In a message dated 5/19/04 4:32:41 PM, djjob@noos.fr writes:
> Apart from "locating the rear axle" what does the panhard rod do?
>
That's all it does (until racing)
>
> In normal driving does it matter if you have one or not?
>
Not really. It only makes an difference in hard cornering.
>
> If racing are there plusses and minuses?
>
Plus side:
It keeps the rear end centered. That stops the back end from "swaying out"
which can cause a wicked spin and less than predictable drift.
Minus side:
It works different for right and left turning because it is on the frame on
one side, and the axle on the other.
Attempts to better center the rear with equal effects to both sides are dual
links in various configurations and even the clever design that John Chatham
had in DD300. He used a bearing on a shaft sticking out the rear of his
differential that would ride vertically in a channel mounted to the chassis.
The rear
end was then free to go up and down and lean side to side, but stayed
centered.
Two stock Panhard rods would be a good setup. Careful to align them or you
could get wicked binding.
Rick
San Diego.
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