Got my QA1s, interesting install

[Daveman2]

Hey just thought I would update you guys and let you know I got my QA1s from turbo time with 450lb hypercoil springs, damn they look good .

For me, it's a unique install because on my control arms the bumpstop hits a little arm that juts out from the frame, and I've had to remove this in order to make clearance for the QA1s. I guess this is one of the minute differences in the chassis from a Sy to a 98 Blazer 4X4 frame. Other than that it's going to be pretty easy as I don't have the CV rub issues with my front axle gone, it can mount much more in the center of the arm.

Other than the bumpstop piece, it looks like it's going to fit fantastically, and the install has been going great.

Tomorrow I'll take pictures of the finished side and the untouched(somewhat) side.
Are you guys running spherical bushings, cuz that's what I got with mine and it looks pretty awesome, also
Should I consider replacing the bumpstops or will that not be a problem with these springs? I don't want to break something later on down the line on a pothole

 

[skipztt]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

the qa1's should have a stop on the shock shaft. but it wouldnt hurt to just keep the orignal bump stops, IMO

 

[mattw]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

We have the same little arm that the rubber pad on the upper arm comes in contact with when the suspension drops fully down. Most people cut it off and rely on the shocks to act as a bump stop. I disagree with this. If you read the instructions that come with the QA1s they stress that you must have functional bump stops in place.

I cut that little arm/bracket off and made this adjustable setup:

-Matt

 

[jpalmer]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

are you guys talking bump stop( traveling up) or droop stop(traveling down)

 

[jstblz]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

more pics please, as Im going to be doing this very soon!

 

[bezerk]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

the bumpstop pic is the bumstop for traveling up?? how can that be an issue?

 

[mattw]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

Its for traveling down.. Its an issue because when the suspension fully extends you have the force from the coil-spring as well as the weight of the wheel/suspension working to pull the shock apart. I don't think they are meant to handle all of that.

On the same note they are not meant to be slammed fully shut or compressed which is why its important to have stops for the suspension traveling up as well.

I try to adjust my bump stops such that the shock stops just before its fully compressed or extended.

That being said a ton of guys seem to not worry about it and they haven't had any issues. With my luck I'd be the guy that would have a coil-over spring apart while I'd doing 70 MPH...

-Matt

 

[jpalmer]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

yeah thats called a droop stop, and you need to have that there, you are dead on when you said it is not good for the shock. some off road shops sell universal ones, i suggest it. i have seen what can happen with time, not pretty

 

[Daveman2]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

I didn't get any instructions with mine, I guess our frames are the same I just didnt realize I had to cut that little part out, I looked at the budget coilover install and thought that's alll i needed to grind

They handle amazing, but my frame is so low a rolling jack won't go underneath it.

What are the pros/cons of pre-loading the spring on the perch in order to get more ride height, won't that basically be doing what the droop-stop tries to stop, or rather it will be adding force to the droop force, so when I pegleg it will push on the on the shock

It's adjusted as far up as it will go without compressing the spring, and I need another inch up on my ride height - what should I do? new longer stroke shocks or adjust it up

I drove it around and it feels amazing, even with about 1" of suspension travel on the 3rd click and a HUGE rake(3"+ fender height difference, same diam tireS) it drove really well, it just doesnt like driveways.

I still find myself bracing for bumps that my old torsion bars used to eat, and these new springs have no problems taking. Also it used to wander on braking and now it goes in a straight line

It's tucking tire and got over 2* of camber, so I get alot of looks going around town, but it definitely got to go back up.



I was going to have more pics, but my dig camera took a dump, so when I go to adjust them, Ill take more pics

 

[mattw]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

I'll have to see if I can find the instructions and scan them for you. I had the same problem and the instructions say that, during normal ride height, you should have 60% of the shock available for compression. The only way for me to achieve this was to change the mounting location. Initially I made some brackets for the upper shock mount:

I've since modified the upper shock mounts and made an adjustable setup:

You don't need a longer stroke shock. The stock shock has 2" of travel.. The QA1s have 1-7/8". They really don't limit suspension travel at all when setup properly.

If you don't feel like making brackets or modding your frame I think that Mike Lee @ RPM sells 1" extension for the end of the QA1s..


-Matt

 

[BigBadSmoosh]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

umm, you are supposed to load the spring, if you don't you will have zero ground clearance.. did you forget to read the instructions that came with the shocks?

when I did the install I posted the measurements, if someone really needed them I could get them off of my truck.. so far the truck has not had any problems and its been over a year.

 

[mattw]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

umm, you are supposed to load the spring, if you don't you will have zero ground clearance.. did you forget to read the instructions that came with the shocks?

when I did the install I posted the measurements, if someone really needed them I could get them off of my truck.. so far the truck has not had any problems and its been over a year.

Your shocks are probably close to being fully expanded at ride height..

-Matt

 

[Huummer]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

Matt or anyone on this thread,

Do you have any info on rear shocks. I have a thread with no replys posted.

Does the Monroe kit fit and work on a Ty.

I would perfer a stock LR or pair of rear if you know anyone selling them.

Thanks,
Huummer

 

[BigBadSmoosh]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

Your shocks are probably close to being fully expanded at ride height..

-Matt

which might be a problem if i was rock crawling.. when i drive on the road the worst it will run into is a pot hole.. I agree you are doing it the right way, any other way is half assed..

 

[mattw]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

which might be a problem if i was rock crawling.. when i drive on the road the worst it will run into is a pot hole.. I agree you are doing it the right way, any other way is half assed..

The only real issue I have with your setup is that you have no functional upper bump stops.. Your stockers are setup for a suspension system that travels 2" lower than the QA1s. So when you do hit a pot hole your shocks are fully expanded and the suspension tries to yank them apart.

I think your total lack of body roll is a result of the shocks being fully expanded. The side that the suspension normally drops down on simply can't resulting in greatly reduced body roll.

Considering how many times a year your Ty gets driven I doubt you will ever have a problem.


-Matt

 

[jpalmer]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

yes u can tighten them for more ride hight as long as there is shaft left, i can ajust my Tahoe about 4" in ride hight all together

 

[Daveman2]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

Ok so I need to tighten them alot more, gonna do that tomorrow, thanks for the help, I thought you weren't supposed to for the full-extension problem mentioned earlier, but I should be fine

 

[jpalmer]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

just make sure your droop stop , stops the arm before the shock limits out.

another thing to rememder is that a inch on the coil is probably an inch and three quarter on hight for the truck. not sure the ratio but you can figure it out. if you are looking for an inch of ride hight increse than only crank your spring down(or up, aka tighten) half an inch, and see how it sits

 

[jstblz]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

are you done with this yet?

 

[Daveman2]

Re: Got my QA1s, interesting install

Pretty much, I have to work on the balance of the setup but it rides great and handles like a champ, the weight reduction is really nice too.

Right now the driver's side is a bit lower, and I'm a big guy (6'5" 200lbs), so I need to raise it up to level it out and to counter my weight in the car, plus I think it's heavier on the left because of the ABS, Fuse box, Steering components. Also I beleive the leftover 4WD transfer case is set off to mostly to the left side, which is alot of extra weight if you include me.

Here's a pic when they were at their lowest :O

looked badass and actually made it around town pretty well.
Had to put my bumper lip back on because it scraped when I went in and out of any driveway, or speedbump, and after a few drives it was starting to droop. Without the rake it would be more doable :rotf: .