In what way do you recommend reinforcing the leaf springs?
I already have traction bars, and have on the advice of my mechanic removed
the Panhard rod, which I agree has too higher mounting point on the chassis
(it is interesting to note in Marcus Chambers' book 'Works Wonders', he
talks of the limited testing carried out on the Le Mans cars, and that "the
Panhard rod location was lowered 3in from what it had been at the Le Mans
test" during testing at Snetterton prior to the race!)
I believe it is quite common for welds on the chassis mounting point for the
Panhard rod to fail (mine did), so my worry is that the lateral forces that
were taken up by the Panhard rod will now be transmitted though to the
chassis through other suspension components (namely the springs and spring
hangers) which are designed for vertical loads! (and if these loads can
break the welds on the rod mounting...?) Although I would concede that
with a steep angle on the rod from axle to chassis any vertical movement of
the axle will create their own lateral loads through the rod and mountings,
separate from the cornering loads!
Warwick Jones
UK
-----Original Message-----
From: BMcgu22954@aol.com <BMcgu22954@aol.com>
To: gumby@connectexpress.com <gumby@connectexpress.com>;
tigers@autox.team.net <tigers@autox.team.net>; alpines@autox.team.net
<alpines@autox.team.net>
Date: 01 June 1998 03:56
Subject: Re: Fw: locating rear susp
>What you are describing is a Watts Link.
>Used on Le Mans Tigers, and numerous other racing applications.
>Described in Carroll Smiths' book "Tune To Win" in the section having to do
>with lateral location.
>In short, Mr. Smith does not think that the theoretical advantages of the
>Watts Link over the Panhard Rod are worth the extra complexity.
>The problem with the Tiger Panhard Rod is it's just too damn high.
>The roll center is where the Panhard Rod intersects with the vehicle
>centerline.
>If you remove the Panhard Rod and reinforce the leaf springs, the roll
center
>is at the centerline of the beam axle and the vehicle centerline.
>
>Bruce McGuire
>
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