Quote:
Originally Posted by wstar
Just thinking about basic physics with simple objects (as in your earlier example with 4 guys), this doesn't seem right? I realize with a suspension system there's a lot more going on, but think of the extremes with a simple static object: if the rear two guys kept their end 2 feet off the ground, and the front guys raised their end way up in the air (so that the object is now getting close to vertical, but not quite), wouldn't almost all of the weight be in the rear guys' hands at that point?
|
Yes and I hope my previous post made you laugh hehe. Keep in mind the goal, the car stays perfectly level.
Yes if you lower the front end 12" and raise the rear end 12", then all the weight is going to be on the front. It will be physically impossible for the two rear people to hold up the weight(unless there are giant springs back there with and incredibly stiff frame). This is why just a little bit of preload is good as well, allowing you to adjust corner weights without actually moving the ride height too much. With 50 lbs of preload on the spring when you load it on the perch, you can first set the ride height, then balance. Lot of guys will do the back first, and then tune in the front. The heavier side(our front) will make more dramatic changes throughout.
When you lower one end of the car too far, it's pretty obvious because an unusual amount of weight will be transferred. That's when your roll moment goes out of whack. so you can use that as a measurement or baseline point. It's just like when you take 400 lbs and don't bend your knees on a squat rack. Sure anyone can suspend 400 lbs on their shoulders if they don't dig too deep. Try doing it with with a full knee bend.
Think of the frame of a house, it's job is to distribute equal weight to all four corners. Even if the earth sinks 1" on one side, the frame transfers this weight around. Same with a car. However, if you completely knock out one corner of the house, then you have a real problem.