Shocks/springs/ride height

[Huw Powell]

> If the shaft of the shock were an inch longer, or even 2", what would
> prevent it from compressing?  A frozen shock is one thing, a shock of
> improper length is another.  When you shorten a spring to lower the car, it
> requires a corresponding reduction in length on the part of the shock to
> preserve the effectiveness and range of its operation.  You cannot lengthen
> a spring to achieve a higher ride without lengthening the shock (which
> limits the overall increase in height by acting as a stop at full extension)
> to allow an increase in the height limit. Failure to do so only makes the
> spring effectively stiffer, it doesn't increase the height. 

I don't think that is true.  If you put a taller or shorter spring in a
car, with the stock strut, it *will* ride higher or lower.  The strut
*does not* support the car, it damps the oscillations when the car
bounces on the spring.  In the example I just gave, of course, the strut
may not work well, since its "rest" position is not the one it was
designed for, and, yes, it may bottom or top out too soon for the
"intended" range of motion of the different spring.

-- 
Huw Powell

http://www.humanspeakers.com/audi/

http://www.humanthoughts.org/