Old School Front Balljoint DRAG Shocks

[John P]

Old School Front Balljoint DRAG Shocks

A few of the “old timers” advised me that this was how they did it in the old days at the dragstrip…

An old set of stock, oil front shocks were used. One shock was drilled and tapped in the bottom (see photo), oil was pumped out and then it was re-sealed. This shock is intended to go on the left front (see labels). The shocks were then sanded, painted grey and labeled.  

The intention was a simple and inexpensive way to maximize weight transfer to the rear end. Perfect for a period-correct Cal-Look / drag racing car.  

Fits balljoint front ends (1966-1977, non-Super Beetle).

Price is $14.00.

Will ship worldwide. Shipping within the U.S. is $14.95. Payment via Paypal (preferred) or US Postal Money Order (Continental U.S. only).

[John P]

Priced reduced $9 to any Forum Member...

[Bruce Tweddle]

What was the reasoning behind draining only one shock?

[John P]

The way the Old Timers explained it to me was that, back in the '60s, most of them were running stock trannys (standard diffs) with relatively skinny tires and the belief was that you got the best traction with the right rear tire. So by running the drained front left shock, the theory was that the left would come up quicker than the right and transfer traction cross-corner to help you launch better.

Or something like that.

I ran them on my '67 at Carlsbad (RIP), but couldn't tell if they helped because I was too busy blowing every launch I tried. The Old Timers forgot to also add that you need to know how to drive. 

[Bruce Tweddle]

Ok, you just made me think about it. 
Standing at the rear, the engine rotates CW.  That means the whole car reacts by twisting CCW.  This means the front right will want to lift sooner or higher, so by putting the empty shock on the left, it would tend to help the front rise equally.  And at the same time plant equal weight on each rear wheel.

[John P]

Yeah, I think that's the point. I'd love to see some slow motion video of the car launching.

Just not with me driving.