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QA1 Wireless Suspension Install - Shock TreatmentGetting your 'Stang's Suspension under Remote Control with QA1 From the March, 2012 issue of 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords By KJ Jones Photography by KJ Jones
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The wireless-remote controller... The wireless-remote controller for QA1's Remote Adjustment System has a range of about 3-5 feet. Letters displayed on the remote's screen represent each channel in the four-channel system we installed on our '02 project Mustang, and the numbers that are the compression and rebound settings (clicks) for air adjusters (for double-adjustable dampers) that highlight the system. Compression and rebound adjustments basically manage how fast or slowly dampers control the springs' energy. Given the broad range of Mustang platforms that 5.0 Mustang & Super Fords covers each month, it only makes sense that members of our team have at least one Pony from each genre that occasionally can be called on for use as test subjects in our reports. We once again call on our in-house '02 GT for installation and review of a seriously cool suspension upgrade from QA1 Precision Products. The QA1 Wireless Remote Adjustment System (PN RA401) is a slick new unit that enables drivers to make changes to shock and strut compression/rebound settings via a handheld, wireless controller (from the cockpit of a 'Stang, or as far as 3-5 feet away). Why is this relevant, you ask? As you know, Mustangs typically see action on the street, as well as in various forms of motorsports. Over the years, we've learned there are certain suspension settings that allow us to push 'Stangs to their limit in all of these disciplines, and those settings are attained by using springs of specific pressure ratings, as well as shocks and struts that feature varying amounts of compression/rebound valving. For a long time, the project... For a long time, the project Pony's slammed stance has made loading the car on a twin-post hoist a bit challenging as the lift's arms cannot be positioned properly. Race Ramps' Trak-Jax (PN RR-TJ-S; $111.95) ramps definitely have made this early step much easier. The ramps provide 3 inches of lift, just enough to get the hoists arms or a low-profile service jack below the chassis without any problem. Note the cool little stopper bump at the end of the ramp. The bumps definitely ease the mind of any driving-over-the-edge paranoia! To quickly differentiate for you, a Mustang's springs (standard coil springs or coilovers) basically absorb the wheels' vibrations and control the amount of weight transfer (front to back and side to side) required for optimum road handling. The springs also determine a Pony's all-important ride height by supporting the body at pre-set levels or at variable heights that can be dialed in by adjusting the coilover systems up or down. A Mustang's rear shock absorbers and front struts, collectively known as dampers, isolate road shock from the 'Stang's cockpit by turning the springs' kinetic energy into heat energy, which, in turn, dissipates through hydraulic fluid in the dampers. Think of dampers as twin-tube spring controllers that feature single piston/rod combinations which are placed inside fluid-filled pressure tubes. Secondary outside tubes store excess fluid. In a nutshell, the fluid actually controls/slows the shocks' piston speed, which ultimately controls the speed at which weight is transferred after you've driven over a bumpy surface. Depending on the shocks' valving (a calibrated rate for the amount of fluid that passes through the pistons), this speed control results in a soft or firm ride. Up front, struts function in similar fashion as rear shocks. However, they also perform like springs because they actually support a 'Stang's weight, too. After making a note of our... After making a note of our Mustang's ride height (26-1/4 inches at all four points), then removing the negative battery cable and raising the 'Stang, Source Interlink Media Tech Center boss Grant Peterson removes the rear shocks first. You'll note we mentioned that QA1's new suspension deal makes compression/rebound adjustments possible via wireless technology. Before we get deeper into that, it's important for us to explain these two suspension inputs. Compression is the piston's downward movement, which is when hydraulic fluid is compressed into the chamber below the piston. Conversely, rebound happens when the piston reaches the top of the pressure tube and pushes fluid into the chamber above the piston. Shocks and struts typically have greater resistance during the rebound cycle. So it's compression that typically is the critical