>Why does reversing the swing spring reduce driver's-side (not total) sag?
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Well, I never said that it wasn't *ever* the problem, I just mentioned what
I theorized because *most* people just assume it's the rear spring, without
really researching or finding out what actually MAY be causing the problem.
If in this case it cures the problem than it *MAY* (again I say may) be
the spring. It could also be a sagging front spring and the rear spring,
having had to compensate for so long takes a set. Reversing it counters
that force, for a SHORT time. I think you'll find that a lot of these
"cures" don't really last that long, leading me to believe, as I mentioned
(probably too many times already and after this I'll not mention it any
more) that the CAUSE just may be somewhere else. Try replacing the drivers
side FRONT spring, or switching the front springs around and see if that
doesn't do anything. Possibly the anti-roll bar is biasing the car, try
reversing it. I haven't, heard anyone even looking at that end of the car
or if they had, never heard the result. Some times the cause of a problem
is not where it appears to be. Just because the carb's aren't getting any
fuel doesn't necessarily mean the fuel pump is bad. It could be a clogged
filter, and replacing the pump won't fix it. It may, by virtue of it's
newer parts, supply fuel for a while but soon fail because the original
problem was not addressed. That's really all I was suggesting.
One last point, I've had a total of three (new) rear springs on the rear of
my M4 (with 1500 longer rear axles). The reasons for replacement - first
original spring broke at the main leaf, right at the diff junction - the
second was replaced because of rear end sag (equal at both corners, just
totally worn out spring) and the one that has been in there now for 6-7
years. I have NEVER experienced the so-called drivers side sag, in the 26
years I've had the car. But I've also replaced the front springs as many
times as the rear, maybe even more - something to ponder.
As far as the camber compensator being a "better" way to control the back
end, and before I'm flooded with hate mail, I'm not bad mouthing it. I
commend Joe on the effort of reproducing it, especially for those in racing
that may have to use it for class restrictions or whatever - MY OWN
personal opinion (and it's just that, I am entitled to my opinion as well
as you are to yours) is that it is a "band-aid" type of fix. It
"addresses" the problem, not "eliminates" it. It does work, but, If it was
truly better for handling than the factory's solution, then why do all the
original competition booklets that I have, with none other than "Kas" in
the credits, say to chuck the fixed spring in favor of the swing spring?
It is even a recommended fix for the GT6 (INCLUDING those with rotoflex
joints, which is exactly the setup I have on my car now). If you really
want to control wheel tuck go to the truly independent GT6 setup (big grin)
Seems to me if the camber compensator was a better solution, it would have
be used back then, no?
O.K., I'm off to the corner now. Hey, guys. . .common. . . gimme that
big-ol-pointy hat. . .It's MY turn. . .
Barry Schwartz (San Diego) bschwart@pacbell.net
72 PI, V6 Spitfire (daily driver)
70 GT6+ (when I don't drive the Spit)
70 Spitfire (long term project)
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