When it comes to chassis work and tuning for either ultimate handling or quicker dragstrip 60-foot times, an adjustable shock absorber is virtually a given. With so many variables in suspension, tires, and traction surfaces, the ultimate in chassis performance requires the flexibility of an adjustable shock absorber. There are basically two types of adjustable shocks: single adjustable and double adjustable.
A new player in the adjustable shock absorber arena is a company created as part of Chris Alston's Chassisworks called VariShock. As you might guess, VariShock offers three kinds of shocks: Quickset non-adjustables, Quickset 1 single, and Quickset 2 double adjustable shocks. Within the single adjustable style, the VariShocks QuickSet 1 adjusts both the bump (compression) and rebound (extension) simultaneously with a total of 14 different adjustment settings on a single external knob found at the base of the shock.
The double adjustable Quickset 2 shocks offer the freedom to adjust bump and rebound separately. With 16 settings for each system, we're talking about 256 different possible adjustments. Within the VariShocks lineup for bolt-on OEM replacements for most of the popular body styles, you have the option of either QuickSet 1 or QuickSet 2 shocks. Plus, the complete VariShocks lineup is available with external threads for use in coilover applications. Finally, there is a VariShock ShockWave airbag system as well.
All this adjustability doesn't come cheap. The bolt-on single adjustable shocks run $354 a pair, while the double adjustable versions are $628 for the pair. If you're looking for the kind of handling and traction performance that exceeds the norm, this is a good place to start.
