Tech Talk: Anti-Dive & Roll Center
ANTI-DIVE: So with tech topic about instant center and anti-squat we have the reverse to consider. The same geometry that affects acceleration, also goes into deceleration (braking). The exact opposite reaction will happen during braking. If your instant center is on the anti-squat line the car should remain relatively flat during braking. If you move forward or aft of that line, then body movement will start to happen which may or may not be ideal. As with everything in the suspension world a balance is needed. The suspension that has the right balance for the conditions will always be more…
Tech Talk: Instant Center
A common term thrown around in the suspension and chassis world is instant center. What the heck is it and what does it mean? Instant center is located by drawing an imaginary line through the upper suspension links to where it intersects with a similar imaginary line drawn through the lower links. Think of instant center as the pivot or hinge point of the suspension at a specific given ride height. If you were to replace all the arms (say a front suspension), or all the links (in say a 4 link rear) with 1 big arm, where would that…
Tech Talk: Rear Suspension Types
Ok, so its probably necessary at this point to discuss a little about suspension design, We’ll start with solid rear axle suspensions because that’s what most of us have and there are many designs, and so much confusion about the how and why for each setup. Each type of suspension has its own inherent pros and cons, and each style can be analyzed and discussed enough to write an entire book, so this will be a brief overview of each explaining its components and uses. On its most basic level a suspension suspends the vehicle above the tires (maybe that’s…