QA-1 Front Coil-over Shock
For stock configured lower control arm
With the front suspension disassembled as needed, remove the (4) original shock anchor nuts from the lower control arms in the coil spring well. This can be done with the lower control arm still attached to the chassis.
Drill the (4) lower shock holes out to ⅜” to accept the new hardware for the shock brackets or T-Bar.
Assemble the lower shock mounting bracket, or T-Bar mount to the lower shock eyelet with the ⅝” hardware supplied.
If your kit included the lower shock mounting bracket, bolt in the shock assemblies to each lower control arm using the 3/8” hardware supplied with the shocks. The notches in the shock bracket base plates point towards the spindle.
Notice the round black adjustment knobs located at the bottom of each coil over shock. Turn the knob as far as possible towards the “-” symbol. (counter-clockwise) Then, set the shocks to 3 clicks “+”. The knobs need to be pointing towards the spindle for ease of access when the installation is complete.
Apply a liberal amount of bearing lube or anti-seize compound to the lower 2-3” of threads on each shock.
Install the 2 adjustment rings to the shocks.
The Torrington bearings need to be lubed with bearing grease and installed to to the shock adjustment rings using the thrust washers. There are (6) rings total supplied.
With the adjustment rings within ¼” of the adjustment knobs, set the coil springs in place with the small side down.
When assembling, make sure the upper coil spring “pigtail” end is properly clocked into the upper receiving notch. This can be seen through the small hole on the top of the frame. Have the shock fully extended so it will exit through the upper shock mounting holes in the frame enough to install the rubber grommets and hardware. With some higher tension springs you may need to use a piece of tube (we use a scrap of 1/2" OD steel fuel line) to help get the threaded shaft through the top of the frame.
Once the front end is reassembled, set the car on the ground to check ride height. To raise the car, use the spanner wrenches provided with the weight off the front end using jack stands or a lift.
NOTE: Establishing the desired ride height is usually a trial and error process. The lower shock mounting brackets may need to be removed to lower the ride height more, or replaced with a taller brackets to raise the car beyond what using an adjustable coil spring can provide. Springs can be substituted with a different rate in some situations.
Reinspect the front suspension and steering carefully to see if everything is tightened, lubed and cotter pinned correctly before test driving after you’ve set the ride height.
We recommend the front end be checked and realigned by a reputable shop.
Make sure all the tires are inflated to the proper PSI recommended by the manufacturer.
Shock “firmness” can be adjusted with the round knobs at the bottom of each shock. There are usually (12) settings or “clicks” total, where you pre-set at “3”. Rotate knobs towards the “+” symbol to firm, or towards the”-” to “soften” the ride.
Please call us with any additional questions.
