Suspension Questions

[LeonardU]

I have an early Contemporary, #3050, with torsion bar suspension in the front and original Koni shocks. In the rear I have Eibach springs and Alden shocks. I can't remember the spring rating, but I seem to remember that it was 350#. I want to upgrade the suspension, front and back, this summer. The rear suspension is too soft and I have tried to adjust the Alden shocks to no avail. I have a question about Watts linkage. Does it help the car handle better or does it just prevent wheel hop. Can you let me know what is the optimal setup for the front shocks, rear shocks and springs and if Watts linkage is necessary for the optimal handling. One other question. If you don't need Watts linkage for optimal handling, would radius rods help? I appreciate any help I can get.

Thanks,

Len

[mickmate]

Hi Len, it sounds like 350 would be hard on the rear unless it's total for both. I measure the wire on the coil springs. I like the 7/16 rather than the 1/2" for ride quality. It sounds like the shocks aren't working if you're adjusting them and not seeing a difference. If you look at the outside of the rear arms and hubs there is nothing stopping the forward back movement under the fat tired high HP application we use them in. It does help handling some on stopping flex and toe change on the rear but mostly is peace of mind and durability in this application. I think you're on the right track with the rear getting shocks, springs and ride height dialed in. The front torsion bars work well but an upgrade on them is considered the coil over conversion. Welcome to Lesher Motorsports
Do you have the manual for your car? If not shoot me an e-mail address I can send it to you. That will help you set it up. That's a really good looking CCX you have there.

[LeonardU]

I do not have a manual. My email is leonardu11@sbcglobal.net. Do you still make a Watts linkage for the Contemporary? I see from your website that you make radius rods. If you install Watts linkage, does it help installing radius rods? Can radius rods help prevent the forward and back motion of the rear end during acceleration and braking.

Thanks,

Len

[mickmate]

I sent the manual. Some reading on the Watts linkage and install here Contemporary Cobra Watts Linkage
The radius rods you saw on my site are for the CSX suspension.

[legenmetals]

I believe I read that the spring rate is determined by the number of foot pounds required to compress the spring one inch. I put one of my rear springs on a 4x6 digital scale and using my forklift fork compressed the spring one inch and the scale meter read 350lbs.. I think the angle of the shock also plays into the pressure game. My Jag. rear end has four shocks. I use QA-1 adjustable shocks and it rides very smooth.