Bolt-On Front Coil-Over Shock Conversion - Total Control Products

VAS 86MX1FXA Chris Alston’s Chassisworks, Inc. BrandBolt-On Front Coil-Over-Shock Conversion forEarly Mustangs and Fords/Mercury VehiclesFeatures and Benefits• Bolt-in installation withTCP or OEM uppercontrol arms• Year/model specificmodular shock-toweradapters with choice ofstock or lowered rideheight• Spring-rate specificto vehicle weight andperformance application• Greaseable spherical-stemupper shock mount• Heavy-duty urethanebushedlower crossbar• Available in 16-positionsingle-adjustable or256-combination doubleadjustableversions• Works with TCP shocktower braceBolt-On Front Coil-Over Shock ConversionConverting the stock front suspension of your 1960 to 1977 Ford/Mercury to coil-over shocksis now a simple bolt-on procedure. Our exclusive modular shock-tower-adapter system andspherical-stem assembly gives you a choice of stock or lowered ride heights and can be used fora broad variety of vehicles and performance applications. The tower adapter and lower crossbarreplace the factory shock mount and lower spring perch respectively. Lightweight billet-aluminumVariShock coil-overs are available in 16-position single-adjustable or 256-combination doubleadjustableversions and provide 7-1/2” of suspension travel. Choice of spring rates range from400 to 750 lb/in., suitable for street-friendly ride quality to larger-vehicle handling performance.A second set of different rate springs can also be selected as an option for tuning purposes. Kitsinclude shocks, springs, tower adapters with reinforcement plate, mounting hardware, and spotweld removal tool.1

VariShockTo simplify installation a complete custom shock absorber was developed specifically for theapplication. Installed height, travel, valving range, and mounting configuration are built to ourexact specifications. Other manufacturers are forced to compromise with off-the-shelf shockabsorbers, limiting their design flexibility and available options.Variable shock valving gives you up to 256 different combinations of “instant adjustment”– without unbolting your VariShock! During five years of intense research and developmentevery shortcoming of conventional racing shocks was successfully corrected. Designed froma clean sheet of paper, VariShock’s QuickSet 2 combines sophisticated shock valving with allnew,American-made components. Never before have so much performance, repeatability, andadjustability been offered to vintage Mustangs and classic Fords.The Truth About 16 vs. 24 ClicksDon’t be fooled by shocks offering more adjustment clicks. They are actually 1/2-clickadjustments. The manufacturer merely added more detents to the mechanism without increasingthe range of adjustment. This practice gives more clicks, but the adjustment is so slight that yourvehicle will not respond to the change. A 16-position VariShock actually has a broader range ofadjustable force with the added benefit of a more manageable number of adjustments to try.Double-Adjustable 16-Position KnobsVariShock’s double-adjustable design is also easier to tune: 256 differentsettings are attainable simply by rotating two fully accessible, 16-positionknobs. All adjustments are made in seconds, without removing or unboltingthe VariShock. One knob sets the bump (compression) range; the other setsrebound (extension). Both knobs are laser-etched with directional arrows and“plus/minus” symbols that clearly indicate which direction achieves the desiredadjustment. Additional arrows etched into the QuickSet 2’s base reveal whichknob sets bump and which sets rebound.Double- or Single-AdjustableOur double-adjustable QuickSet 2 allows you to control vehicle separation(rebound) and settling (bump) independent of each other. This allows you totune your suspension to track conditions for ultimate performance. In the singleadjustablemodel you have 16 settings where both bump and rebound areadjusted simultaneously. This offers a good compromise between the ultimatetunability of the QuickSet 2 and affordability of the QuickSet 1.Controlled QualityRepeatability is unprecedented! By controlling the quality of the components, assembling them in-house, anddyno-testing every assembly, Chris Alston’s Chassisworks can deliver a pair of VariShocks that perform virtuallyidentically — throughout the entire range of travel. Whereas other brands in this price range rely on cheaperoffshore or OEM parts, American-made VariShocks are engineered systems of premium components, all designedto meet your specific needs.Revolutionary Adjustment MechanismA revolutionary adjustment mechanism, smaller than any previous design, allows our billet aluminum body to beboth shorter and lighter. The shocks use deflective disk valving in the pistons to eliminate spring fatigue. Internalconnections and return paths use a unique machined configuration and added seals to prevent bypassing.During low piston speeds the damping action of the shock is dominated by bypassing flows. VariShockeliminates the bypassing of internal leakage to give the shock repeatable control even at low piston speeds.Custom valving is also available.DurabilityQuickSet 2Double AdjustableQuickSet 1Single AdjustableIn addition to consistent performance, durability is of utmost importance. Internal shaft seals specificallydesigned and manufactured for these shock absorbers produce a longer-lasting seal that helps keep dirt out ofthe shock absorber. Piston rods are made from 5/8” centerless-ground hard-chrome steel for wear resistanceand long service life. VariShock models are even rebuildable in the event they get bent or damaged.2

