Why are rear shocks at a 30 degree angle and the mud-guards so high?

Asked by: Angela Kirby

What angle should rear shocks be?

Most people aim for 90 degrees at full bump. That is from the front leaf spring pivot, to the lower shock pivot, and then to the upper shock pivot. This creates a slight rising rate. That being said there are lots of trucks people just mount the shocks where “they look good”.

Can shocks be mounted at an angle?

Mounting shocks at angles reduces the overall dampening effect of the shock. Reason being; the shock’s mechanisms will travel geometrically, less of a distance than that of the suspension system.

Does it matter which way you mount shocks?

The correct way to mount it is as shown with the boot down and the label facing so it is not upside down. So, If you are not sure which way is up on your shocks or wonder if you can mount them either way, always look at the Bilstein logo. If it is upside down, so are your shocks!

How do you measure a shock angle?

Just grab a protractor and measure the angle of the shock on your computer screen. You can also probe any two points on the shock wave (every software has this tool) and using the coordinates of those two dots you can calculate the exact shock angle.

Why are shocks at an angle?

Quote from video: The shock is laid down then the lateral cornering load gets applied more efficiently through the shock. If the shock is completely stood up and that lateral cornering load is less efficiently applied

What angle should I mount coilovers?

between 20 & 30 degrees. With each upper mount 4-1/2″ inboard from the lower mount, the shock will be at a 20 degree angle. This gives a firmer ride.

Can you mount shocks upside down?

No. With the exception of a few specialty shocks, you should never mount your shock absorbers upside down. Typical twin-tube shocks, whether standard or gas-charged, are not designed to function upside down for many important reasons.

Should you use shock boots?

Shocks can be run without boots and will function perfectly. In fact, many offroaders who deal with large amounts of mud will recommend not using boots at all because boots can trap mud against the shock rod and over time can cause pitting in the rod or lead to failure in the seal.

Do Bilstein shocks wear out?

I have many customers with well over 100k on Bilsteins and most every time there is an issue it will be a leak or a dead shock, even bushing failure. Bushings are a wear item and are the first wear point that many people face depending on the road conditions and if the shock is limiting the travel.

Which way do you install rear shocks?

Before installing a new shock absorber it is recommended to manually pump them 3 to 5 times. When you do that, make sure the shock is oriented the way it will be in the vehicle, top side up.

Which way do shock absorbers dampen?

It takes the kinetic energy of the unwanted movement and converts them into heat energy which then gets dissipated into the surrounding. Stabilizes side-to-side movement. Shock absorber dampens side movements too. It stabilizes vehicle by preventing excess body lean and body roll during cornering or sharp turns.

What are multi mounted shocks?

Multi shock brackets provide a way for you to add multiple shocks to each wheel. This has multiple benefits, including a firmer ride without loss of slow speed articulation. It also reduces body roll.

How do you measure rear coilover shocks?

Quote from video: So we just need to measure the distance from this center line of the upper shock mount to the center line of the lower shock mount.

Why are shocks at an angle?

Quote from video: The shock is laid down then the lateral cornering load gets applied more efficiently through the shock. If the shock is completely stood up and that lateral cornering load is less efficiently applied

What angle should I mount coilovers?

between 20 & 30 degrees. With each upper mount 4-1/2″ inboard from the lower mount, the shock will be at a 20 degree angle. This gives a firmer ride.

How do you mount shocks?

Quote from video: Into the top of the shock. There. Slide that over and then that top piece just clips on there. And then you put a zip tie on the bottom.

Why mount shocks upside down?

Some people say that monotube or gas pressurize shocks can be mounted upside down, however in time they will develop and extra inch or more of piston travel that has little to no dampening effect whatsoever. Ultimately: don’t mount shocks upside down just because it looks cool.

Can you compress a shock by hand?

You cannot judge the strength or condition of a shock/strut by hand movement alone. The force and speed generated by a vehicle in operation exceeds what you can accomplish by hand. The fluid valves are calibrated to operate differently depending on the degree of movement inertia which cannot be duplicated by hand.