[A4] suspension theory thoughts, questions, etc - grooved shocks

[thejimrose]

heres a diagram..
http://www.audiworld.com/tech/wheel43.shtml

#41 is the shock, you can see the lower perch in the diagram.


> Forgive me if I am completely misunderstanding how these "set up," but
> even on exotic suspension bits, doesn't the same basic thing apply as on
> stock stuff?  IE, the spring holds up the weight of the car, and the
> shock damps bounces?


that's my understanding as well, but the  spring can only push up on hte car
as far as the top of the shock rod, since the upper perch is bolted to it.
the assembly:

http://new.photos.yahoo.com/thejimrose/album/576460762336984259/photo/294928803526470236/16

If that is the case, when you "raise" the springs (by moving the lower
> seat), surely the car must ride higher, and the spring stays the same
> length - at least when the car's weight is on it?


that's just it.. the bottom perch moves but the upper is fixed [at the top
of the shock rod]. so all you really do is shorten the space the spring
lives in.