Coil Over Replacement

[Locohead1]

I'm considering changing both front and rear shocks and springs. I have Aldan America on now but I think they're shot. If you have purchased a full set of coilovers that you were pleased with, please supply me with all the specific information of what you purchased (i.e. manufacturer, model number, spring details, etc.). Really appreciate it. THANKS

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by Locohead1

I'm considering changing both front and rear shocks and springs. I have Aldan America on now but I think they're shot. If you have purchased a full set of coilovers that you were pleased with, please supply me with all the specific information of what you purchased (i.e. manufacturer, model number, spring details, etc.). Really appreciate it. THANKS

Vehicles (including Cobras) are going to be different, as will owner / driver preferences, so the appropriate model number and spring details will vary. Using someone else's specs is liking asking them to pick out your bride. Just my 2¢.

I haven't purchased coilovers as my QA1 coilovers (front only) came with the car. I did replace the rear shocks with QA1 single-adjustable shocks and relied upon QA1's excellent tech support for assistance in selecting the appropriate part number.

I'd recommend contacting QA1 tech support and seeking their advice. You may want to check out some of the information on their site before giving them a call. You'll have to decide whether you want single or double adjustable, what kind of mounting you want / need (mine were Nylon spherical bearings but when they pounded out I replaced them with steel on steel spherical bearings). You'll need vehicle weight (front and rear), the angle your coilovers are mounted at, some mounting point measurements and the shock length eye-to-eye. More information here: https://www.qa1.net/technical-suppor...ring-rate-tech

[joyridin']

I used to be a big fan of QA1 until I had a coilover go bad after about 800 miles of driving over 2 years. They would not warranty their product. They have a 1 year warranty and that is it.

You may want to look at these. They have a million mile warranty and are really nice units:

Products :: Coil-Overs

[FWB]

Originally Posted by cycleguy55

Vehicles (including Cobras) are going to be different, as will owner / driver preferences, so the appropriate model number and spring details will vary. Using someone else's specs is liking asking them to pick out your bride. Just my 2¢.

I think there may be some value in having someone else pick out your bride.
Jus' sayin'

[cycleguy55]

Originally Posted by FWB

I think there may be some value in having someone else pick out your bride.
Jus' sayin'

I don't know about you, but I picked out my wife - or maybe she picked me during 'be kind to dumb animals week'.

Regardless, I did far better the second time around. She even likes the Cobra - the first wife never would have.

[saltshaker]

I switched mine to QA1's big change... using ds402 & ds502 shocks, you will also need 4 stud kits. Well worth the money
Jon

[Locohead1]

Originally Posted by saltshaker

I switched mine to QA1's big change... using ds402 & ds502 shocks, you will also need 4 stud kits. Well worth the money
Jon

Thanks saltshaker. I did find the QA1 shocks you mentioned. It looks like the DS402 goes in the front and the DS502 are for the rears.

My current shocks are from Art Morrison and the tops on all four shocks are threaded on the piston shaft while the QA1 units are side bolt mounted. Do I have to use a conversion kit to make the QA1 units fit the brackets on the car?

You mentioned a stud kit. What does it do? Can you give me any part numbers so I can look them up?

Do the QA1 coilovers you mentioned come with springs or did you have to order them separately or reuse the current ones you had?

Any additional information would be appreciated. Thanks.

[saltshaker]

If you look at your shocks the top of the shock has a stud to secure it. QA1shocks don’t have a stud on the top, you need a stud kit to convert the shock. I bought new springs,my car has a FE in it and I have 450lb shocks in the front with a sway bar and 180 lb shock sin the rear....
Jon

[Ron61]

I used QA-1 coil overs when I was racing and left them on the car. They have been on it for over 12 years now and no trouble with them at all.

Ron