has any one else noticed that the lower a arms are setup for shocks? the frame is also drilled for mounting ... however the only way to attach the top is to bore a hole(1 1/2)above the mounts to install the bushing and nut ... worked great until the shock blasted through the frame ... with some fish plating i think it may be a doable thing ... what do you all think ? ... tao

Why would you want to?

I`m betting that GM used the same lower A arm for every car/ truck they could...I wouldn`t be surprised if the third gen A arm fit cars from 75-95

I was just screwing around with your basic idea. The strut tube in essence would have to be something like a broken strut (no damper values, just the ability to shorten and lengthen without any side play.) The top strut mount would be tricky to make swivel and be reliable without extensive wear. This was only for fun- would cost bucks to engineer correctly. The idea would render a lower unsprung weight for better handling while keeping the basic suspension geometries.

"The top strut mount would be tricky to make swivel and be reliable without extensive wear."

why couldn't you just use the existing mount?

i was wondering the same thing ... but then may knowledge of shocks and struts is pretty limited ... but thats why i like coming here,lots of views and a lot of knowledge ... im not sure i was clear before but i have already done this with good results at first ... that is until the top of the shocks broke through the frame ... they seemed to have a great dampening effect while they lasted ... since then i have added a wonder bar and a 4 point STB ... but i may try agian just to see what happens ... tao

I tinkered with the idea again tonight trying to engineer a more costworthy and reliable method of utilizing the inboard coilover design and this outer "telescopic", low unsprung weight, non-damper support rod. This lightens the assembly greatly while maintaining the factory geometry of the strut front suspension.

We know from taonindo's experience that the K-member can area will have to be strengthend with a welded flat plate and brackets for the coilover. The can area would have to be modified so it can be accessed more easily for coilover mount and adjustment, But can be fabbed no problem with plenty of room.

The yellow bumpsstops are a marginal idea that is probably not needed. The total length of this unit is out of proportion travel wise and would have to be refined in engineering to get the exact compressed and extended lengths of travel. The shorter the "red" strut rod is, the less unsprung weight. The Motion bearings (Blue) are found here- http://www.vxb.com/miva/merchant.mv?...tegory_Code=LM

vsixtoy you work at nasa dont you ... lol ... hope you dont mind me keeping a hold of this idea ... very well done ... thanks tao

Just please know that some of the tolerances above on fitment are not exact and would need to be machined on a lathe and then press fitted. Those bearings don't look to be the adequate for the load rating of a suspension, they were just an example of what basic style would be needed. The ball joint thread diameter needs to also be verified, otherwise a sleeved welded into that tapped would be fit.

Houston out.