design programs

[GRNOVA]

Trying to find a program to design(redesign) my rear susp set up. I have no background in modeling. Is there something out there for inexperienced designers?

[Bryce]

google sketch up, HAHA.

Are you trying to model everything or do you want to just see suspension geometry.

I like performance trends for geometry, as well as a few online calculators. I have also created my own excel spreadsheet 3-link and 4-link calculators.

If you want to just model it the solidworks is a great option. It can also do kinematics to check for bind. This can cost up to $10K. Do you know any students?

[GRNOVA]

Just the Geometry trying to re design my 4 link and want to see if it is possible. Running a Dana60 so I cannot weld to the housing.

[Bryce]

Tim,

I would check out billy shoppe's website. He has some good calculators. Otherwise download the free sample of performance trends.

[ErikLS2]

Is SketchUp good for anything? What about SketchUp Pro for $500?

[Rhino]

If you have excel, you may give this (http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=204893) spreadsheet a shot. Simple to use, cheap, and also lets you look at how the suspension reacts through it's travel.

[GRNOVA]

Thank you just watched a few demos of Soildworks. That program looks nice!

[BigBlockOlds]

Is SketchUp good for anything? What about SketchUp Pro for $500?

Sketch Up is more for the Architecture industry however you can do other modeling with. The thing about Sketch UP is that it's technically not a 3D program but rather a surface modeler.

There's really no difference between the free version and Pro version other than Pro let's you print/save larger file sizes as well as convert to more file types. Namely .dwg's and .dxf's.

If you need to model a part, it's actually not too bad. I've modled plenty of parts for my car in it so I could try to work out the design bugs.