setting on a Mustang's rear suspension, while rebound is most important at the front end. QA1's adjustable shocks and struts for late-model Mustangs are highlighted by knobs that are manually clicked clockwise or counterclockwise to achieve valving changes. Single-adjustable pieces have one knob, and compression and rebound change are made simultaneously (based on results of tests made by QA1's engineers that determined what optimal damping is for drag racing, a nice ride, smooth handling, and so on). Double-adjustable dampers have two knobs, which control compression and rebound individually, allowing a near-infinite amount of fine-tuning for various driving styles and disciplines. Making manual shock-setting changes is a somewhat labor-intensive process that involves (in some cases) crawling underneath a Mustang in order to reach the adjustment hardware. The actual act of putting clicks in or taking clicks out of QA1 shocks isn't difficult, but when you have to do it several times in an effort to achieve the optimum ride, it's a safe bet that making changes can become a mundane job. QA1 has now simplified this process (and actually made it sort of fun) with its all-new Remote Adjustment System, available for two-channel (one-knob) and four-channel (two-knob) shocks and struts. The Remote Adjustment System gives enthusiasts 18 levels of adjustment per channel, which ultimately equates to thousands and thousands (100,000, according to QA) of valving calibrations that all can be made from the driver seat!  The rear-shock replacement...  The rear-shock replacement features this set of QA1's Stocker Star Series (PN TD707; $287.95) dampers. The aluminum, double-adjustable shocks have a 13-inch compressed height and 201/2-inch extended height, and come with a complete set of replacement hardware that includes steel inserts for the lower mount.  The rear-shock replacement...  The rear-shock replacement features this set of QA1's Stocker Star Series (PN TD707; $287.95) dampers. The aluminum, double-adjustable shocks have a 13-inch compressed height and 20-1/2-inch extended height, and come with a complete set of replacement hardware that includes steel inserts for the lower mount.  This photo shows you the difference...  This photo shows you the difference between a single-adjustable shock (on the right) and QA1's double-adjustable shock. As you see, the DA features separate knobs that are used for changing the compression and rebound valving. With the single-adjustable piece, adjustments are made with an Allen wrench, which is used to turn adjuster screws clockwise at the top of the shocks (to tighten) or counter-clockwise (to loosen). So are you wondering how in the world this is possible? Well, the trick in this deal is fairly simple. Damper adjustments are accomplished with commands transmitted by a handheld wireless remote to the system's trunk-mounted, air-management processor and air pump. It's all out of sight, relatively quiet, and cool. As you can imagine, after hearing about a setup like this, we definitely were hot to get our hands on one and bolt it on our test Pony. Everything finally came together in the summer of 2011 at the Source Interlink Media Tech Center in El Segundo, California, where the shop's stalwart foreman, Grant Peterson, installed all the QA1 gear on our trusty '02. Our install includes the double-adjustable/four-channel damper system, coilovers up front, and caster/camber plates. Take a look at the included photos, which highlight some of the details on this new shock technology from QA1 Precision Products. All of the hardware, as well as the Remote Adjustment System itself, is available for '79-to-present Mustangs. They definitely bring a new dynamic to the concept of adjusting a 'Stang's suspension for maximum performance for any given use or driving condition. 5.0 Horse Sense: The '02 Mustang GT in your tech editor's vast collection of vehicles (it's actually KJ's wife's car) has hosted a few different drivetrain variations, and served as a test bed for suspension and brake combinations, too. Consistently using this Mustang for such tests has allowed us to build a good database of various products' installation characteristics, overall performance, similarities and differences, and so on, when they're applied to the same car. Of course, we understand the concept that no two Mustangs are the same must be taken into account. However, for the most part, using Crystal Jones' "Black Beauty" has provided other New Edge owners and 'Stangbangers in general with an ongoing project they can identify with.  The rear shocks bolt directly...  The rear shocks bolt directly in place without any modifications to the OEM mounting points.  One thing to be sure about...  