B4 Inboard Shocks

[sparky-0]

Hi all I thought this would be the place to show these pics of a B4 with inboard shocks front and rear. I converted this about a year ago and have used it for both indoor and outdoor its works so well it's the only buggy I use. The body is custom built to allow for the shocks to work . This was made out of poly carb sheet folded and pop riveted

[Garry Driffill]

That looks rather cool

[TRICKYNICK]

I knew you wouldn't be able to resist showing it off

Just to let people know that I’ve seen this B4 up close and it’s a work of art

[Chrislong]

Looks very good, just a couple of questions.

What happens to the air in the shocks, upright the air rises so the piston is working in oil - even if a little has leaked or whatever.

How is the gearbox braced? As unmodified the strength (triangulation) comes from the wingmounts into the shock tower.

[DCM]

actually, Chris, once you start to work the shock, the oil emulsifies (is that the correct word), so you don't have a pristene pocket of air at the top of the shock (unless you run a diaphragm), so the shocks operation should be exactly the same horizontally as it is vertically.

Definately interesting though.

[Body Paint]

Originally Posted by DCM

actually, Chris, once you start to work the shock, the oil emulsifies (is that the correct word), so you don't have a pristene pocket of air at the top of the shock (unless you run a diaphragm), so the shocks operation should be exactly the same horizontally as it is vertically.

Definately interesting though.

Craig is nodding

[Richard Lowe]

Originally Posted by Body Paint

Craig is nodding

While painting?

[mark christopher]

Originally Posted by DCM

actually, Chris, once you start to work the shock, the oil emulsifies (is that the correct word), so you don't have a pristene pocket of air at the top of the shock (unless you run a diaphragm), so the shocks operation should be exactly the same horizontally as it is vertically.

Definately interesting though.

emulsifcation is mixing two things such as oil and water, think your after airiated!

[DCM]

Mark, been a long time since I had to deal with Fluid Dynamics, but the principle is there, the reason to get the air out of a system, is the air is compressable, and the oil isn't.

Glad I hadn't forgotton everything I learnt in my BTEC Aero Eng... woohoo

[sparky-0]

hi the rear shock tower is still there with the top lugs cut off. Yes there is a slight problem with air in the shocks I have fitted bladders to the tpo this helps but over time the rebound presure goes.

[Southwell]

Originally Posted by Chrislong

How is the gearbox braced? As unmodified the strength (triangulation) comes from the wingmounts into the shock tower.

The shock towers still there....isn't it?

[mark christopher]

Originally Posted by Southwell

The shock towers still there....isn't it?

looks like it to me

[losidriver70]

Ought to send some photos to AE maybe the next CAR B5 w.e. ....


Nice work my friend... outta handle like a F1 but with offroad precision!

[Matisse]

very tasty looking, kinda a AE B4-predator

[Lowie]

as asked before (but I could not find any answers?)
..
What are the advantages of this system? (besides from making a great unike B4 ) ?

[EDS]

The advantages:
advantages.
1. Lower Center of Gravity
2. Less bent shock shafts
3. In my opinion more durable
4. Progressive suspension
5. Its unique

[warped]

Not specific to the car pictured, but in general:

Advantages of inboard suspension

1) shocks are inside the shell - stay cleaner - better aerodynamics - potentially better weight distribution / lower polar moment of inertia / lower centre of gravity.

2) Easy to get rising rate on suspension if you want it

3) The rod for the suspension can be attached much nearer the wheel than a shock absorber reducing bending loads in the wishbone. ( More significant on full size cars, but does allow you to use small shocks with stiffer springs to get sensible wheel rate without worrying about wishbone flex. )


Disadvantages

1) added complexity
2) more links in suspension so play can become a issue.
3) Current trend in off road buggies is for very upright shocks - i.e linear suspension. It is harder to achieve this with inboard shocks.

[warped]

Not specific to the car pictured, but in general:

Advantages of inboard suspension

1) shocks are inside the shell - stay cleaner - better aerodynamics - potentially better weight distribution / lower polar moment of inertia / lower centre of gravity.

2) Easy to get rising rate on suspension if you want it

3) The rod for the suspension can be attached much nearer the wheel than a shock absorber reducing bending loads in the wishbone. ( More significant on full size cars, but does allow you to use small shocks with stiffer springs to get sensible wheel rate without worrying about wishbone flex. )


Disadvantages

1) added complexity
2) more links in suspension so play can become a issue.
3) Current trend in off road buggies is for very upright shocks - i.e linear suspension. It is harder to achieve this with inboard shocks.