I use Solidworks because I have it and can turn the design in Soildworks into plates to machine out to make different crossmembers for suspension. I realize that there are better programs for suspension, but it all boils down to numbers. I don't need the program to tell me what the instant center is, I know the point where the upper and lower control arms intersect is the instant center and solidworks well tell me that number.


There were guys haulin ass with kick ass suspensions that they drew on the floor with chaulk. Todays modern suspensions have just be refined to the point that they test and tested. Computers just make that easier and quicker. You still have to be 2% smarter then the program your using.

I still have a piece chalk in the tool box! Don't forget the string! You hit the nail on the head, it is just quicker. 2% smarter, I quit! :lol:

Later,

As far as respected, I don't know about that, we are just lucky and might have common sense which is not so common any more.


I have a 1946 Packard that a customer brought in a while ago that we are going to have to build a complete custom suspension for. No C6 stuff with trans axles, just a 5.3liter LS engine with 4L60E. It will have updated rear leaf springs in the rear. But the front suspension is almost impossible to get parts for and who would want to use it any ways, the steering in those days did not return to center and and was not built to do much over 55mph, maybe. I have looked at using the stock pick up points and build new control arms to those since we lowered the ride height the geometry would be Descent. But the crossmember curves forward to clear the old straight 8 flat head engine. Now I started with the tires he wants to run ( Caddy wire wheels) which have a 28" diameter in the front with the tires. But the wheels only come in a 5 on 5" bolt pattern. So that limits the avalible spindle and brake options real quick. Wilwood had a 13 kit with 5 on 5" pattern with their Pro spindle but those would not clear or even work with a 15" wire. So
I got a set of 98 chevy truck spindles for 100 bucks from the junk yard. They have 5 on 5" pattern stock. I'm working on figuring on the ride height of the chassis and will set the spinldes at the spindle height of the desired tires at the rough track width I'm looking for. Then I will set up the rack at the height the spindle's steering arms. I will then figure out a good upper control arm length and ratio to the bottom to optimise bumpsteer with the standard 24" center AGR rack.

I'm not trying to make a super corner carver Packard, but there is no front suspension kit on the market that I found that will suit my needs so we will build it. Same theory just not as high tech I suppose.

take it for what it's worth, probably not much

Rodger

Cool! Thanxs guys for the input. How about some plus or minus ranges for general guidelines in the street performance range.

Camber gain per inch..................

Static caster..................

Roll center height.................

Bump steer................

Ackerman.............

Anti dive %..................

How about some software recommendations?

Where do you guys source specs from for stock components?

Which stock components do you like to work with? I will assume C5/C6 as one option that works well?

Which after market components or sources do you guys like? (ARG, Maval/Unisteer, Stock car products)?

Who is will to do consulting work in this area for a fee?

Numbers?:)

John

I second the motion! I'm finally free from the bug that held me down and am trying to do some work on this. But, what I think the numbers should be are not what people want. Where are you suspension guru guys? Please don't stop the enlightenment! :D

YEAH! Don't stop!

We're still trying to take the pebble from your hand!:lol:

http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g1...whenpebble.jpg

John

I'd love to provide a "general" list of specs, but I can't really. I have to do that on a case-by-case basis.

You could say the specifications I listed previously works for vehicles similar to a well-prepared first-gen Camaro. I wouldn't stick it on a Chevelle or a '55 Chev if you wanted the best of performance. But honestly, you could put it on most vehicles and just swap springs and ARBs to match the new vehicle.