chris walrod

I have been thinking of an alternative design to the way Bilstein (and others) affix the rear drop link mount to the damper body.

I have seen a few cars in person with damages ranging from popped-out drop link ball joints, to full on driveshaft and sub frame damage as a result of this. Others have reported toe link damage/failures or the like. Quite frankly, it scares me.

Even after installing two lock rings on this mount, I am forever paranoid about these mount turning. Double and triple checking these post install, several test drives, re-check etc.

The proposed design uses friction in addition to lock rings to locate this mount keeping it clocked properly. Two piece design is used to clamp on the damper body, but carefully shimmed not to distort it. Plus it can be removed or height adjusted without having to remove the darn shock as well as not disturbing you rear toe settings.

Its retrofitable to current installations which would include cutting-off your old mounts (again, not to disturb rear toe settings and minimize work/time).

What are your thoughts?

Edit to add: it will be threaded to wind onto the shock body, just not shown in this cartoon.

Dr. No

I think that would be great - assuming this would be an idiot proof install that would not cause some other problem of course.

My drop link failed and I ended up with a bent upper kinematic toe arm as a result. My one gripe about this set-up is I wish I the locking rings were included as standard, since this seems to happen a lot.

TheOtherEric

Is it threaded inside? I'm trying to understand what prevents it from rotating. If it's not threaded, it would be pretty free to rotate unless it were somehow affixed to the locknuts. Yes, I'm obviously a little confused...

Texas993

Post deleted. Wrong information.

ppressle

I would be very interested if the cost is not exorbitant.

Is it intended to be threaded inside?

Seems like the threads would locate it vertically and the friction from the threads due to the binding bolts and possibly lock rings would prevent it from rotating.

Pete

TheOtherEric

This reminds me of 2 other attempts to address this issue. Here are pics. Note the 2nd pic - they split the collar then used a bolt to clamp. For some reason I think there was a problem with that setup, like cracking for some reason. I can't remember.

quasr

Great idea Chris! For further information I obtained from Bilstein today on regarding my disconnected sway bar drop link, please see this posting:

Problem With Bilstein Rear Shock Drop Link

Not sure why we cannot paste a link but the address does not show up. Thanks.

chris walrod

Sorry, I should have mentioned that it will be threaded -- the drawing has the thread detail explained, but not this cartoon I have posted

Still thinking about this concept and can change it anytime.

Thanks for all of your compliments!!

AOW162435

Chris,
Very nice - put me on your list should you decide to produce these.

Andreas