

BK

Posts: 306

I have noticed on amost all larger buggys and sand rails that the lower rear mount is very close to the hub. Why is ours mounted in a half way position? And I agree with all on the leverage that is what I am looking for less leverage (tork). This last weekend taking the buggy out I had moved the rear lower shock mount foward almost 2 inches and felt it actually stiffened the ride quit a bit. I have already cut some plates to mount for the upper mounts. Which will be about 3 inches lower from the original position. This has to be better.
We'll see.
thanks

Posts: 323

Scroll down to geometry section.....

http://www.4x4review.com/feature/shock-genius.asp

Posts: 306

Thanks for the chart. I am pretty sure I will mount the shock as far forward as possible. I put the arms on a scale it's about 7-8lbs heavier. Not sure what will happen from the unsprung weight ratio, but we'll see. Also to anyone who needs same axles with the six ball and cage for the 250cc and 800cc Roketa, "Awesome Buggy" has there new shipment in. Got mine already. Laughing

Oh ya, plasma cutters are awesome.

Posts: 342

What the he!!, sneeking around buying stuff without telling us??
What plaz did you get ? I have a Hobart , Plazma's are the coolest machine ever.

W.C.

Posts: 306

I wish. A buddy of mine has one, he put in the measurements and in about 30 minutes they were all cut. And not just cut I mean perfect. Cool stuff. Now from all the welding my back and neck are killing me. Now I see why it took so long for my welder friend to work on these for me. Anyways they came out awesome Can't waite to finish them up.