Have the Hotchkis springs front and rear and it's finally come time to install some properly valved shocks. I'd rather stick with the Bilsteins or Koni's if possible as I'm not much of a QA1 fan. I don't know how true, but I heard the 03 Bilsteins were valved firmer than the 01's which I am currently running now.

Any intelligent helpful info would be much appreciated....

 

Anthony were have you been man?????

For shocks, I do not recall anyone having Koni's for trucks. The bilsteins work with the Hotchkis springs, but since the Hotchkis lowers the truck the stock bilsteins will be out of the optimal working range. You can get away with them but they will were out faster then normal.

If you're not busy come to the Willowbrook meet this Sunday the 10th. I have the hotchkis front and rear springs with the QA1 shocks. You may not be a fan of them but if you want you can take my truck for a drive and feel how the combo works.

 

Hey, Are you the same guy on CC.com? I have an open track event on the 11th so doubt if I will make it up there.

I understand the operating range will be a bit off as it is now but really liked Bilstein quality. I might consider the QA1's as not much of an alternative exists and Hotchkis is worthless on other options. Are the QA1s a bolt in operation? I have way to many projects going on right now.......

 

There are numerous shocks that will bolt in (Carrera, Pro, Koni's, etc.) as easily as the QA1's but whether or not they would work well is another question. The shocks could be too "stiff" shocks and you'd end up with a rear end that is about as good as a pogo stick, which doesn't help much when you're cornering. You could also end up with ones that doesn't have enough damping at low shaft velocities and too much at higher shaft velocities. The only way to find out what would work best is to talk with someone at the manufacture and review data from their shock dyno results. Some of the shocks would work well, but they aren't easily adjusted, if adjustable, (some require removal). Plus, the cost is about $260 to $300 per shock (adjustable) and about $150 per shock for non adjustables. Even though the non-adjustable are less expensive, it would still be an expensive experiment, especially if the valving and damping are out of tune from the suspension.

Here's a sample from Carrera adjustable shocks. They have a simple tech page (here) which discusses how to measure to fit them (fitting them isn't rocket science). Also noted is: "Valving or damping will be determined to match spring rate for your car", which they can do. Pro Shocks has similar info on their web site.

Will the results be better than the QA1's? Maybe, maybe not, but it'll cost you to find out.

Aside from that, Ruslow has already experimented with a few of them, so if you want some good info, give him a call. He also sells other shocks besides the QA1's.

BTW, here's some tech info on gas shocks, such as the Bilstiens: Gas shocks - false spring rates

 

Yup. Plus I met you at one of the Bazooka meets last year.

I like the Bilstein's quality also, and will soon be putting a set on my GTI. But the QA1's are mated well Hotchkis springs, and their adjustablitiy is nice little fine tuning bonus.

Anyway the offer stands if you want to test out my truck. If you can't make it sunday I'm sure we can meet some where on another day.

Yup, with the exception of tightening the rear left one, the other 3 took me less then an hour to do.