One thing to be sure about when using the QA1 Remote Adjustable System is that the single- or double-adjustable shocks are outfitted with the correct adjusters. The wireless unit is only compatible with new-style, modular adjusters, which are standard on dampers made after April 2010, and can be identifed by removing the knob and confirming there is a stainless-steel hex. Once adjusters are confirmed, Grant replaces both knobs with aluminum air cylinders.  With the rear shocks installed,...  With the rear shocks installed, swapping the front struts is our next order of business.  The QA1 front-strut equipment...  The QA1 front-strut equipment is shown here. The dampers (PN HD603; $374.95) have 14.62-inch compressed height and 20.87-inch extended height, and are designed for use with QA1's coilover kit (PN COK102; $59.95). Note that springs must be selected based on the primary way you intend to drive your Mustang. For our setup (daily driving, occasional drag racing), a set of 14-inch 175 (rate) coilovers were selected.  The QA1 front-strut equipment...  The QA1 front-strut equipment is shown here. The dampers (PN HD603; $374.95) have 14.62-inch compressed height and 20.87-inch extended height, and are designed for use with QA1's coilover kit (PN COK102; $59.95). Note that springs must be selected based on the primary way you intend to drive your Mustang. For our setup (daily driving, occasional drag racing), a set of 14-inch 175 (rate) coilovers were selected.  Caster/camber plates (PN CC104MU;...  Caster/camber plates (PN CC104MU; $199.95) are required whenever QA1 coilover struts are installed. The ability to adjust camber eliminates the possibility of experiencing excessive tire wear that is common when Mustangs are lowered.  Like the rear shocks, DA struts...  Like the rear shocks, DA struts (right) feature separate adjusters for compression and rebound. As you see in this photo, air cylinders have been installed. Changes for single-adjustables are made at the top of a strut using a small, flat-blade screwdriver.  QA1 includes Torington bearing...  QA1 includes Torington bearing rings for the lower spring perches, in addition to the bearings that typically are found sandwiched between thrust washers at the top of a coilover assembly. The bearings help reduce friction between the spring and perch when spring preload or ride-height adjustments are made.  Spindle spacers also are required...  Spindle spacers also are required for QA1 strut installations (one spacer on each side of the strut). They're included with the dampers, as are the 2-1/4-inch bolts that replace the OEM strut fasteners.  Here is one half of the new...  Here is one half of the new front coilover strut assembly. Note the thin, brown film that's just visible below the spring seat. That's antiseize, which is applied on both struts to reduce friction and the chance of galling the aluminum strut barrels when adjusting the springs.  The QA1 Remote Adjustable...  The QA1 Remote Adjustable System (PN RA201/two-channel and RA401/four-channel) is comprised of just a few pieces, the critical components being an air compressor (left), a controller box that dirverts the appropriate amount of air to each damper (right), and a wireless remote-control box. A plentiful supply of air line, T-fittings, and air cylinders also are included. Additional wire may be necessary as mounting locations for these components can vary from 'Stang to 'Stang.  Here is a look at how air...  Here is a look at how air lines for the four-channel kit layout. Plumbing the system takes a bit of time, but it all really does come together per this diagram, so there aren't any surprises at any point during installation.  The trunk probably is the...  The trunk probably is the best location for mounting the air compressor and controller. Using self-tapping fasteners, Grant zaps the pump in place along the passenger-side quarter-panel.  Air cylinders feature push-to-connect...  Air cylinders feature push-to-connect fittings for the air lines. A tube cutter is supplied with the system and is used to ensure the lines all are cut cleanly. When installing air lines, push each line only 3/8-inch into a fitting, or until there is slight resistance. From there, the line only needs 3/8-inch additional to confirm a secure fit. Whenever one or more lines are removed, air pressure must be completely vented from the system.  Supplied T-style fittings...  Supplied T-style fittings are used for linking air lines throughout the system.  It's important to make sure...  It's important to make sure air lines are routed so they won't kink or bend at any point between the dampers and air controller. Our '02 Mustang's Panhard bar serves as the perfect anchor for transferring line from the left shock over to the right side of the car.  