Modern Articulation

Post by **Megaman** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 7:33 pm

Since the is no mercedes section I had to post it here.

This is my wifes car displaying amazing flex.

whats with most 4x4 going Independant all round?

A few of the US rock crawlers are going the sameway.

Is it us that have it wrong lusting after portals?

I certainly hope not!

Post by **Slunnie** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 7:38 pm

Is that maxed out Megaman?

It would be interesting to see what ramp index it gets, not that it was designed for rock hopping.

Post by **Megaman** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 7:43 pm

the back wheel is actually in the air and it was trying to activate traction control to drive up a little further

Post by **Strange Rover** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 7:50 pm

I think the current independent suspension rangerover would have better flex. With the airbag suspension it connects the airbags side to side to give it solid axle type flex (ie when one wheel compresses it forces the opposite wheel down)

And the sole proponent of independent suspension Walker Evans has recently gone back to solid axles and has won the latest rcaa comp with it. It did very badly with the IS.

Sam

Post by **RUFF** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 7:56 pm

The US rockcrawlers tried it and it hasnt worked as they expected.
Look at Walker Evens. His rig was hopeless in IFS form yet he just won the RCAA event at Cedar City with his new Solid Axle set-up.

It has its merits but i doubt it will ever articulate well. This is the main reason Walker dropped the IFS set-up.

Post by **RUFF** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 7:59 pm

Shannon Campbell and Randy Ellis also tried it with no success.

Post by **Megaman** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 8:10 pm

walker evens rig you refer to is it the same one that is in june's Petersens 4wheel & offroad?

Post by **RUFF** » Wed Jul 16, 2003 8:23 pm

Yes thats the one. Those pics are old its now sporting Dyna Trak 60's.

Post by **grimbo** » Thu Jul 17, 2003 8:45 am

I don't think flex or lack of was the problem with Walkers truck. It seemed to come down to the feel it was giving in situations. With a solid axle susension you tend to get feedback thru the car on what is happening so you can usually sense when things are about too happen and it appeared that wasn't happening. It also didn't seem to put down enough traction which I suppose was due to the suspension not being forced as a solid axle would.

It does appear by some of the comments tho that he may still investigate the Independent suspension in the off season, this was just a quick fix (albeit highly successful) to get back into the standings

Post by **Dozoor** » Thu Jul 17, 2003 5:28 pm

This may sound wierd ,But i have a suspicion that the way they are using the i/sus is partly to blame , See if i can explian my thoughts - most guys tend to biuld there i/sus so that the wheels stay in an upright position thru the movement, I believe that within the r/crawling world the reason a a solid axle gains more traction then an equivelant travel I/S is the fact the wheels are in correct angle engagment with the terrian ,.Not all the time but a majority.
If i was to biuld independent, i would create a swing axle varity , where the wheels move in an arc as seen on the rear of early Vw , Of couse using an active suspension system to help with movement.
I think its the only way for an i/s system to work in our enviroment.
Could gain some central G/clearance as well. :roll:

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