Text only | Text with Images

E-Bodies.org Cuda Challenger Forum

Technical Shop => Wheels, Tires, Brakes, Suspension & Steering => Topic started by: Cudajason on February 16, 2021, 02:34:36 PM

Title: QA 1 - Strut Rods and Shocks
Post by: Cudajason on February 16, 2021, 02:34:36 PM
Hey guys,

I am planning to order QA1 adjustable strut rods and single adjustable shocks next month.

Anyone have any issue with the QA1 products.

I see Hotchkis offers  the same parts, but a bit more money.  Is it worth it to hold off and order the Hotchkis over the QA1 parts?

Thanks,

Jason
Title: Re: QA 1 - Strut Rods and Shocks
Post by: dodj on February 16, 2021, 02:41:14 PM
I have the QA! struts and the QA1 single adjustable shocks. I picked the shocks up at their manufacturing facility in Lakeland a few years ago. Nothing but good things to say about them. I don't have any Hotchkis so I can't give you a comparison though. Willing to bet you can't go wrong with either brand.
I will say I thought I had pretty good shocks on the car before I installed the QA1 pieces. After the driving with the QA1 shocks, I became a believer in the 'you get what you pay for' when it comes to shocks.

I also have the QA1 K-member.
Title: Re: QA 1 - Strut Rods and Shocks
Post by: Dakota on February 16, 2021, 02:59:16 PM
I have been using the QA1 strut rods without any issues.  I didn't drive the car much before I took it apart so I can't really give a "before and after" comparison.  Just make sure you get a measurement on the length(s) of your existing strut rods so you have a good starting point for setting up the new ones.

I have Billstein shocks all around so no help for you there. 
Title: Re: QA 1 - Strut Rods and Shocks
Post by: usraptor on February 16, 2021, 03:04:27 PM
I have the QA1 non-adjustable shocks all around on my '70 'Cuda.  They work well but definitely stiffen up the ride.
Title: Re: QA 1 - Strut Rods and Shocks
Post by: Brads70 on February 16, 2021, 03:33:11 PM
I have double adjustable shocks on both the Challenger and the Javelin. I've had them on the Challenger for 8+ years now with no issues. Liked them so well I bought them for the Javelin but haven't got it on the road yet. Love the adjustability!  :alan2cents:
Title: Re: QA 1 - Strut Rods and Shocks
Post by: Skdmark on February 16, 2021, 03:47:14 PM
Put QA1single adjustable on mine last year with new leafs. World of difference.
Title: Re: QA 1 - Strut Rods and Shocks
Post by: 7212Mopar on February 16, 2021, 11:42:27 PM
Looking at the front shock, QA1 has the adjustment knob at the bottom. Hotchkis has it at the top. So I suppose the two are not the same design. I am running Hotchikis with their torsion bar and front sway bar but QA1 strut rods. I really like the combo in and out of turns. Transient response is another matter and seems more have to do with the unibody stiffness. I do admit I have not try to push it hard and don't want to lose it and hurt my ride.
Title: Re: QA 1 - Strut Rods and Shocks
Post by: Cudajason on February 17, 2021, 05:53:33 AM
thanks for all the feedback guys.

looks like I will stick with the QA1 plan.

Looking forward to the improved ride from the adjustable shocks and seeing if the adjustable strut rods help any.

Jason

:wrenching:    :stayinlane:



Title: Re: QA 1 - Strut Rods and Shocks
Post by: benlavigne on February 17, 2021, 06:54:41 AM
@Cudajason (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/cudajason_260) , Previous owner had installed single-adjustable QA1's on my otherwise stock Challenger, and I found the ride too stiff to my taste, so I replaced them.
Let me know if you have not bought them yet, I still have them, practically new, only need the lower bushings for the rear ones.

Ben
Title: Re: QA 1 - Strut Rods and Shocks
Post by: Cudajason on February 17, 2021, 06:56:39 AM
Quote from: benlavigne on February 17, 2021, 06:54:41 AM
@Cudajason (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/cudajason_260) , Previous owner had installed single-adjustable QA1's on my otherwise stock Challenger, and I found the ride too stiff to my taste, so I replaced them.
Let me know if you have not bought them yet, I still have them, practically new, only need the lower bushings for the rear ones.

Ben

PM sent!
Title: Re: QA 1 - Strut Rods and Shocks
Post by: Scooter on February 18, 2021, 11:16:41 AM
^^^ Great offer!!  :bigthumb:

I have the QA1 single adjustable on all 4 corners... love them. They do stiffen up fast as you turn the dial. I typically run 3 to 6 clicks equally on all 4 corners.... cant even imagine how stiff it would be cranked to 18...lol. 
Title: Re: QA 1 - Strut Rods and Shocks
Post by: dodj on February 18, 2021, 01:39:42 PM
Quote from: benlavigne on February 17, 2021, 06:54:41 AM
@Cudajason (https://forum.e-bodies.org/mlist/cudajason_260) , Previous owner had installed single-adjustable QA1's on my otherwise stock Challenger, and I found the ride too stiff to my taste, so I replaced them.
Let me know if you have not bought them yet, I still have them, practically new, only need the lower bushings for the rear ones.

Ben
Mine you can dial down to way too soft. I run a setting of 6-8
Title: Re: QA 1 - Strut Rods and Shocks
Post by: Purepony on March 01, 2021, 10:18:20 PM
I have qa1s in my camaro and love them !
Title: Re: QA 1 - Strut Rods and Shocks
Post by: jordan on March 03, 2021, 05:48:40 PM
I have the Hotchkis strut rod.  The solid design has a much tighter feel on the brakes than the rubber bushing ones.  It doesn't look like there would be much difference between the two brands since both are of similar design. I killed the rubber bushing at the K frame when I first built my car on a stock style adjustable strut.  No problem since I switched to the Heim joint. 
     I have AFCO single adjustable shocks and love them.  The adjustment is at the top.  Easy for the fronts.  Kind of a bitch to adjust on the rear.  I put them on at full soft and then drove.  It was horrible.  I slowly dialed them up until I got the ride quality I wanted.  The car has much better control with a well set up shock. 
     It will be worth the time and money on this mod! 
Text only | Text with Images