Spherical Stem MountOur free-pivoting, deflection-free mount allows precisesuspension tuning by eliminating compliant rubber orurethane bushings. The VariShock exclusive, sphericalstemassembly attaches the coil-over shock to the chassisat the factory mounting location. The swedged-steelmount base effectively captures and houses the sphericalbearing of the stem. The stem mounts directly to theshock-tower adapter and is secured by a 5/8” locknut.An integral hex at the top of the stem enables the stemto be securely held asthe locknut is tightenedduring installation. Aneasily accessible zerkfitting mounted at thetip of the stem injectsgrease directly ontothe bearing contactsurfaces.Locking Lower Spring SeatA redesigned, one-piece lower spring seat does notrequire a locknut; it’s locked in place by two ball locksthat press into the grooves on the reservoir body andeasily unlock foradjustment withan Allen wrench.Spring seatsaccept 2-1/2”-IDcoil springs.Billet Lower CrossbarThe lower cross-bar assembly replaces the factory springperch and can be mounted directly to a TCP or factoryupper control arm. A 1/2” stud and crush washer areused to thread the two billet crossbar halves togetherand apply the proper amount of bushing preload.The lower cross-bar bushings have up to 350% moreurethane material than common 1/2” shock eyes offeredby other brands. To improve spring and shock absorberperformance we chose a premium urethane with muchhigher load capacity and longer service life.Grease ZerkStem Wrench Hex5/8” LocknutExterior WasherSpherical BearingPivot HousingBillet AluminumUpper Spring SeatHigh-Travel2-1/2”-IDVariSpringsUrethaneBump StopBillet AluminumShock BodyThreaded Body forPreload AdjustmentBillet AluminumLocking LowerSpring Seat16-PositionPositive-ClickAdjustment KnobsBillet Direct-FitLower CrossbarPremium UrethaneBushings with350% More Materialfor Greater LoadCapacity3

