Somewhere I heard/read that it was better for drag racing if the rear shocks is behind the axel rather than in front of it. Anyone know of any advantages or is this a myth? Cleaver
I don't know specifically about drag racing setups. Some early Mustang are envious of the staggered-1 in front, 1 behind-shock setup of factory Mavericks. I'm not sure if ALL Mavs and Comets are like this. Maybe the 69.5 was not. I may be confusing us with '69/'70 Mustangs too. It may have something to do with eliminating wheelhop. Seth
All the Mavericks & Comets from '71-'77 have staggered rear shocks. '69.5 & '70 did not. The purpose is to reduce wheel hop, based on the twisting action of the axel during acceleration and turning corners. The method is actually quite effective. Even today's Ford and Chevy (not sure about Dodge) trucks still have staggered rear shocks...
My 1970 does not have staggered shocks. When I ordered my Lift Bars from the now defunct SouthSide Machine they sent me a set for staggered style 1971 and up. I had to argue and send them pics to prove I was right. It's no surprise they went out of business. They told me it was my fault and I had to pay for the third lift bar. I told them their catalog listed that part number for my car. They did finally ship me another one at no cost.
Good point this thread.. kinda lost info for the ages. Staggered shocks are best for traction and control. I remember when it was a hot topic, showing my age, and damn proud of it. Dan
Yes....thank you guys. Staggered shocks is the phrase I couldn't think of. I did a Google and it does look like Detroit considers staggered shocks to be Heavy Duty. Came standard on ford CJ abd SCJ, AMC Drag Packs, Pontiac HD suspension. I don't understand why....maybe I don't care. Cleaver
I can see where staggered shocks my help prevent wheel-hop, but you won't have that problem if you aren't spinning, correct? Otherwise, every drag race car would setup would have staggered shocks (and we all know they do not). I believe it has to do with effects of the 'moment arm'. The farther away from the center of the car, the better (within limitation). From what little I know about chassis setup, for the best opportunity to hook up, use a soft spring and a 'hard' shock. If the shock plays that big of a roll in the equation (which it obviously does) I would think you'd want to optimize the moment arm (where the load path is relative to the contact patch of the tire). Also, I believe it would be more difficult to setup a drag car with adjustable shocks if they were staggered also. Interesting topic. (I'd google more but need to get off my aspirin bottle and get some work done).
drag cars with 4 link, ladder bar, or traction bar, dont need the staggered shocks to control wheel hop. that was the factory cure for street use wheel hop control without stiffening the ride or adding cost with additional devices.
If your car is "DRAG ONLY" then you would be better off with both shocks behind the axle. You will get a better bite if you shocks work together and are straight up and down behind your axle. Rick is right about the springs and shocks a good 50/50 rear drag shock has been my best so far. Good front and rear shocks make your car bite harder but cost a lot of money for the better ones. QA1 is the BEST. As always just my .02 Terry Gates AKA Bossmav
