Leaf spring old school

[geometryjeff]

OK; this is what I have learned from my studies ("Chassis Design Principals and Analysis"). The leaf set up is referred as the Hotchkiss rear axle. From the book: "Generally the Hotchkiss rear axle is free from any tendency for the axle to yaw when pushed laterally. This is true if the springs are parallel and if we ignor the roll steer effects. It is not true where the springs converge forward as shown.... In this case there is evidently a lateral deflection oversteer." There is also mention that by converging springs toward the rear, the expected result is lateral deflection understeer; but no data was given. With respects to the angle created by a line between the axle and the front spring eye and a line on the ground, it is perferred to have the angle slightly pointing down toward the front of the car for a rear roll understeer condition. Granted, this science is 60 years old, but isn't science, science.
My goal is to have several points of adjustment in the rear suspension and spend some troubleshooting time behind the wheel (in a safe environment - not any side street). Studies also have been done on rear suspension geometry effects on braking which are equally important to the total package. Thanks for all the input. I'll post results when I get there.