Installing shock absorbers for air suspension - 1939 Hudson Rat Rod build

Before installing new shocks for the rear airbag suspension, we first determine how much shock travel will be required. Then we discover the pros and cons of mounting the shocks at an angle. Finally we fabricate the brackets, install them and test the shock absorber installation.
#ratrodbuild #customfabrication #ratrodsforafrica
Bolts & fasteners sponsored by Mesco Engineering Supplies.
mesco.co.za/
Sounds from www.zapsplat.com.
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[@Rustohallick]

Dang dude , you would make the coolest shop teacher. The way you walk thru every thing and explain it. Oh wait you are teaching us. all will lesson few will learn You are a true craftsmen keep it up .

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! Way I see it, KZbin can be the modern, digital shop teacher🙂

[@TheIIOM]

Most channels show something done, you go one step further and show the practical mechanics. The content feeds our brains. Keep it up.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Just showing it done is kinda just bragging in my mind. Showing how you did it serves a purpose 🙂

[@EarlyIronAddict427]

@@ratrodsafricayour sharing a wealth of knowledge with us all man. Thank you thank you so much brother

[@prroperlyprrofessional5524]

What a gem of a channel. Thanks for the education and entertainment Div!

[@alfitche3135]

Thank you for another Master Class that shows just how much work is involved to produce a Masterpiece and achieve the desired results

[@akom-studio_com]

So happy to be able to join you in the progress of this amazing project Div - truly lekka man! Thank you so much for spending all this time to explain all these details to us - always a pleasure to learn from you. All the best for you man, have a good one.

[@ratrodsafrica]

It's my pleasure. Thanks man

[@keysangler247]

Amazing and shocking at the same time. You should have 1 million subscribers.

[@stashwaxroller1740]

This project just keeps getting cooler ! As usual a great breakdown of the explanation worthy of a classroom !

[@ratrodsafrica]

Isn't KZbin kinda a modern digital classroom? That's how I view it🙂

[@billywhizz98]

Diff you’re engineering skills are in another level

[@77Rickenbacker4001]

Still amazed by your talent and still a fan!Stay safe safe my friend!

[@irvinlewis5022]

Weekly trip to educational and enjoyable trip to the Forrest engineering school of hot rods. Looking forward to the next class.

[@matthewfocke5360]

Genius! I love it man,. You are the Professor of Mechanical Engineering. Your tongue delicacy looks deliceous. Thanks Div.

[@DoonerF]

Div! Man, I’m understanding way more from you than I ever have with other builders. Like I’ve said before, I doubt I will ever build anything like that, but it’s nice to understand how and why it’s done that way. Love it!👍🏻👍🏻

[@ratrodsafrica]

Happy if can contribute to the old knowledge base Harold 🙂

[@jacobsarkisian4493]

There's no way I could watch anyone else put on two shocks for 45 min and not be bored. You're creativity is very inspiring man. Thanks for the knowledge.

[@ratrodsafrica]

😀Thanks brother!

[@chuckster6513]

Hey Div, I am so glad to see your latest post. I can not currently work in my shop due to the heatwave of summer here in Kansas. So I spend shop time with you in your "Shop in the forest". My first thought about the long shocks was to buy a shorter set. But your way of handling the situation made good sense without spending more money and it look like it will work great. My 27 T bucket I built with an old ford leaf spring on front and rear . Even with leafs removed it still rides rough as an old truck. I hope in the fall I can do a bagged 4 link to replace the leaf spring on the rear first, before bagging the front. I prefer the old school look of the leaves but I get beat to a pulp by the rough ride. I am not into slamming my rides, I just want a softer ride and you have added knowledge to my old geezer brain so I thank you sir. Have a lekka one ! Work Safe, Stay worm Enjoy Life

[@ratrodsafrica]

I've been hearing about the heatwave over there. Crazy weather! Can't you find softer springs?

[@gnrobertrobinson1190]

Really enjoying the build!

[@robertstevison1448]

Awesome afternoon brother from another country great to see you again another awesome adventure with my brother from another country pray you have an awesome day

[@andrewmantle7627]

Once again, a very interesting and engaging show Div. Thank you.

[@brentbrown8393]

I like the way you think and plan your work, you are a gifted builder, welder and mechanic. It's enjoyable following your thinking and actually doing the work.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@BesseCustomFabrication]

I'm not even working on shocks yet but I just can't stop watching. Such good info! Thanks.

[@ronlamaster9301]

Another great Bush Engineering lesson from Professor Div. Top notch examples even a layman can understand.

