add shockabsorbers

This is a good article (url above) for anyone even mildly interested in fitting new shocks to their vehicle. It does not apply directly to the Simplicity Suspension that we have on our BTs. I'm not saying dont fit shocks to your BT if you so desire but it has to be done in consultation with Simplicity. Our fully independent load-sharing Simplicity already has a form of dampening that turns kinetic energy into heat. Physically fitting it is a challenge in itself ! You would have to be careful about the valving (dampening amount) because it would have to work in conjunction with the dampening already there. Making top mounts for the shocks would involve welding onto the main chassis member with something quite substantial. The shock and its mount would have to take a severe pounding from corrugations with 3.5 tonne above it. Proper design would be needed here to stop it failing from fatigue. Another problem is the suspension travel in the BTs. It is very short at 90mm or so and might require a special short travel shock. With the 90mm travel to the chassis and the chassis only 150mm there just isnt enough room to mount a reasonable shock unless it is severely laid over at 70 degrees. To be vertical the shock would have to be about only 6 inches long compressed. You could lower the mount at the stub axle area but that then interferes with ground clearance and leaves a shock close to the road and exposed to stones etc. You could drill holes in the floor and mount shockie towers that would be a foot high into the van .... floor would have to seriously strengthened ...ply just wont do it !! [smile] Of the hundreds of BTs out there I'm not aware of one with shock absorbers on Simplicity. Regards Anthony Explore this Great Land ...Do it Easy ...Tow a Bushtracker