As we've mentioned in previous...  As we've mentioned in previous articles, we're strong proponents of passing wires and lines through natural holes in a Mustang's body/chassis. The opening on the back side of the fuel-filler is a useable alley for moving air lines into the trunk. A small cut in the rubber isolator boot is the only non-natural opening required.  Air lines for the four-channel...  Air lines for the four-channel system are designated as A, B, C, and D and are plugged into their corresponding ports on the controller.  Regardless of the close proximity...  Regardless of the close proximity of the air compressor and air controller, QA1 requires using a minimum of 5 feet of air hose between the two devices. Wiring is straightforward; the system operates on a 12-volt/15-amp (minimum) ignition-based source. Of course, a good ground also is necessary.  Once air lines and wires are...  Once air lines and wires are connected and secured (we use zip-ties to control the 5 feet of hose between the two air devices), the OEM trunk panels are reinstalled.  Fabian of A&A Tires and Wheels...  Fabian of A&A Tires and Wheels in Reseda, California, sets the wheel alignment on our 'Stang before we put the QA1 Remote Adjustment System through its paces. Camber affects a 'Stang's handling; negative camber is what we look for to improve grip when cornering. As drag racing probably is the most-popular form of non-street driving activity for 'Stangbangers, the key information to know is that zero camber is the best setting for straight-line handling. At zero camber, the tires' tread is flat against the track surface. For the uninitiated enthusiasts who are reading this, when the top of the wheel is farther out than the bottom, the front end has excessive positive camber. Conversely, if the bottom of the wheel is farther out than the top, negative camber is dominant. For high-speed romps, caster settings should be positive by 6-8 degrees. Steering may tighten up some, but positive caster definitely helps ensure your Pony ride will be stable at the top end. The Remote Adjustable Systems... The Remote Adjustable Systems Highway mode is the first setting we tried. QA1's pre-set rear valving for this mode (channels C and D) is a bit firm on SoCal's concrete 405 Freeway. We cranked rebound up a bit until a smoother ride was achieved.
While installing QA1 Precision Products' suspension pieces and Remote Adjustment System is a relatively simple effort, using the wireless-remote device to change damper settings (with air) is even easier, as the updates can be made any time the system is powered up. The wireless-remote system allows drivers to command an air compressor to add and remove compression/rebound in each damper (channel A/channel B for front; channel C/channel D for rear). The unit is pre-programmed with six baseline valving calibrations for several popular driving styles and conditions, but one of the features we really like about the setup is that it allows drivers to edit the templates on the fly, and change a Mustang's ride quality in an instant. We enjoyed having a great opportunity to play with the system on our '02 Mustang GT, prior to its actual release. Hopefully, this newness from QA1 is available now. If it is and suspension performance is one of your main interests in this hobby, the kit definitely is a cool upgrade to think about for your Pony.  Cruise is QA1's approximated...  Cruise is QA1's approximated setting for basic street driving. While this selection did not require any tweaking per our taste, the beauty of the Remote Adjustable System is that shock calibrations literally can be changed while you're driving, and there are thousands of combinations to try.  Of course, Drag Race valving...  Of course, Drag Race valving had to be tested. Since we were unable to get to the dragstrip, one of SoCal's known hooking boulevards was used for practice launches. The non-scientific test gave us a good idea of how well the suspension transferred the Mustang's weight from front-to-rear, and the preset QA1 formula actually does pretty well on the street. With adequate time, playing around with this setting will result in excellent starting-line performance.  Once a damper program is selected,...  Once a damper program is selected, the wireless controller is stored on the sun visor, using a clip that is included.
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Brute Industries/Race Ramps
1930 N. Lincoln Rd
Escanaba
MI
49829
866-646-2788
www.raceramps.com
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QA-1
21730 Hanover Ave.
Lakeville
MN
5504
800-721-7761
www.qa1.net
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