[@jaylee931]

That rat rod is really gonna handle well with all that trick suspension enjoyed watching

[@bradpage8967]

Forgive us that think of the mention of Africa that we immediately think hot. Then to hear you talk of needing to warm up, it takes us a little to realize that you are at the southern end. Thank you for explaining exactly what you are doing and why!!! I am learning so very much from you!!! I am always looking forward to the next video!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yes, Africa is a huge continent! Bigger than US, China and Europe combined!

[@g2b233]

Div, like others have said, and I MUST agree, your explanation plus the the trip to the FDO (Forest Design Office) was most informative. Love the background music too.

[@joecioe8566]

Great plywood aided design. Great video learned something new.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! 👍

[@donniehodge2548]

Another good one Diff KEEP THEM COMING 👏 🇺🇲

[@user-zr2eg3bk2j]

Very professional work Div! I enjoy every video.... Thanks

[@JimmyMakingitwork]

Excellent tutorial Div! I learned a lot about suspension design from racing RC cars believe it or not, it applies well for me at work, haha. The shock becomes less effective when angled because of the reduced travel as you showed, if it moves less it does less dampening. It becomes progressive dampening. On tracks with big jumps we would straighten the shocks out to reduce bottoming while we would lean them in as the track got rough during the day. Especially if we did not have time to adjust shock valving, pistons and oil and so on. Luckily for you this truck won't need much dampening at lower ride heights, so it would never be noticed but it will ride great on the road! Great work!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Yeah, I can imagine RC cars can teach a lot, the principles remain the same

[@lawrenceessard4086]

You are a real genius, engineer you are thank you for showing your skils

[@jamesferrell9404]

Hearing you talk about a fire in the stove and over here it's 100+F just seems strange. But looking forward to this becoming a truck again. Awesome work

[@timwilliams7034]

Great video. I love your down to earth lessons and explaining. Cheers from Alabama in the USA.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks!

[@jerrydodd6113]

I think you missed your calling to be a teacher, Diff! Young people could learn a lot from you! Great vid as usual. Have a blessed day!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! Kinda hoping that the KZbin platform is a modern way to pass on some knowledge to them kids...

[@BillyBob-tt7hy]

Excellent, you make us old hot rod Dems think, I’m 81 and love to learn. I’m building a 93 f150, have a 63 falcon and a 38 Ford pickup w/a flathead ++++

[@gavinsansom6266]

Lekka Div! As always it was very entertaining, interesting and educational - you deserve a million subscribers!! Keep up the great work mate 👍🏻

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! The millions only want mindless sensational crap🙂

[@d.p.2680]

What i hear is, if you angle your trust, you gain stroke 🤔 This is education on a high level, Reason most others don't explain it, they probably don't know, or not enough to explain it in a clear way, Thank you Div, this is priceless

[@ratrodsafrica]

Pleasure man. Hopefully it makes sense. One does have to mess around with the geometry some to understand. Tried to do that with the plywood bits😊

[@heribertorodriguez4857]

From Mercedes Tejas I like how you explain everything so simple. The fuse box was one of my favorite all your content is awsome.I'm 64 years old right now I'm working on 54 chevy truck a 75 camaro and 70 nova all 3 build from nothing. Keep up the great work. Eddie Rod

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Eddie!

[@crazywickedcustoms7272]

Very informative thank you, you are very skilled craftsman and good teacher, i brrn recommending KZbin to everyone i talk to.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Wow, thanks!

[@EarlyIronAddict427]

Thanks! I’m Allan thx Bother ! And thank your family for us all for talking you into creating this beautiful channel and sharing your wealth of knowledge with us all man. Really appreciate you 👍🏻✌🏻

[@ratrodsafrica]

Wow, thanks for the support man! Really appreciated!

[@EarlyIronAddict427]

@@ratrodsafricamy pleasure. You do a great job here with this channel. Learning from you is way cool 😎 😁

[@robertamor3203]

its always a pleasure to watch and learn has you progress building this project it is amazing what you do with such limited tools and space well done again diff can not wait for your next video enjoy your fire with your family

[@MarekMakes]

Your videos are so helpful to me and learning how to build my project!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad to help! Thanks

[@flatworm00]

I have become an avid believer in PAD...I now use it all the time. THANKS!

[@ratrodsafrica]

👍You are a wise man! 😁

[@shotsrodder]

Great fabrication and tips Div 👍

[@tienierabie7127]

Die manier hoe jy dit verduidellik is fantasties. Kon nie wag vir die video nie. Dankie dat jy jou idees en dit wat jou gelukkig maak met ons deel...awesome

[@ratrodsafrica]

Dankie. Plesier man!

