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RE: Driver side lean

To: "'Joe Curry'" <spitlist@COX.NET>,
Subject: RE: Driver side lean
From: "Bill Davies" <bill@rarebits4classics.co.uk>
Date: Wed, 14 Apr 2004 17:54:51 +0100
> -----Original Message-----
> From: spitfires-owner@autox.team.net [mailto:spitfires-
> owner@autox.team.net] On Behalf Of Joe Curry
>
> The fact that only the bottom leaf is firmly attached to the diff is
> what accounts for the lean.  Since all the weight of each side is
> supported by that single leaf, the driver's weight tends to distort that
> side.  While the other leaves above the pivot pin do move left and right
> to provide the function of the swing spring, it is the bottom leaf that
> distorts and causes the lean.

In my experience, the rear spring is rarely the cause of leaning to the
drivers side, though I can think of one or two instances where it has proven
to be the case. In most instances the lean is caused by other factors - wear
in the rear spring pad, twisted front anti roll bar and generally tired
front suspension are more common factors. The lean is more apparent with the
swing spring cars because of the lower roll stiffness of that arrangement -
the spring "allows" the car to sit at an angle whereas the rigidly mounted
spring fights against the lean.
        Just my observations of working on these cars, ymmv,
                Cheers,
                        Bill.


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