Originally posted by SlowPro48
Could be...

I'm no expert but it seems like all that load/vector/cosine stuff is for force transferred by solid rods, beams, etc.
Ok, there's definitely a difference between static and dynamic physics, but the load applied to the shock occurs at the point of attachment. That means that whatever happens inside doesn't matter.

It's been a long time since I've even looked at engineering or physics, but here's the low down, as I recall it:

In a triangulated system, a load applied at any point is translated across the adjoining members, creating either a force of tension or compression, depending on the direction of the force. In the case of the vehicross, you get something like the diagram below:



As you can see, when the shocks are compressed, the canter is increased. To explain why this makes a difference, here's a simple force diagram:



The shocks are in compression, with a pin joint at either end. The vertical force gets translated along the axis of the shock absorber, which then pushes back with a vertical AND horizontal load. The horizontal load gets absorbed by the wheel's mounting bracket (and whatever assembly that is attached to). Because the shock absorber is at an angle, it has to handle not only the vertical load applied by the road, but the horizontal loads created by the fact that it's angled. Essentially, it makes the shock work harder than it would in a vertical mounting position.

Additionally, it's not making the shock travel less. That's a misconception. The shock actually has to travel MORE for the same amount of wheel travel. Other negatives: the shock is applying unnecesary loads to other systems in your vehicle, and it's not mounted to your frame rails, but to the body.

I don't see one benefit to having the shocks mounted this way.