[@patpatterson6214]

You are a GREAT teacher!! Thank you.

[@psnaith1]

I am consistantly impressed by your knowledge and how well you teach it! so much enjoy rat rods for Africa! Thank you Diff!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Glad you enjoyed it brother!

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

Smooth progress on the shock mounts. It's a pleasure to watch your systematic milestones roll by !

[@mrgrumps3062]

Great show as ever.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Dang Div. She's coming along nicely so far sir. Wow. Can't wait to see more updates an projects and many more videos soon my friend. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Fab On. Weld On. Keep Making. God bless.

[@EarlyIronAddict427]

Who else hit the thumbs up button around 2.00 ? Shock Squasheerrr !! Hell yeah ! Love this HotRod from scratch build. Div you give us all some much knowledge and ideas man. Thank you buddy so much for sharing this with us all man. 👍🏻✌🏻😁really very cool stuff …

[@ratrodsafrica]

The pleasure is all mine. Hearing that my stuff is helping is awesome. Gives life more meaning 🙂

[@ezekielmoorejr3145]

Looking good my friend, and as always very educational! And the meat looked tasty too!

[@DustyMacsGarage]

Div!!! You never stop amazing me. Great tips and teaching with your forest engineering and breakdown with your wood tenplates. I wish I could have had you for a high school shop teacher!!! I learn something from ya each video!!! I told ya before you are a awesome fundi!!! Congrats on your channel growth as well boet!!! Keep crushing it!!!!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet! Isn't KZbin the digital version of a shop teacher? Or it could be... lot of sensation seeking crap for the most part

[@bobgranger8753]

I am so glad I found this channel Shot out to Waylon Wire's Old Iron for suggesting it

[@ratrodsafrica]

Welcome to my shop! Yeah, was nice of him to give me a shout-out

[@MartinZT]

I was sat eating some biltong while watching here in the UK, made by my local butcher. 😀

[@ratrodsafrica]

How about that! Clever butcher🙂

[@adampilkington8379]

Love your re work you do so old school work bro!! 😎 beautiful workmanship hands down!! Can’t wait to see the end results 😅

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks 👍

[@adamosborne4053]

Good stuff brotha coming along nicely

[@littlepaddy7444]

Very interesting video as usual, time well spent. That meat looks really good. It's pickled so in that sense it is cooked. Thanks see ya next video.

[@glennmiller9031]

Excellent work Diff.

[@stanleymaxwell182]

Amazing videos. Mcgeivor in the bush

[@chuckdivel3600]

Great as always get warm.

[@stucook8622]

Thanks for another great video Div! 🍺

[@edrushbrook]

Awesome work, Diff.

[@ginfizz20]

Another great job of engineering and fabrication. You are aware that welding causes sparks to fly around so you cover your air bags with wet towels----but you never put anything over your fingers/hands and they get much closer to the weld than the air bags. I shutter every time I watch you weld with bare hands.

[@ratrodsafrica]

My old paws can mend punctures by themselves but not the bags!😂

[@robertbdees9913]

Thank you for the video. Rat rod science

[@crazywickedcustoms7272]

Awesome thanks, this is going help me out. Your a true craftsman

[@paulbryan4605]

Thank you for the totally captivating video today of the geometry of the shock compression on a 4-link system with airbags or not was a total win for me now maybe I can get my four link to work better by repositioning my shocks. The set up work but it keeps the shock blowing out . Now I can fix it myself . Build on my brother.👍🤠🛠️

[@ratrodsafrica]

Cool man. If the shocks keep blowing, they must be bottoming out before the suspension does

[@Motorhead-y3]

As usual a must see video. Makes my hot Arizona Desert Sunday pretty nice!

[@lorriegriffith4979]

Looking good Dude! 👍🏻 Marty G

[@user-ff2zt7vf4c]

У мас огромная теоретическая база по прикладной механике, которую вы прекрасно применяете на практике. Вы прекрасный инженер старой школы

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@geoffreymills9932]

I'm glad I found your channel Div, you definitely have an eye for quality and a dedication to build it, I was wondering about lowering the top mount would shorten the collapsed distance from being slammed but it still works out, great work ☺

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks boet! Lowering top mount will mean I have to drop bottom mount more. I didn't want that

[@62_C10]

once again - wonderful results with off the chain skills and execution - a pleasure to study under

[@apere003]

Looking good brother

[@davidweidner1675]

In today's episode, Div plays with sticks to figure out shock placement. Lekka Div

[@ratrodsafrica]

Div likes to play with sticks🙂

[@DonCatherman]

Howzit Diff... great job on the shock mounts.... fantastic illustration on function of angels...shock position.. Have great evening brother... Build on..,👍👍😎💪💯

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks Don! I see you have added a South African word to your vocabulary 😁 Lekka man!

