DeTomaso Mailing List: June 98, Message #248

John,
I run a very similiar set up except I use Aldan Shocks with 700 pound rears and
450 fronts.
FWIW, You need something more then 550 pounds. . .How much is arguable. . . but
I like 700-750 on the rears.

ary Taphorn wrote:

> I guess that it's time for new shocks. Since I've owned my car it has always
> leaned a bit, actually about a half inch to the drivers side.  I'd always
> assumed it was caused by weakened springs from carrying the weight of driver
> and fuel.  Already having more money in the car than I care, I've put this
> off a long time. I even rationalized it by thinking most tracks that I run
> go counterclockwise so the lean is working in my favor.  (Gary, isn't that
> an ok set up for the roundy rounds) Well, getting ready for Pocono this
> year, I decided to fix it.  Kirby was nice enough to give me his old springs
> to see if they could correct the problem.  I had hoped to find a press in
> Houston that had a scale to measure spring tension and while I know that
> there are probably a hundred of them yours truly was unsuccessful.  I
> figured that between Kirby's springs and mine, I should have two with
> similar compression characteristics.  Oh well, best laid plans.
>
> Anyway, tonight I removed the springs from the rear shocks and there was no
> visible difference between the two springs when uncompressed in height. I
> had hoped the left rear would have been sagged.  What little I know of
> springs , I surmise that the two springs while the same height may have
> changed tension.???
> Without the springs on the shocks, I tried to put the shocks through their
> motions. The right rear shock had strong resistance in both directions. The
> left rear (side that sags) compressed nicely but would not expand using my
> arm strength.  I placed the shock in my vice and using my body weight was
> still unsuccessful at getting the piston rod to slide out of the chamber.
> While I haven't removed the front shocks yet,( the car lists to left side
> again a half inch in the front also) I surmise there may be a similar
> problem there as well.
> Any suggestions?
>
> If I should go the route of the Koni Adjustable shocks with adjustable ride
> height(any other suggestions?), which spring rates do the competitors on the
> list suggest?  Neutral handling on the race track is more important than
> ride comfort.  Currently, running stock sway bar in front and 7/8th in rear
> with poly bushings.  Tires are 225/50/15 & 255/60/15 R1s on 7"&8" wheels.
> My big concern is bottoming out in turn one at Texas World Speedway(TWS).
> Kirby would bottom out there with the 550lb rears.  He has since increased
> to the 700lb springs, but not run TWS since. Thus, I would surmise at least
> running 700lbs on the rear.  I'm not shy about going higher but at what
> point should I raise the front spring rate to keep the car neutral?
>
> Thanks
> John T