I do not know why this didn't show up on the list (leastways I never saw
it), I sent it days ago. Anyway, I thought I'd resend it just in case
anyone gave a damn. :-)
-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Re: Victor Goes Toyota?
Date: Fri, 27 Sep 2002 23:15:50 -0700
From: Marc Sayer <marc@gracieland.org>
To: datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net
References: <NDBBLEANELGJHMJPOPFGEEFKDCAA.gsglasgow@attbi.com>
Gordon Glasgow wrote:
> A Panhard rod keeps the axle from moving side-to-side during cornering.
>
> Gordon Glasgow
> Renton, WA
Well, at least it stabilizes and defines the side-to-side motion. :-) It
is very hard on anything but an all out race car to get a Panhard rod
that is long enough, and/or to have limited enough suspension travel, to
not actually induce some side-to-side motion with a Panhard rod. It is
also tough to build a mount that is really stiff enough to actually
control motion and not allow some flexing, especially on the long side.
If your suspension only moves an inch or so, and your car will allow a
bar that is a good 2-3 ft long or more, they aren't too bad. Otherwise
they probably cause as much grief as they solve. The fixed end (or
pivoting end) of the rod is attached to the chassis, and the moving end
is attached to the axle. The moving end describes an arc as the axle
goes up and down. The arc has a radius equal to the length of the rod,
and parallel with the centerline of the rod. If the rod is perfectly
horizontal the induced side-to-side motion will be symmetrical in
compression and rebound, that is, the axle will always move toward the
fixed or pivoting end, whether the suspension is moving in compression
or rebound. If the rod isn't perfectly horizontal, the induced
side-to-side movement of the axle will not be symmetrical in compression
and rebound, and the rear end can get to feel a bit weird. And, because
the rod is attached to the axle well off-center, body roll can induce
side-to-side axle motion.
Panhard rods define the rear roll center too (any side-to-side location
device does, essentially the roll center is always where the device
crosses the centerline of the car), which can often be a problem with a
rod that isn't well designed. You can end up raising the rear roll
center several inches if you are not careful.
A better solution would be a Watts link, or even an A arm. I prefer
the A arm approach myself. It's simpler and also helps control other
motions of the axle. The Panhard is favored for its low cost and
simplicity more than its superior function.
--
Marc Sayer
Journalist, Photographer, Dog Trainer (APDT member #062956)
Passions -
Great Danes, auto racing and fast cars, my wife
Dogs -
Gracie, Tank, Delilah, PJ, & the rescue dogs
Cars -
82 280ZX Turbo, 83 Volvo 245, 93 Ford E150 Tow/dog van
71 510 Trans Am vintage racer, homebuilt Formula V
My Homepage - http://gracieland.org
Deaf Dane Rescue Homepge - http://gracieland.org/DaneRescue/
Any Dane at the races is a Great Dane!
--
Marc Sayer
Journalist, Photographer, Dog Trainer (APDT member #062956)
Passions -
Great Danes, auto racing and fast cars, my wife
Dogs -
Gracie, Tank, Delilah, PJ, & the rescue dogs
Cars -
82 280ZX Turbo, 83 Volvo 245, 93 Ford E150 Tow/dog van
71 510 Trans Am vintage racer, homebuilt Formula V
My Homepage - http://gracieland.org
Deaf Dane Rescue Homepge - http://gracieland.org/DaneRescue/
Any Dane at the races is a Great Dane!
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