Rear Suspension Link

[RickS.]

This all started on Doug Heim's Barracuda build thread where I was asked by Rorty to carry it on in another thread. I didn't want to start more crap on this forum. But after a number of PM's where I've been called idiot,
insecure failure, arrogant and a coward. Also accused of having an elitist American attitude. I do think I need to defend what I know to be true in regards to the rear link that Doug and I use. Here is a screen shot of how we determine the spot and I hope it becomes clear for some, that the spot is indeed an axis that runs the entire length of the buggy. (This is what Rorty seems to have a problem with. Him, as well as one of the most respected members on this site. According to Rorty that is.)
The link can even be added to the rear if that's how you chose to do it. It does add strength and will extend the life of all your rear a arm bushings.
If there is a way to post this autocad file on the site I will be happy to do so. If you PM me with your email I will send you the file. I can save it down to autocad LT version so anyone with autocad should be able to view it. The screenshot shows the drawing, but you really need to open it up in cad and study it to see the clear picture.
Rick S.

[hero_saku39]

Now that looks like some elite American engineering!!!!!!

[Bugpac]

You could also put tank tracks and guns on top to just blast anything out of the way, then extra support wouldnt be needed....

Anyhow, i see the sweet spot, cool, I can see you know wtf your talking about, not to stir up shit, but, can cad crash test this car, and see what happens to the rest of the car when the tire impacts something as doug did? I just can not see what he is trying to resolve, when you hit something you want give correct? And it usually costs money when this happens, Is the design to make an indestructible car? Good debate is what this site is all about, but knowing all and not being willing to debate ruins that for sure......

[masterfabr]

Am I the only one here that thinks that if you need that extra link that it would be simpler to just delete the center one and get the same benefit at less complexity? Maybe I'm missing something here.

[Pacman]

I think what he's trying to resolve is the amount of damage that happens when you do hit something.....we all saw the video of the crash that Doug had.....and we saw what got busted up....just the upright....without that forward link he would most likely would have had to build new a-arms and or chassis mount tabs......plus if the a-arm was bent.....what would have happened to the axles? Bent them? Humped up a CV? What if he had a $2500 FNR box and one of the axles got driven into it......I think it's a great idea....very inexpensive and easy to do and the benefits are many.

[masterfabr]

I didn't explain that very well .What I meant was why not just space the lower a-arm mounts further apart?

[hero_saku39]

Originally Posted by masterfabr\";p=\&quot

I didn't explain that very well .What I meant was why not just space the lower a-arm mounts further apart?

That still won't be as strong as another atachment point. *

[Pacman]

Originally Posted by masterfabr\";p=\&quot

Am I the only one here that thinks that if you need that extra link that it would be simpler to just delete the center one and get the same benefit at less complexity? Maybe I'm missing something here.

No...not exactly....I think you mean to use "links" instead of the a-arms? Correct? If you do that then the forward link has to be beefed up and redesigned to help position the hub carrier/upright which is what the a-arms are doing now......all the forward link is doing is counteracting a force that wants to twist the a-arm backwards....ie: hitting a tree!

[hero_saku39]

I think there is another issue here that needs to be addressed.

[Pacman]

Originally Posted by masterfabr\";p=\&quot

I didn't explain that very well .What I meant was why not just space the lower a-arm mounts further apart?

And you would need to lengthen the back of the chassis..... as it is now the mounts are right at the back and right up next to the engine compartment....