Building custom front shocks

I have a buddy who's doing his thesis on developing new shocks for vehicles in the Army. Long story short, he says he's down to help me build new front shocks for my truck. This article goes over the kind of shocks that he's doing work in:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/automotive/new_cars/1266651.html

I'm very new to the Tacoma community and was wondering if you guys could us with this build.

When are aftermarket control arms required? Being college students, we don't have a massive budget and would like to use the factory control arms. Will I be okay with factory control arms if we just stick with a 2.5" lift?

Does anyone have a drawing with the dimensions of a factory or aftermarket shock? We need to know the size of the holes, length, etc. to start with.

Also, does anyone have the dimensions or drawings to a typical spacer for a front body lift?

Thanks in advance! So far, this is just a crazy idea. if it doesn't work out, we'll machine out the spacers for a front body lift so the truck is level with the rear suspension (after TSB).

 

Well you have chosen a tall challenge! I graduated from engineering school in 1984 (worked at the GM Proving Ground) and my last project was an active suspension for emergency vehilces to maintain a lebel platform.

I would like to see a shock where at low speeds I could charge the upper half of the shock to give me more clearance only when I need it.

Good luck and write to one of the manufauctures of UCAs to donate to your efforts - Do a good job on your request and who knows - you may get a set for your project.

 

That's a great idea! The thought of getting sponsors didn't cross my mind. The suspension wouldn't really change the ride hide of the vehicle at the press of a button though. it will only change the dampening and the metal coil spring will be replaced with a liquid spring. Apparently Ferrari's use this technology. We'll see what we can do with our off-road vehicles.

I interned at Nevada Automotive Test Center for a summer several years ago before I switched to civil engineering. it was a lot of fun and we had a few engineers that previously worked at GM.

 

You'll need to replace the UCAs after 3"+. I'm in Reno, hit me up if you need another guinea pig.

 

Good luck with your quest and keep us updated!

 

I was just doing some research and came across a previous project done here at UNR.

http://web.me.unr.edu/ciml/4.pdf

Same over-seeing professor and the test vehicle is a Honda XR400 dirt bike (which i actually just sold to help pay for the truck).

 

There was a friend of mine that was big into building movie type customs. Here is one of his current renditions....




Weight: 375 Lbs.
Power: 140HP - 150HP
Torque : 80 ft-lbs
Aerospace quality carbon fiber bodywork
Exotic and practical sting ray hide luxury saddle
Integrated police radar detection system
Innovative integral silencer tail-section featuring dual side exhaust ports as never seen on a motorcycle before
20-spoke forged alloy wheels
Fully adjustable control levers, footrests and handlebars
The handbuilt Cafe9 will be available beginning May 1st, 2007 in various trim and performance levels. Upgrades are also available. Price? About $75,000.

http://www.duccutters.com/Steffano-Cafe9.tpl

 

Pretty cool!



This reminds me of something that a Calculus instructor once told me... "You will never use this in 'real life' - there will be computers for that. You will however, use this thought process for the rest of your life!" He was right!

 

Thanks for making know how dumb i am. lol that is a crazy ass equation

 

Ill stick with business.... But more power to ya, hopefully you guys build something badass

 

i have 3'' and stock control arms

 

I just picked up John's (nvdeserted) old shocks the other day. I'll be busy with school and work for the next few weeks but I will keep you guys posted on as soon as we make progress!