What do you think of this shock/spring setup? (photo)

[Redsquall]

Hello,
I've heard that this setup is cause for concern because the spring is resting on a clamp that holds it on on the shock. See photo. Is this something I should be concerned about? The previous owner lowered the car and put these on.
48750
Thanks

[Drive Stainless]

If you want to determine whether it makes sense financially, then you will weigh the cost of replacement against the cost of failure. I have only seen where the clamps have slipped, lowering the suspension a few centimeters. Is it possible that the clamp would fully release and allow the side of the car to come crashing into the wheel? I don't know.

What I do know is that the imagination can never fully anticipate the entire spectrum of possibilities, so I err on the side of caution when it comes to safety. $600 for a new rear suspension will seem cheap after someone has been hurt.

Maybe your suspension will be perfectly fine for the next 50 years and won't move so much as a 32nd of an inch; or not. It is unconventional, though, and has not been utilized by any major auto manufacturer. I'm not even certain that the design has been used in the mainstream automotive aftermarket.

Are you willing to have your rear suspension be the wild card?

[Mark D]

Getting rid of those shocks would be at the top of my to-do list if that were my car. That type of shock was not designed to carry the load that is being put on it and the clamp holding the spring in place is dubious at best.

If you're on a tight budget for $75 you can buy a brand new pair of OE shocks that will at least be safe.
http://store.delorean.com/p-7368-rear-shock-pair.aspx

If you want to lower the rear of the car in the future you can chose between using aftermarket lowering springs, properly designed shocks with a threaded spring collar, or a combination of both.

[Nicholas R]

That type of shock was not designed to carry the load that is being put on it and the clamp holding the spring in place is dubious at best.

My thoughts exactly. That shock tube was never meant to bear the weight of the vehicle. Shocks that come with the groove (like Girlings) or those with adjustable threads and nuts on the tube (coilover style) are all designed for the load path to be through the tube. In the scenario shown, not only is the shock tube being loaded vertically from the weight of the vehicle, it's also being loaded radially as the shaft collar clamps to the tube.

[dn010]

Your shock set up pictured is John Hervey / Special T Auto / DAP's creation. If you have his shocks in the front as well, I'd replace those too. The original shocks stop at a certain point preventing the LCA from hitting the frame under it. His shocks travel much further so if you jack up the front or somehow catch air over a bump, expect some damage to happen.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I don't think those red shocks are from John.

I've never heard of anyone with the clamp collars having the shock tubing crush or break. Has anyone ever cut a shock and measured the steel tubing thickness? I may try that when I get my old shocks off.

[dn010]

Take a look, https://www.deloreanautoparts.com/delorean-parts/suspension.html you will have to scroll down the page a little. Also if you read the description he states you can lower it even further by lowering the cup holder more so a clamp would make sense.

EDIT: His collar clamps are pictured with his "Easy Rider" shock set up next to his red performance shocks. They're the same as the one OP took a picture of.


I don't think those red shocks are from John.

[Bitsyncmaster]

Take a look, https://www.deloreanautoparts.com/delorean-parts/suspension.html you will have to scroll down the page a little. Also if you read the description he states you can lower it even further by lowering the cup holder more so a clamp would make sense.

EDIT: His collar clamps are pictured with his "Easy Rider" shock set up next to his red performance shocks. They're the same as the one OP took a picture of.

Thanks. I stand corrected.

[DMC-81]

I don't think those red shocks are from John.

I've never heard of anyone with the clamp collars having the shock tubing crush or break. Has anyone ever cut a shock and measured the steel tubing thickness? I may try that when I get my old shocks off.

Hi Dave and OP,

I bought those red KYB adjustable shocks soon after I got my car. When they came, I was suspicious/worried about the setup. I called KYB technical support and asked if the clamp on collar to support a spring was recommended. They said they definitely wouldn't recommend that configuration. Then I asked what is the thickness of the outer shock wall (the red part that the clamp attaches to). They said that it was 1.2 mm.

I returned the shocks the next day.
48759

I also figured out the ground-off part number but I won't post it here as I don't feel it is a recommended part for our cars.
48760

[dn010]

I also figured out the ground-off part number but I won't post it here as I don't feel it is a recommended part for our cars.


Also good not to post it so people don't get pissed seeing how cheap they are compared to what they purchased them for. I too was able to figure out his part numbers from his front and rear shocks...