Jim - This is a very insightful analysis of the rear suspension geometry. You are quite correct in saying that the best scenario would be a spherical bearing on the lower attachment of the rear shock, because of the rotation that you mention. The very best setup that I know of are the Carrera shocks that were available at one point. I believe that they still are, but I will have to contact them to verify that. The Carrera shocks have a teflon-lined spherical bearing to avoid the twisting force (moment) on the bolts that you noted, as well as a fully threaded sleeve that locks to the outside of the shock body. They have a threaded ring spring perch that goes on the sleeve, allowing an infinite range of height adjustability. The only downside is that they are quite expensive. I'll let the List know what I find out. These are the shocks that I installed on Winged1 when I lowered her down in the early 90's. Toby Peterson VIN 2248 (Winged1) DeLorean Parts Northwest www.delorean-parts.com --- In dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx, jwit6@xxxx wrote: > John, > The thought of solving the rear lower shock mount and coil spring collar problem in the same way you chose, has crossed my mind. But I was concerned with the stress placed on the lower shock bolt as the trailing arm moves up and down through its travel. The trailing arm pivots about the trailing arm bolt, and the travel at the lower shock bolt is an arc, not a straight line. The lower shock bolt does not remain at a constant 90 degree angle to the shock body, so in the original design the twisting motion encountered is absorbed by the lower shocks rubber grommet. Do your platforms lower bolt holes ride on the steel collar that's inside the shocks rubber grommet, or does it ride right on the lower shock bolt? Either way there is no way to escape the twisting moment of the basic design. What is really needed is a spherical mount bearing or rod end. > > Also, do your rear shocks allow full compression without the shocks dust cover contacting the lower coil spring seat? Most off the shelf shocks I've seen like the Monroes for instance require that the dust cover be cut back to allow the required clearance. > To address comments privately to the moderating team, please address: moderators@xxxxxxxxxxx For more info on the list, tech articles, cars for sale see www.dmcnews.com To search the archives or view files, log in at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/dmcnews/ <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: dmcnews-unsubscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/