Front Suspension Questions

[PNWTim]

I am curious on a couple of items and hoping the group can help me out.

My first question is on shocks. I understand that the red bodied or single adjustable shocks can be mounted in any orientation but I see the majority mounted with the shock body up rather than down. Is there a specific reason for this or just personal personal preference?

Second question is on the upper A arms. Is it generally considered good practice to shorten the trailing adjustment sleeve whether you can meet the preferred installation measurement or not? I see some do it automatically and others don't mention it. I do have power steering.

Thanks in advance.

[GoDadGo]

Regarding the RED SHOCKS, I can't answer the question but mine are oriented in the same way as in the assembly video shown below:

https://youtu.be/oBJ5dKLrhoU?list=PLWvfrZxPoPnbmHRjXTlVS-CVcPoK4x6lB

Regarding the UPPER A ARMS, if you are running power steering most need to be trimmed so that you can run the Maximum Caster Angle.

Since I'm not running power steering, my upper control arm threads were not shortened and the car drives very well and my front wheels are very centered. I did shorten the rear control arms (3-Link) to center the rear wheels and to improve on my pinion angle. Since my driveshaft is a custom piece, which is longer than the stock unit, I figured why not make the car look as proper as possible since it was going to bug me. I guess I'm a bit OCD about certain stuff since I'm a very visual fellow and stuff that catches my eye often bugs me. :)

Good Luck & I Hope This Helped!

[PNWTim]

Regarding the RED SHOCKS, I can't answer the question but mine are oriented in the same way as in the assembly video shown below:

https://youtu.be/oBJ5dKLrhoU?list=PLWvfrZxPoPnbmHRjXTlVS-CVcPoK4x6lB

Regarding the UPPER A ARMS, if you are running power steering most need to be trimmed so that you can run the Maximum Caster Angle.

Since I'm not running power steering, my upper control arm threads were not shortened and the car drives very well and my front wheels are very centered. I did shorten the rear control arms (3-Link) to center the rear wheels and to improve on my pinion angle. Since my driveshaft is a custom piece, which is longer than the stock unit, I figured why not make the car look as proper as possible since it was going to bug me. I guess I'm a bit OCD about certain stuff since I'm a very visual fellow and stuff that catches my eye often bugs me. :)

Good Luck & I Hope This Helped!

Thank you. I appreciate you taking the time to provide the link.

[Dmac800]

I had to shorten the sleeve on my build to get the correct measurement for alignment.

[jengum]

I had to shorten the sleeve on my build to get the correct measurement for alignment.

x2...I set rough alignment dimensions last night. Not trimming the sleeves would have left no wiggle room for the shop alignment. I used a table saw with an aluminum blade to get a nice square cut on the aluminum portion of the sleeves.

[PNWTim]

Thanks guys, sounds like it's something that makes sense. It's easy to do now so to the bandsaw I go!

[lewma]

Strange, i didn't have to cut any sleeves on both my MK4 and coupe builds. Not sure I understand what's going on here....

[PNWTim]

Strange, i didn't have to cut any sleeves on both my MK4 and coupe builds. Not sure I understand what's going on here....

This response (thank you) is exactly why I asked the question. It seems like the need is hit or miss but that shouldn't really be the case (at least I wouldn't think so). Some builders do it right out of the gate and others skip it altogether. I am pretty certain my A arms are measured to the correct length and I still have a turn or two of threads left. Going to double and triple check all of this again.

[lewma]

This response (thank you) is exactly why I asked the question. It seems like the need is hit or miss but that shouldn't really be the case (at least I wouldn't think so). Some builders do it right out of the gate and others skip it altogether. I am pretty certain my A arms are measured to the correct length and I still have a turn or two of threads left. Going to double and triple check all of this again.

perhaps a vendor change somewhere along the line yielded slightly longer sleeves ?

[edwardb]

It's a mixed bag. 100% related to power steering and the increased caster that can be dialed in. Resulting in sometimes the adjusters need to be shorter. I didn't trim them on my 20th Anniversary Roadster with PS, and I was able to get the alignment OK. Probably just lucky. I also didn't adjust on my Gen3 Coupe, and also was able to get the required settings. Made me wonder if FF has somehow taken this into account on the newer Gen 3 Coupe frame? Maybe also the case with the brand new Mk5 Roadster frame? My opinion is it's not hard to take them apart (pretty easy actually) during the alignment and trim if found that it's needed. My opinion is probably influenced by the fact I do my own alignments.

[lewma]

I have power steering on both my builds. perhaps I was lucky. Just never heard of this issue before now.

[PNWTim]

It's a mixed bag. 100% related to power steering and the increased caster that can be dialed in. Resulting in sometimes the adjusters need to be shorter. I didn't trim them on my 20th Anniversary Roadster with PS, and I was able to get the alignment OK. Probably just lucky. I also didn't adjust on my Gen3 Coupe, and also was able to get the required settings. Made me wonder if FF has somehow taken this into account on the newer Gen 3 Coupe frame? Maybe also the case with the brand new Mk5 Roadster frame? My opinion is it's not hard to take them apart (pretty easy actually) during the alignment and trim if found that it's needed. My opinion is probably influenced by the fact I do my own alignments.

Thanks Paul, that thought actually crossed my mind as well with newer chassis design. I didn't think you had trimmed yours so this is good validation. I have now vacillated from "better just go out and cut them" to "I'm just going to leave them and see where things land". I too am doing my own alignment so will have the time and leisure? to adjust if needed. Thanks for the feedback.

[gbranham]

I trimmed mine before I installed my UCAs, as I was going with power steering and knew there was a good chance they'd need to be cut anyway. It takes 10 minutes, and even if you don't need the extra adjustment, it won't hurt anything to have it shortened.

Greg

[PNWTim]

I trimmed mine before I installed my UCAs, as I was going with power steering and knew there was a good chance they'd need to be cut anyway. It takes 10 minutes, and even if you don't need the extra adjustment, it won't hurt anything to have it shortened.

Greg

Thanks Greg. I think I am going to leave them as is and if it turns out I can't get the caster I need I will but them after the fact. It's pretty ease to remove the two bolts and slide it out.

[gbranham]

Thanks Greg. I think I am going to leave them as is and if it turns out I can't get the caster I need I will but them after the fact. It's pretty ease to remove the two bolts and slide it out.

Keep in mind the threaded posts the sleeve threads onto may also need to be trimmed to achieve the desired alignment specs. I trimmed both sleeves and posts.

[Dave Tabor]

I did not cut

[PNWTim]

I did not cut

Thanks for ringing in Dave.

[Dave Tabor]

Here's my alignment numbers - top is after a year or so after the first alignment and bottom is after re-setting it that day - not much change.

These numbers were achieved with no cutting of anything - YMMV...

I have power steering...

Dave
Gen III #17

211369

[PNWTim]

Here's my alignment numbers - top is after a year or so after the first alignment and bottom is after re-setting it that day - not much change.

These numbers were achieved with no cutting of anything - YMMV...

I have power steering...

Dave
Gen III #17

211369

Thanks, that's helpful.

[thriftychicken]

Not sure if the shock question was answered, but to my knowledge only gas shocks can be inverted (or rod down) and the only purpose I've ever heard was to reduce unsprung weight.

[Presdough]

It also keeps the seals lubricated and keeps dirt from collecting around the shaft.