Outer Limits 4x4 Board

I was looking under a late 60s model Mercedes sedan last night (as you do) and noticed it had an interesting independent rear setup that looked like it could have some possibilities. It is bascially a diff that has been cut next to the pumpkin and hinges from there. Each end is suspended with springs and links but there is also a spring running across the top of the diff to control the centre pivoting.

I have done a basic drawing of what I'm talking about. I hope this is all as clear as mud

To me that is definately mud...


Is that not independent which we all love soo much?

even less clearance than normal independant
cuz of the low set pumpkin and axeltubes.

whack


mock

It is independent but from the looks of it it appeared that it could articulate like a straight axle but with the added benefit of the independents on road ride.

If you where after a more capable independant set-up I guess it would be good, maybe for a tourer?

But for a real 4WD solid is almost the only way to go isnt it...

What stops the axles from tucking under when its being given a hard time( like the old VW's and Corvairs) and putting the vehicle onto its roof?

Not entirely true about a real 4wd solid is the only way, different courses for different horses.

I just thought it was an interesting setup that was different to what i had seen before

Slunnie wrote:What stops the axles from tucking under when its being given a hard time( like the old VW's and Corvairs) and putting the vehicle onto its roof?

It has 2 links that I could see and I'd imagine it would have at least one more somewhere (couldn't see much as it was under the car)

similar to F truck/bronco front suspension, except they don't have s spring across the top of the diff, but yeah they do have the pumpkin on one side and a swing setup.

I can't see that it has any advantage over a straight axle setup.

Have a look at a Pinzgauer, they do a fix diff with independent solid side axles.

http://www.pinzgauer.uk.com/Construction.htm

diferance being that it has portals,
to make up the clerance.

grimbo wrote:It is independent but from the looks of it it appeared that it could articulate like a straight axle but with the added benefit of the independents on road ride.

me thinks, if its doing the independent thing, ti wont work like a solid axel cuz there is no way of forceing it.

each end of the axel being independant of each other

ljxtreem wrote:me thinks, if its doing the independent thing, ti wont work like a solid axel cuz there is no way of forceing it.

each end of the axel being independant of each other

if the spring rate of the top horizontal spring was firmer than what was required to lift the sprung weight of the side that wants to travel down it would.

Wendle wrote:

ljxtreem wrote:me thinks, if its doing the independent thing, ti wont work like a solid axel cuz there is no way of forceing it.

each end of the axel being independant of each other

if the spring rate of the top horizontal spring was firmer than what was required to lift the sprung weight of the side that wants to travel down it would.

I agree, it would force, but independently, not because the oposite side is compressing.
If the hoizontal spring was firmer, then it would lift the car, causing weird camber and toe in(also because the steering would have to be independant)


mock

grimbo wrote:Not entirely true about a real 4wd solid is the only way, different courses for different horses.

I just thought it was an interesting setup that was different to what i had seen before

I'm with you grimbo. One of my fav rock crawlers has independant front and rear.

hmmm, maybe it would force,
but your still held back by the steering

Mock