High-Travel VariSpringsThe new VariSpring line of springs was designed to complement theVariShock family. Once again we used higher technology to resolveapplication limitations. These springs are manufactured using a new hightensilewire that is stronger than the chrome-silicon wire used by othermanufacturers. This allows the springs to “set solid.” The springs cancompress until the coils touch without damaging the springs or causingthem to take a set, which ultimately changes the ride height. Since thiswire can flex more than conventional chrome-silicon wire, we can windVariSprings with a coarser pitch that reduces weight and increase springtravel. These springs have greater travel than our competitors’ springs ofthe same rate. VariSprings allow your shocks to travel their full range ofmotion without experiencing coil-bind. This gives you greater traction andcontrol at full bump and additional suspension travel to work with. If youare ready to take advantage of higher technology with greater-travel andlighter, stronger springs, then step up to VariSprings.Spring Selection GuidelinesA good spring rate baseline for compact cars (i.e. Falcon, Maverick,Mustang with an iron small block) is 450 lb./in.Differences that alter desired spring rate:Weight Reduction -50 lbsBig Block +100 lbsRoad Race +50 lbs (better handling)Drag Race -50 lbs (more stored energy)Spring rate affects ride quality, ride height and roll rate characteristics.Differences in vehicles such as aluminum engine components, fiberglassbody parts and chassis stiffening should be taken into consideration.Additional springs can be purchased for tuning purposes.9” VariSpringsRate(lb/in)Part Number400 VAS 21-09400450 VAS 21-09450500 VAS 21-09500550 VAS 21-09550600 VAS 21-09600675 VAS 21-09675750 VAS 21-09750Additional Coil-Over ComponentsSpring-Seat Thrust BearingsThrust bearings are used atthe lower spring seatto reduce frictionwhen adjusting rideheight. New stainless“cap-style” seats, a VariShockexclusive, enclose the thrustbearing to keep dirt out.Coil-Over Spring CompressorFor use with all 2-1/2”-ID coil springs.Greatly eases adjustment on highpreloador high-rate applications.Non-Slip Spanner WrenchIncluded with the conversion kit is an exclusive, nonslipspanner wrench incorporating four tangs, whichwill not slip off the lower spring seat. Unlike commonsingle-tang spanners, our VariShock wrench engagesthe seat in four places and can be used to push or pullin tight spaces. Wrenches are alsoavailable separately toadd to yourtoolbox.Part Number Description PriceVAS 513-100 Spring-seat thrust bearing set (pair) $49 .00899-012-201 VariShock spanner wrench 31 .00VAS 200 2-1/2” coil-over spring compressor 55 .005

Applications and PricingMake Model YearQuickSet 1 QuickSet 2$788-up $988-upFord Fairlane 1966-1967 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F21968-1971 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F2Falcon 1960-1963 VAS 86M11F1 VAS 86M11F21964-1965 VAS 86M11F1 VAS 86M11F21966-1967 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F21968-1970 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F2Maverick 1970-1977 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F2Mustang 1964-1966 VAS 86M11F1 VAS 86M11F21967 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F21968-1973 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F2Ranchero 1960-1963 VAS 86M11F1 VAS 86M11F21964-1965 VAS 86M11F1 VAS 86M11F21966-1967 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F21968-1971 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F2Torino 1968-1971 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F2Make Model YearQuickSet 1 QuickSet 2$788-up $988-upMercury Comet 1960-1963 VAS 86M11F1 VAS 86M11F21964-1965 VAS 86M11F1 VAS 86M11F21966-1967 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F21971-1977 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F2Cougar 1967 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F21968-1973 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F2Cyclone 1964-1965 VAS 86M11F1 VAS 86M11F21966-1967 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F21968-1971 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F2Montego 1968-1971 VAS 86M21F1 VAS 86M21F2OptionsPriceLowered ride height $0 .00VariShock spanner wrench 15 .00Spring-seat thrust bearings 39 .002-1/2” coil-over spring compressor 55 .00Polished-stainless tower-adapter caps 79 .00Add second set of springs for tuning 100 .00Upgrade to QuickSet 2, double-adjustable shocks $200 .00Related ProductsFront Coil-Over Suspension ConversionThe TCP front coil-over suspension is a fully adjustablesuspension system that utilizes the key factory mountinglocations to greatly simplify installation. Suspensiongeometryimprovements include: lower center of gravity,higher roll center, reduced vehicle roll rate, quicker negativecambergain, increased compression travel, reducedrebound travel to limit body roll, and correct axis and lengthof lower arm assembly when utilizing factory mountingpositions. A detailed product datasheet is available throughour online document library atwww.totalcontrolproducts.com.All prices subject to change. Current pricing available at www.varishock.com.A Chris Alston’s Chassisworks, Inc. BrandVariShock8661 Younger Creek DriveSacramento, CA 95828Order: 800-722-2269Tech: 916-388-0288Fax: 916-388-0295varishock@cachassisworks.comwww.varishock.com6File: VAS_86MX1FX_DS.indd Rev. 02/10/2011