Cummins

iTrader: (2)

would making a rear shock tower brace accomplish anything? or do ya think i would be wasting my time. opinions please

NHRATA01

iTrader: (10)

Hmm, I am far from a suspension expert, but I wouldn't think so with our cars. I don't think in a live axle rear like ours the shocks are subject to much side loading type force, since you've got the panhard rod and torque arm locating the whole rear with respect to the frame. The shocks basically just move up and down - subject mainly to completely vertical force. On a car with rear IRS, the rear shocks are usually angled towards the frame a bit, so as the suspension moves, the shocks are forced both up and into the frame. Just my opinion based on my limited knowledge, so please don't take it as a fact by any means

JFarmer

would like input on this myself

jimmyblue

iTrader: (11)

The Panhard does the side-side locating, the LCAs do
fore-aft and the shocks/springs can only provide vertical
damping / lifting force. Every one of these pieces is pretty
unidirectionally loaded (or, off-axis unloaded by the action
of the others).

If I were going to worry about bracing, it would be the
Panhard chassis mount. That looks kinda cheesy and
I believe I've read about some people gusseting it for
luck.

Convertible sheet metal is formed such that you basically
have the "shock tower brace" for free anyway.