Independent single trailing arm suspension w/lateral links
Independent single trailing arm suspension w/lateral links
(OP)
Hi,
Could anyone point me in the direction of some paper or analysis of the automotive rear suspension with the following characteristics:
- single independent longitudinal radius arm w/rigidly attached hub carrier (knuckle), (NOT 4-link!)
- upper and lower, un-equal length links, semi-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the car
- shock/spring inclined inboard 15 degrees and attached to the knuckle/lower link pivot point
This is a layout of the rear suspension on the Lotus Esprit cars.
As per OEM design, the upper and lower links are non-parallel, see picture.
The top link outboard mounting attachment/pivot to the hub carrier is located rearward of the lower link pivot.
The top link inboard pivot is attached to the chassis forward of the lower link center line, so they form an "X" in plan view.
To reduce bind,WHAT IF, we make the upper link "more parallel" to the lower link?
This can be accomplished by moving the upper link outboard pivot slightly forward and inboard one to the rear (no more than 1/2")?
MY CONCERN: By introducing above described changes, how the anti-squat geometry of the rear suspension may be affected?
Mater artium necessitas
Could anyone point me in the direction of some paper or analysis of the automotive rear suspension with the following characteristics:
- single independent longitudinal radius arm w/rigidly attached hub carrier (knuckle), (NOT 4-link!)
- upper and lower, un-equal length links, semi-perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the car
- shock/spring inclined inboard 15 degrees and attached to the knuckle/lower link pivot point
This is a layout of the rear suspension on the Lotus Esprit cars.
As per OEM design, the upper and lower links are non-parallel, see picture.
The top link outboard mounting attachment/pivot to the hub carrier is located rearward of the lower link pivot.
The top link inboard pivot is attached to the chassis forward of the lower link center line, so they form an "X" in plan view.
To reduce bind,WHAT IF, we make the upper link "more parallel" to the lower link?
This can be accomplished by moving the upper link outboard pivot slightly forward and inboard one to the rear (no more than 1/2")?
MY CONCERN: By introducing above described changes, how the anti-squat geometry of the rear suspension may be affected?
Mater artium necessitas





RE: Independent single trailing arm suspension w/lateral links
My initial concern stemmed from the observation that making links "more parallel" reduces the forward reaction at the upper link hub carrier joint (R1<Ro) AND it probably affects rear Caster (?). Question is how...
Mater artium necessitas
RE: Independent single trailing arm suspension w/lateral links
contact patchwheel centre (late edit).The Australian Ford Falcon Control Blade IRS has similar properties, albeit with another lateral link and a compliant longitudinal link.
Cheers
Greg Locock
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RE: Independent single trailing arm suspension w/lateral links
The toe behaviour with suspension movement away from whatever ride height has the lateral links horizontal could be interesting. Toe-out is bad ...
RE: Independent single trailing arm suspension w/lateral links
Mater artium necessitas