Looks like other post on this is closed, and I am unable to update it!
So figured we need a new post....since I have been asked a couple of times recently for QA1 info on front shocks.....
Here is what I posted somewhere.....
Getting stock rubber bushing replacements for original shocks really isn't a starter unless you get a new modern version with rubber insulator that doesn't resemble chewing gum!
QA1 (Carerra)
The biggest issue with QA1 shocks is getting the "bolt adapters" machined up. Not real big....just that most don't have access to a lathe. I believe that the final dimension is 33mm wide.....so the combo of two adapters and the shock center ball must equal 33mm & 10mmm bolt hole.
BEWARE NOTE!!!: At some point VERY late in production, DeT changed the shock mounting dimensions, I believe to the same as Pantera...! Wider bushing and bigger bolt! This changed the chassis AND the lower A-arms!
Springs:
Front spring rate was tough to nail down, but the 275 seems good. The adjustable front valving is great, and also the only choice that I could see. The QA1 website should have dimensions etc.... but the Carerra part numbers will likely not swap directly over so you may need to do some detective work. A 250 may also be good with tightening up the valving (more hard on compression). (I had my stock front springs checked for spring rate and was told that they were 200#........but I question this......!)
Rear spring rate was 400# and seems good for the car. No worrying about railroad tracks and bridge abutments any longer!!!
REAR SHOCKS:
What I have on my car is the old Carrera chrome body shock, no valving
adjustable, 60% valving on compression, with 12"-400lb springs. (25lbs less
than the Pantera version of this same shock.) Carrera was bought out by QA1 a
few years back.....
This is a spherical ball end shock, and you will need to machine/cut some
spacers/adapters for the ball ends to fit in the chassis. I was (way back
when!) able to get these spacers from Carrera, but may not be available from
their new owner....QA1! (My shock bushings are 33mm wide as (most of) yours should be
too.)
I also bought chrome springs....but looking back would now recommend the powder
coated (silver) ones because I would repaint them yellow to match the stock
shocks (red paint markings on the coils). The original DeCarbon shocks were
a green metallic looking color....so I would gently bead blast the chrome shock
body, and paint it green....to "look more original". That is just me......
Here is the parts list for the QA1 "Streeters" rear shocks that I used
(www.qa1.net) Page 77 in their catalog. I found many of these parts available
on eBay, but you can probably get them all from a QA1 dealer.
Shock: #5566 (Streeter Chrome body shock)
Coil Over kit: CK1971C
Springs: 12CS400 (chrome) 12-400 (silver powdercoat)
Compression rubber bumper: BC01
Adjusting tool: T120W
Adapters: QA-SLV103 (3/8" inside diameter needs to be bored out to 10mm) Will
give 33mm width at shock mounts. NO LONGER AVAILABLE!!!!
***Guys have mentioned running an adjustable DR series shock out back, but say that the springs are too short, perhaps necessitating a 1" or so spacer?????
FRONT SHOCKS:
DR4855B QA1 Proma Star Shock (2) (Spherical ball ends) Adjustable valving. (GET THE HARDER BALL ENDS NOT THE NYLON ENCLOSED ONES!!!!! I had to replace all my nylon ball ends about a year or so down the road as they were coming apart!)
BC01 Rubber Bump Stop 1.5x3" (2) (I may have cut these in half so needed only one....)
T114W Spanner Wrench for adjusting (Of course it is different than the one for the chrome rear shocks....!!!)
10-275 10" silver painted spring- 275# (2) I recommend powder coated over chrome.
Picture shows new DR shock/spring next to aftermarket Koni with stock original spring.
This is what I know! Would love to see other experiences added to the post, with these shocks and other brands!!!
Steve
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