***** !! The Coilover Bible - Part 1 is done !! *****

At long last, the Coilover Bible Part 1 is ready for your reading pleasure.

This has been, by far, the most challenging and exhusting article I have yet attempted - I hope that you find it useful.

I could not have done it without the incredible assistance of Benny "Bigger valves" Langford - to him I owe a great deal of thanks.

More parts to follow shortly.

Enjoy!

http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billavista/coilovers/Part_1/

WOW!! That is awesome, great article!!

Dang, VERY useful! Thanks!:smokin:

Bill I am skimming and will have some feedback at some point, however here is a quick issue I saw:

Depending on the pressure used and the size of the piston, gas charging can also cause the shock to provide a small increase in the spring rate of the suspension (in fact, if the vehicle were light enough, the piston large enough, and the pressure high enough, the pressurized nitrogen alone could act as the spring – hence airshocks, but I digress). This mild boost in spring rate is caused by the pressurized gas acting on the piston. This gas pressure acting on the piston is also the reason why an uninstalled, unloaded, gas-charged shock absorber will extend on its own.

should be:

Depending on the pressure used and the diameter of the piston rod, gas charging can also cause the shock to provide a small increase in the spring rate of the suspension (in fact, if the vehicle were light enough, the piston rod large enough, and the pressure high enough, the pressurized nitrogen alone could act as the spring – hence airshocks, but I digress). This mild boost in spring rate is caused by the pressurized gas acting on the piston rod. This gas pressure acting on the piston is also the reason why an uninstalled, unloaded, gas-charged shock absorber will extend on its own.

The working piston is not effected by pressure as the orifices in it allow the pressure to equalize on either side. The area of the piston rod is what creates the internal gas spring.

Thank's Frank - of course. I swear I meant that but got lazy in my explanation. Good catch and thanks for helping keep it 100% (coz you;re right - it is an important distinction vis-a-vis the difference bwteen two shocks with the same bore but different diameter rods!)

Frank,

Lemme know if it's more clear / accurate now - thanks!

That is clearer. Though in your picture, you point at the tenon and not the rod od. (eg. 1/2" tenon on a Fox 7/8) The rod reaction force is based on the 7/8" dia, not the 1/2.

I can draw a sketch and post it after the game. I am outta here!