[@DonCatherman]

@@ratrodsafrica yep...😆,,, Thanks for the language education Sir...

[@DonCatherman]

Have a lekka one ,,Diff... Did I get that one right 😆🤔...

[@ratrodsafrica]

@DonCatherman spot on boet! "Boet" is SA slang for bro or brother. Now you have another lekka word😀

[@DonCatherman]

@@ratrodsafrica 👍😆

[@mixerman1]

Love the Plywood aided plasma table. Makes for a very finished look with a little blending. Have a lekka one brother!

[@ratrodsafrica]

Plywood plasma works great! 😀

[@franktaylor7617]

😎👍🇺🇲 Cheers brother. Good use of shims. I did the same thing building my 500. I used 4 1/8" aluminum aircraft washers. Two on either side of each engine mounting bosses. That way I had a way of adjusting to motor side to side for chain alignment. With an extruded aluminum chassis. There's no squish to work with. Also had to use a similar technique for the rear shock upper mount. It had to be absolutely perfect. No room for error. That one used 2 .001 shims. It was all one of a kind trial and error think until you drop, sort of thing. ✌️🤘

[@glenmiller3783]

Great design and explanation of the mounting of the shocks Div.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks! 👍

[@toadskwirm8824]

Best explanation on the longest shock video I have ever seen. Keep building

[@tonyengland1974]

Always enjoy

[@ronmurphy9819]

Another outstanding feature! I really love your style. Thanks

[@ODGColornChrome]

Great work Duff! Keep it up!

[@alanpaulick7815]

Diff all you need is some small round glasses and we can call you professor Diff. The back end is looking lekka boet. Take care and thanks for another great lesson.

[@chrismedaris4873]

Great video looking good

[@bullthrush]

Your "angle/effective" chart is just the cosine of the angle. Makes sense.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Clever observation! 🙂

[@themanimal01]

Lol the angle of the dangle😂😂😂😂👍

[@raysmith6973]

In South Texas, we call it “chunk jerky”, made mostly the same way, but from Whitetail deer.

[@diecastdemolition8521]

Quality work Diff, always a pleasure to watch

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!

[@eddiealford3579]

Mr D man that's lookin good as always very good time joining u watching the videos and learning how to build things with my hands instead of instructions so very good job so u have a Lekka 1 my friend so till next time

[@hankpugh4980]

I always look forward to your videos. If you dont learn something you're not paying attention. Forrest engineering is pretty cool stuff.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thanks brother!

[@j.j.8289]

👍👍 great again

[@brianhaw9398]

You could mount the shocks horizontal and use a bellcrank to activate if you were very tight for space.🇨🇦👍

[@PeterHatch-mx7zc]

Watched again very helpful thks just a thought weld in spacers

[@DavidRoper-zf1ul]

div , looking real lekka man !

[@andrewmantle7627]

I live near Seattle (Everett) Washington, USA and you can buy biltong in some grocery stores. Admittedly, this is a very diverse population area, but most folks have heard of it. Very tasty .I doubt that it is springbok (probably beef), but I have known hunters to make it from deer (which are everywhere in the USA and Canada) which are wild and anything but endangered. Very good.

[@ratrodsafrica]

Nice! Good to hear🙂

[@hermyherm365]

Beautiful work bud !! It’s cold out in Africa and I’m here in TEXAS sweating my a$$ off !

[@ratrodsafrica]

Ja, the weather is crazy!

[@gerard4444]

Super man, lekker bezig…😁❤️👍

[@paulsmith6002]

Looks good

[@nicolasstanley1392]

Such a comprehensive and relatable tutorial! Also, the plywood templates double as plasma cutting guides! You really are Gandalf, that’s magic! Why would a small shop ever need a cnc plasma with this method?

[@ratrodsafrica]

Exactly. Plasma table is nice but requires space and money!

[@kennethcroll6972]

a other great video Diff

[@fantomson5035]

Very cool

[@brittneykappes7952]

Ride coming along nicely

[@THE-BLACK-SNOWMEN]

Amazing channel guys

[@ratrodsafrica]

Thank you!