Newb with Questions about New Build

[curleysracecars]

Hey all,
Very long time lurker here(actually thought I was registered years ago, but my login didnt work, so maybe I wasnt). I have built many drag cars, and am finally doing a car for myself. It started as a basic project, "clean it up a little, and drive it", then I got into it more, and now its a shell ready for all new components. The car is '64 Ford Fairlane, original 6 cylinder/auto car. The overall goal is a nice street cruiser that handles well, using SLA up front and leafs in the rear. I dont see myself having time to put it on the track much, if at all, but we all know the "I wish I would have..." moments.

Long story short, I have done a bunch of reading here on PT, as well as CC and other forums who seem to have trustworthy information. I have also read Puhn's book multiple times. I really enojy the kinematics and understanding how everything works. Reading Sutton's threads are ah-inspiring to me, and I have done so numerous times. Lately am wondering if I am worrying about things that may or may not be relevant to what I am trying to accomplish here.
With the lack of engine bay space, I debated whether to trim back the shock towers and leave the older spring over upper control suspension, or if I should do away with the stock style suspension in exchange for a SLA type setup. I have decided with the SLA, to gain much needed header clearance, as well as being able to tweak certain things, and also gain R&P steering. I read many threads about the Mustang II suspensions not being the best for handling, but then assumed I could move some things around to make the platform better. At that point, Im not sure it is still considered a MII suspension, but rather simply using MII spindles. I am having a hard time grasping how to put a value on everything about the car, before anything is built yet. Things like CG, how much roll the car will experience, etc. seems difficult to guesstimate in order to build the car around specific parameters. When building a more than average, but not a racecar, what key things should be looked at, and what other suspension related topics could possibly be forgotten about(if any)??

Using Solidworks, I have moved some points around, and gotten what appears to be a pretty decent camber curve. At 1" of bump, Im gaining .85°, 2" is another 1.03°(1.88 total), and at 3" of bump I am at a total of 3.07° of camber. At 1" of rebound, I am losing .72°, 2" is 1.28°, and finally at 3" of rebound I am losing 1.69° of negative camber. Does this seem reasonable? I completely understand there are variances within all builds, and dont expect a "perfect" type of response. However, overall would most agree this is a decent starting point?

Where would one prefer to have the roll center? Again, I know it is a loaded question with many answers. I also understand the closer it is to the CG, the less leverage it is has on trying to roll the car when in a corner. Currently, it is at 2.28" off the ground at static ride height.

Lastly, a couple questions about leaf springs. Reading Puhns book, he implies that a mounted leaf spring with both front and rear mounts being the same distance off the ground would be an ideal setup, as it eliminates roll steer. Everywhere I have looked people discuss this to some degree, usually implying the a longer rear shackle can help get the spring closer to this orientation. I am fortunate enough to be able to put my front spring hanger pretty much anywhere I want. I am putting a dropped tubular crossmember in that region(that subframe connectors will tie into), and have laser cut brackets with 5 different mounting holes to use for the front spring eye. Am I correct in assuming that I would want the front and rear mounting points of the leaf spring to be the same height off the ground? Also, is it assumed that a 2.5" wide leaf spring is always better than a 2" spring? I am debating on making my own stack, or having some new ones made...but also wondering if I go with 2" leafs, if I should make the mounting points 2.5" wide and use spacers on each side of the spring so that I could always go to a 2.5" spring in the future. Good idea?



I have a laser, press brake, CNC machines, etc. which makes the building possibilities nearly endless, but I am trying to keep this build away from sinking years and years and $$$$ into. Im more after a better than average nice street car that will handle well.

Sorry for the long story...I tried to keep it short. Im hoping the crowd here isnt too hard on the newbs. I swear I was a member a few years ago...maybe new servers or something?? Nonetheless, I am a long time member of YellowBullet...and I am not sure there is a rougher crowd when it comes to newbs. Thanks in advance to anyone with any advice!

[curleysracecars]

Please move to suspension forum. Didnt realize all the good forums were at the bottom.