A gas-cell shock, or a gas-charged...
A gas-cell shock, or a gas-charged shock with a floater piston, can be run upside down, right side up, or lying on its side, according to AFCO.
Each month, Stock Car Racing visits with a racing manufacturer to find out what questions they are most frequently asked.This month we went to Bill Workman of AFCO Racing Products.
Q: How long can I run my rebuildable shocks before they need service? For that matter, how long should I run non-rebuildable shocks before replacing them?
Workman: A quality racing shock should last a weekend racer at least a full season of, say, 25 shows of 30-lap mains.
Q: When can I run my shocks upside down?
Workman: Any gas-cell shock or gas-charged shock with a floater piston can be run upside down, right side up, or lying on its side. Almost all of the popular bearing-mount shocks on the market are this type. Some stock-mount shocks have to be run right side up; but, to mount in the stock location, you have to mount them right side up anyway.
Q: Does the valving change when the shocks are inverted?
Workman: No, compression is always in and rebound is always out, regardless of mounting position.
Q: Do I need a shock dyno?
Workman: If you are not rebuilding your own shocks, you don't need to spend the money. Go with a shock company you're confident about, and have them maintained regularly.
Q: Should I be rebuilding my own shocks?
Workman: Not without a dyno, a clean work environment, and some basic training. Most shock companies offer classes for this operation.
Q: How much softer does a shock get when I lean it in?
Workman: A good rule of thumb is 10 percent for every 5 degrees of angle.
Q: Can I change the amount of weight my wheel receives by changing a shock?
Workman: No. You will only change the speed at which that wheel loads or unloads. Spring rates determine how much weight transfers.
Q: Which is best, a monotube or a twin-tube type of shock?
Workman: Both types have their pros and cons. It would require another article by itself to explain all of them. Check with your shock manufacturer or chassis builder to help determine which is best for your application.
Q: Is a dented shock still good?
Workman: If it's a twin-tube shock and you can still move the shaft in and out, it's OK. Monotube shocks cannot take dents.
Q: Should I use split-valve shocks?
Workman: Shocks are a fine-tuning adjustment. A correctly chosen split-valve shock will help only a race car that's pretty close on setup. No shock change will take you from last to first.
Q: What do the terms "tie down" and "easy up" shock mean?
Workman: A tie-down shock has more rebound than compression. An easy-up shock has less rebound than compression.