I've noticed that many people run heavier shock oil in the front shocks than they do in the rear shocks. What are the handling benefits of this?

Is it just because the pros do it? If so, it's ok to admit that. We're in a safe place here. The reason I ask is because I don't see the benefits. Any guesses?

Looks like you found the answer.

After thinking about it for a while I think I may have answered my own question. The heavier weight oil in the front shocks probably reduces the front end roll in the corners which would plant the frond end better and thus improve high speed cornering.

You'd think so, wouldn't you, but it's not true. The only part that can affect body roll is the anti-roll bar. The reason that more damping and stiffer springs provides better turn in is simply due to the increased stiffness in the front end, which of course then provides it's own problems on bumpy tracks. As with all aspects of suspension setup, it's about finding a balance that works for your style. If you haven't seen this, it's a flippin amazing article. I thought I was pretty hot at setting up chassis and suspension (for on road anyway), but I learned a lot from these articles.

http://users.pandora.be/elvo/c1/index.htm

The first chapter is tyres as per the link, then it moves onto suspension settings, the 'next page' button is at the bottom. It has a clear explanation (as long as you have a good grasp of mathematics) of every aspect of suspension setup. The aerodynamics section is also particularly interesting...

I use slightly heavier oil in the front to slow down weight transfer in the front so as to smooth ou the the turn in and so the back dosen't hook. it also launches the car better and with more nose up over jumps

wow - great stuff foxy42 -- where did you find this info? It is very well written - almost like a thesis.

It was mentioned in another post on this forum some time ago, I forget by who...thanks, whoever it was!

foxy42

how can you forget it was me...



http://users.pandora.be/elvo/ is the correct link with sidebar

Thanks again mate....

and who did you get it from eh ... lol

Its called a search engine, something most people on this site aren't familiar with...