On the subject of suspension design...why aren't shocks designed the other way around?
01-09-2004, 01:14 PM
#1
AudiWorld Uber User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 66,965
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
On the subject of suspension design...why aren't shocks designed the other way around?
Meaning, we have our piston on top of the shock body. The piston is sprung weight, as it's attached to the body of the car, and the body of the shock is unsprung weight. In theory, if you inverted the design, you could reduce your unsprung weight at each corner by about 4 pounds. Soooooo, is there a reason why shocks aren't designed that way??
01-09-2004, 01:19 PM
#2
Former Vendor
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: San Diego, CA
Posts: 15,545
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Actually..
It's pretty common on other applications to have the shock inverted.
It only works on high pressure shocks like Bilsteins. But you're right, inverting the shock will shed a pound or two in unsprung weight.
Why they don't do it with the Audi's is anyone's guess..
It only works on high pressure shocks like Bilsteins. But you're right, inverting the shock will shed a pound or two in unsprung weight.
Why they don't do it with the Audi's is anyone's guess..
01-09-2004, 01:24 PM
#5
Rest In Peace
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Chicago
Posts: 37,562
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have a set of prototype Intrax coilovers that are set up like that.
Well actually they're SkydiveS4s, but they're sitting in my garage.
It IS the best design, but apparently tough to integrate into our cars cheaply.
It IS the best design, but apparently tough to integrate into our cars cheaply.
01-09-2004, 01:28 PM
#6
AudiWorld Uber User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2000
Posts: 66,965
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well, on the rear shock, it should be easy...
I can see how it would be a PITA on the fronts. The real question in my mind is why didn't Audi design it that way from the beginning. I just can't think of a practical reason why they did things the way they did.
01-09-2004, 01:30 PM
#7
Rest In Peace
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Chicago
Posts: 37,562
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
And for those that are interested - they might be for sale soon.
Totally refurbed by Intrax and with brand new springs, all they need are some custom upper mounts for the fronts to reduce the clunking inherent in their current design. This will involve mounting a heim joint to a stock mounting plate.
I'll post again if they're for sale - should know after this weekend...
I'll post again if they're for sale - should know after this weekend...
