Editing Suspension: designs, shapes, sizes (section)
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===Solid axle centering devices=== ====Panhard bar==== [[File:Panhard assembly.jpg|thumb|400px|right|Panhard bar on solid rear axle]]A Panhard bar is a lateral connection between a point on a cars frame and the opposite end of a solid rear axle. Both connection points are allowed to pivot, allowing the vehicles rear axle to move up and down while limiting side to side motion. The advantage that the Panhard bar has over other types of lateral restraint devices is its simplicity which allows for both easy initial fabrication and adjustment. The primary disadvantage of this system is the small amount of arc that is inherent when the bar swivels around either pivot point. To minimize the side to side movement a Panhard bar should be both flat and as long as possible. The ideal Panhard bar will be long enough to span just shy of the backing plates left to right on the vehicle. In order to accomplish this, a bracket should be welded to the differential housing which would place the bar just short of interference at the backing plate on one side of the car. On the other side, a bracket should be welded to the frame or frame member which would place the bar just short of interference on the other side of the car. Since the Panhard bar is the lateral locating device for the suspension, it plays a major role in determining the roll center for the suspension. Generally speaking the roll center can be made lower more simply with a Panhard bar than other forms of lateral locating devices (Watt's link, etc.). <br style="clear:both"/> ====Watts link==== [[File:Watts link.jpg|thumb|300px|left|Watts link]] A Watts link centers a rear differential and prevents lateral movement of the body of the vehicle in relation to the differential housing through two rods attached to a plate which pivots on the center of either the rear axle housing or the chassis. With a axle-mounted pivot, the locating arms attach to the chassis. When the pivot is attached to the chassis, the locating arms attach to the axle housing. This setup allows up and down motion of the rearend through the rotation of the steel plate while the bars attaching to opposite sides of the rotating plate prevent the rearend from moving side to side as they oppose each other's motion. While a Watt's link is very effective in controlling lateral axle movement, they need to be well built, especially the center pivot, as it is subject to high lateral loads. <br style="clear:both"/> ====Mumford link==== This linkage allows the roll center to be lower than possible with either a Panhard or Watts arrangement. The advantage is that it allows the use of high rate suspension springs, which can provide some advantages with aerodynamic loads without seriously affecting the distribution of the roll couple.
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