Suspension- solid axle.

[6spdmalibu]

What is the best solid axle rear suspension setup from the factories over the years (past to present) for handling? Would it be a torque arm? 4 link? 3 link with a PHB or Watts? A Hochkiss?
Since there is such an abundance of knowledgeable PT owners. Thought this would be a good place to post. Also post why you think one is better over another design. Any and all manufacturers.

Thanks.
Jerry

[formula]

"the factories" meaning OEM setups?

[406 Q-ship]

I agree, are you talking OEM or what can be built and optimize? A good torque arm suspension with a PHB or better a Watts link to me is one of the best types of suspensions when a solid axle is employed. My next choice would be a 3 link with a Watts link or PHB something like the lastest generation of Mustang.

[Norm Peterson]

I might rate a good 3-link slightly ahead of a good torque arm, at least as far as the "simple" suspension arrangements are concerned. The 4th Gen F-body TA makes for an easy car to drive hard, as does the 3-link in the S197 Mustang.

More complex starts at the "decoupled torque arm" that gives you a large anti-squat value under acceleration and a small anti-lift value under braking (picture a torque arm under acceleration that's unrestrained in the "downward" direction and therefore allowed to drop out of the way to let an upper 3rd link become activated to handle the braking). It may be a more difficult arrangement to get sorted, though. Unbalanced Engineering has developed one of these for the 4th Gen F-body . . .


Norm

[6spdmalibu]

"the factories" meaning OEM setups?

Yes, OEM setups.

[BillyShope]

I don't think we need go beyond the early C-Type Jaguar with its asymmetric 3link. Its Le Mans performance should speak for its handling. The asymmetry helped to equalize rear tire loading as it accelerated out of the corners.
http://www.racetec.cc/shope

[6spdmalibu]

Bill

Where could I find more information on the C-Type rear suspension? The info on the inter-net is vague. Found a few of your write ups on the subject. Would like to view a few diagrams if at all possible? Or an example of a asymmetric 3 link.

Jerry

[BillyShope]

Bill

Where could I find more information on the C-Type rear suspension? The info on the inter-net is vague. Found a few of your write ups on the subject. Would like to view a few diagrams if at all possible? Or an example of a asymmetric 3 link.

Jerry

Jerry, I have a picture, but I'm reluctant to post it without copyright clearance.

Here's a description. Ignore the ring and pinion nonsense.
http://auto.howstuffworks.com/jaguar-c-type3.htm

Check out my site. I have quite a bit there on asymmetry.
http://www.racetec.cc/shope

[Norm Peterson]

Interesting that the Jaguar version started out as an upper wishbone.


Norm

[BillyShope]

Interesting that the Jaguar version started out as an upper wishbone.
Norm

Yes, it is. The Panhard they ended up with is really weird. As I pointed out in another forum, it looks more like the diagonal link used by dragracers with their competition 4links.
http://www.racetec.cc/shope