SlowPro,

Don't think of it as "argumentative". If we learn something from this conversation, it has value.

Originally posted by SlowPro48
1. Actually, whatever happens inside is the ONLY thing that matters as far as force transmitted by the shock. The force vector diagrams you provided apply to solid rods, etc. But our shocks are not solid.
I was under the impression that a dynamic system acts like a static system at any given instant in time. In that case, wouldn't the force diagram apply at that instant? Also, wouldn't what happens inside be dependant on the force applied?

2. The shock is compressed in one plane and, as you noted, is mounted on pins at both ends... The shock just feels squished along its axis and that's all it knows.
That's my point. The shock is taking the force of the vertical load and transferring a diagonal force, which contains vertical AND horizontal loads. Then, the horizontal member applies a back-load to balance it out. Overall, you're being less efficient because you're adding horizontal loads. At 45 degrees, those loads equal the verticals.

3. Nope. Shock at an angle will travel less.
This is a matter of geometry. Assuming that the shocks are mounted at the same relative point on the axle, the shock at an angle will always have less vertical travel. This is because for every inch of UP travel, the same shock also has to travel SIDEWAYS. Think of a 45 degree triangle. the hypotenuse (angled member) is always longer. A straight line is always most efficient.

4. A real world demonstration! Show up at the Swamp Fox enduro (1/16/05, Charleston, SC) and... you will see the benefit to lay-down shocks....
This is highly possible. Ideal math doesn't always work best in the real world. If you tell me that lay-down shocks out-perform vertical mounts hands-down, I'll believe you, but I'm just trying to figure out why!