Jon-
Well there is alot that goes into designing a suspension. This is what
my buddy and I do. He has a full time off-road shop. It really isn't
something you can just read about and do. Alot of things are trial and
error.
We have a design for a ifs rock buggy. But it will cost to much for use
to build!!
I spent lots on my front solid axle in my Dakota. but you need some good
working knowledge of suspensions first.
I'm not trying to discourage you. I love the do it yourself!!! Nothing
more satisfying than doing a job yourself.
For spring rates, you need to weigh each corner of the truck. Subtract
what you take off after that, then add what you will be putting back on.
This will give you your spring rate. Go to racerunners web site, I think
they give you all the specifics.
Let me know if I can help, it gets hard to explain things sometime, but
I will do my best.
Tom
Jon wrote:
>
> Just wondering if anyone might happen to know of any good resources
>for information about solid front axles? Books, magazines, web sites,
>etc. I already did a web search, but didn't come up with anything.
>
> Basically what I am looking for is information which would be
>useful to someone looking to design a solid front axle suspsension
>from the ground up, or transplanting a solid front axle into a formerly
>IFS equipped vehicle. Things like, the best way to mount the axle
>locating bars on a coil over suspension so as to prevent binding and
>increase articulation, how to select the proper coil over or leaf
>spring for a particular weight and intended use, same thing for
>shocks, etc.
>
> I saw a magazine about sand rails in the newsstand once that had
>all sorts of information like this for the long travel IFS suspensions
>they use - talked about the arcs of the A arms, camber, etc. I'm
>basically looking for the same info but for solid front axles.
>(I would also be interested in similar info for solid rear axles.)
>
> Essentially what I want this info for is I have a feeling that some
>day, in one capacity or another, I am going to be involved in a solid
>front axle swap and would like to know more about them, but also, a long
>term goal of mine is to build a custom tube frame vehicle with some
>serious off roading ability. (think: downsized Scoripion or a 4x4 go-kart
>on steroids) ;-) I have the basic tools and ability to tackle either of
>these projects, but no theoretical background or experience. I'm hoping
>to fill that void. I realize that a properly designed and executed
>IFS would probably be more capable than a solid front axle, but I
>envision such a system to be much more expensive and involved than
>what I need.
>
> Anybody know of anything that might help?
>
> Thanks!
>
> -Jon-
>
> .---- Jon Steiger ------ jon@dakota-truck.net or jon@jonsteiger.com ------.
> | I'm the: AOPA, DoD, EAA, NMA, NRA, SPA, USUA. Rec & UL Pilot - SEL |
> | 70 Cuda, 90 Dak 'vert, 92 Ram 4x4, 96 Dak, 96 Intruder 1400, 96 FireFly |
> `------------------------------------------ http://www.jonsteiger.com ----'
>
>
>
>
>
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