Bill,
This subject has so many variables that it is difficult to know for sure
if any assumption or opinion is correct. The cars that have been
retrofitted with the swing-spring are different from the ones that it
came on, mainly in the axle length. As Andy suggests, the fact that the
axles are longer probably contributes a great deal to the problem. I
have looked at cars that have been converted using the shorter axles (I
have one) and it appears that the tendency to sag is either eliminated
or greatly reduced. This leads me to believe that the longer axles do
play a major roll in the observed body lean.
But if the problem is actually with one of the front springs sagging, it
should be easy to prove by swapping the entire damper/spring assemblies
in the front. If the sag remains unchanged after the swap (and the
frame is not bent) I would then suspect that the problem is indeed in
the rear spring assembly. If however, the problem goes away or changes
to the other side, I would agree that it is probably due to a front
spring problem.
That said, many people on this list have proclaimed the problem fixed
after replacing only the swing-spring. So, who is right? I don't know.
It is highly subjective!
Cheers,
Joe
-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Davies [mailto:bill@rarebits4classics.co.uk]
Sent: Thursday, April 15, 2004 9:38 AM
To: 'Joe Curry'; 'Gosling, Richard B'; 'Zahid Ahsanullah'; 'Spitfires'
Subject: RE: Driver side lean
> -----Original Message-----
> From: spitfires-owner@autox.team.net [mailto:spitfires-
> owner@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Joe Curry
>
> I wasn't aware of any other car that used that technology.
>
OK - attempt number three to clarify this. I am not talking about
Spitfires
and Heralds with the fixed centre spring, I am talking specifically
about
Spitfires (and modified Heralds) fitted with the swing spring. I didn't
really think I was being that obscure, my references were all directed
towards Triumphs.
In the case of swing spring cars, the spring itself is very rarely the
cause
of any lean to one side. The reduced roll stiffness at the rear allows
the
car to comply with whatever other factors are causing a tendency to
lean.
Cheers,
Bill.
Rarebits4classics
.......just what you've been looking for
PO Box 1232
Calne
Wiltshire
SN11 8WA
United Kingdom
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