I have been running Calvert single-adjustable shocks on the rear of my truck for perhaps 3 seasons now, and always wondered if I'd made a good choice. My 60-foots are not the most consistent.

Last race weekend I mounted a camera under the bed to monitor what the shocks and tires were doing upon launch. I was astonished.

Upon the initial hit, the shocks could be seen extending for but a brief moment, then immediately bounced back up and seemed to move around a bit.

The SA shocks were set on the looser side at the time.
It's a 'lower' HP application, with the truck running around 11.90s in the quarter and 7.50s in the eighth mile.

I really would like to be able to adjust the compression and extension independently.

QA1 TD804 shocks come to mind, but they are $600 a pair. Cheap, actually, if one can rely on them to take one deeper in the money rounds.

Any suggestions or advice? Thank you much!

Stay away from the qa1 go with afcos a much better quality part

quote:

Originally posted by vetman:
Stay away from the qa1 go with afcos a much better quality part

X2!

I've ran both night & day difference between the brands. AFCO FTW!

2BKING

I was very happy with the Afcos on my TD and bought a set of Afco Big Guns for my PST s10

I'm going to go against the grain here. For your truck even the double adjustable QA-1 will be a step up over the Calverts. You could also look at the Viking doubles.

I run QA-1 doubles on the front of my roadster and they have done a fine job. I can tell the difference when I change setting from a bracket tree to a pro tree set up. I run Strange doubles on the rear but I understand the budget.

It's easy to tell guys to get the best but some of us can't or in my case won't spend what it takes for a set of Ohlind's, which would have been my choice if I wasn't cheap. LOL

Afco makes great products so don't think I would talk you out of them but sometimes our wallet dictates our choices. JMO

I have QA1 DA rears on my car past 4 yrs. They work well on the track for me. They also have over 30k trailer miles on them. I adjust the compression to maximum for towing. If you do purchase, consider buying their Bump Stop that is 1.25” long and can be cut down. I use this cut to 1” for my set-up.

QA-1 9032-117 Bump Stop

I've had no regrets on my QA1 Stocker Star single adjustable front shocks.
If I ever upgrade from the Lakewood 50/50 shocks on the rear, QA1's will get a look from me.

quote:

Originally posted by vetman:
Stay away from the qa1 go with afcos a much better quality part

I have to agree here. Before I bought shocks for my old altered I did a lot of research and pound for pound, dollar for dollar the AFCO's were some of best you can get. I was very pleased with them. My current car is low lap Altered that came with Strange shocks. So far they seem to be working good. If I ever have to replace them the AFCO's would probably get the call again.

Thank you much for all the thoughtful responses, guys.

I emailed AFCO several days ago, asking for advice about a DA rear shock for my S10. They wrote me back asking a couple of questions, and I answered them right away.

So far, no response back again. I may call them. Otherwise, I reckon they're like 1100 or 1200 bucks a pair? I can't suffer that at this time.

I'll probably just go with the QA1s for now or maybe Vikings.

I'm currently running Calvert 90/10s on the front, and I like how the front lifts more.

Thx again.
Troy

I run QA1s on my S10 and it has printed tickets for three years. Would Penske or JRi or Afco be "better", maybe.
I was separating at the hit, which plants the tire, IMO, then I had to really stiffen up the compression to keep the shock more steady and controlled. I think it is on #6 for extension and I know it is on #9 for compression. Fronts are QA1 and they are #1 on extension and #12 on Compression (Rebound). 640 runs in three seasons and so far so good. One other tip if you go coil-over, run a light rear spring, I am running 90-lb rear and 275 front.
Good luck,
Jok

Jok,

Rebound = extension.

quote:

Originally posted by Bad Nusz:
Thank you much for all the thoughtful responses, guys.

I emailed AFCO several days ago, asking for advice about a DA rear shock for my S10. They wrote me back asking a couple of questions, and I answered them right away.

So far, no response back again. I may call them. Otherwise, I reckon they're like 1100 or 1200 bucks a pair? I can't suffer that at this time.

I'll probably just go with the QA1s for now or maybe Vikings.

I'm currently running Calvert 90/10s on the front, and I like how the front lifts more.

Thx again.
Troy

WOW! Seems like the AFCO's I bought were around $600.

Thanks, Curly1; I'm not sure where I got that figure from now.

Can't understand the QA1 haters.

Shock dyno sheet look just like the sheet from any of the magic "gotta have" brands. ??

Mine were 22 years old, 40K miles of trailer travel and I sent them to be tweaked into a "R Series" style.
Never an issue.

Nice quality, adequate products at reasonable prices.
Still USA made, I believe.

Bad Nusz, I would for sure look into the R Series Stocker Star for your front. You'll love them, guaranteed. Very useful for R/T tuning a feetsbrake ride.

quote:

Originally posted by Goob:
Can't understand the QA1 haters.

Goob,

I'm not a QA1 hater!

I started with 3-way adjustable shocks & went to single adjustable QA1's. Then I went to the QA1 double adjustable shocks. These different iterations of shocks were run on all 4 corners. I thought all the different shocks worked good for what they were.

I bought a set of double adjustable AFCO shocks, don't remember if they were the front or backs. I was so impressed with them after one race. I immediately ordered the opposite set.

In hindsight, I wish I would have started the AFCO's! Now, I'm actually thinking of going to a Penske on the rear.

2BKING

Your chassis tuning needs are far greater than what I'm doing.

I ran Atlas non gas shocks on the rear for years, switched to Lakewood 50/50's, no difference, and the car is already really good.
I have DA coil overs I could put on it, but can't see any reason to.

I run Viking shocks on the back of my truck. haven't run them on the front yet.
Customer support was good.

https://www.vi-king.com/

Thx again, Goob et al. I ordered a pair of QA1 TD804 DA shocks a couple nights ago from Summit.

That shock is specifically for the S10, but if I ever decide to lower my truck with lowering springs, I would likely need a different model.

I had thought about Viking shocks, too, and they may have been less expensive, but their website was a little puzzling to me and I didn't have time to call. I hope I don't regret it.

AFCO was a bit unresponsive to my inquiries. Perhaps they just cater to the 'big boys' with the 4-link setups, LOL?

I will stick with my Calvert 90/10 shocks on the front for the moment, but if I can see the mechanics and the advantage of adjustable front shocks, I'll certainly give them more thought.

It's not like I need to control wheelies at this time or anything, but if my reaction times can be improved, I want to see the plan!

I'm a little confused as to why Calvert only offers a single-adjustable rear drag shock. Is that really what John Calvert runs on his Mustang that stands on its back bumper??

In a week I'll let you know how the new QA1s worked.

markemark, how do those 'bump stops' work? Are they left on the shock all the time, or just when hauling?

Thx everyone.

quote:

Originally posted by Bad Nusz:


I will stick with my Calvert 90/10 shocks on the front for the moment, but if I can see the mechanics and the advantage of adjustable front shocks, I'll certainly give them more thought.

It's not like I need to control wheelies at this time or anything, but if my reaction times can be improved, I want to see the plan!

I'm a little confused as to why Calvert only offers a single-adjustable rear drag shock. Is that really what John Calvert runs on his Mustang that stands on its back bumper??

My guess would be to keep cost down, and something less complicated for lower HP applications.

From calverts sight
Built-in high-speed valving keeps your front end from bottoming out on hard landings. Once you’re out of the hole, low speed compression is active, and a softer valving allows the front end to settle at the top end. Every application has been evaluated for best length, assuring that each vehicle has sufficient travel for maximum traction unlike other manufacturers who model their shocks after factory length shocks. No adjustments are required; designed to perform right out of the box. Lightweight, industrial design.