Understanding suspension geometry

[sweetdiesel]

Can somoeone help me understand how suspension geometry effects handling and steering, specifically the angle of the shocks. I notice on some on road cars the shocks are laying nearly flat, some are nearly vertical, while buggies can be around 45 degrees or less, and some monster truck shocks are nearly vertical. What is considered the best geometry for each type of vehicle? Let's assume we are talking about racing applications only to narrow it down.

 

[vgibbens]

Here is a link to a good site. It describes the physics involved in the suspension. On the lefthand side there is a link to for buggy setup and touring car setup. It will describe in simplified terms what changes do what.

 

[sweetdiesel]

Excellent link, I'm bookmarking this one for future reference. Thanks vgibbens!

 

[vgibbens]

no problem! that website and my XB8 manual come in real handy.

 

[evan811]

great site

 

[2mcgrath]

i agree awesome site

 

[Mortifyd_Penguin]

my head is spinning from all the information. AWESOME SITE!!!!

 

[rc10gt1980]

thanks for the link!!! i've learned a get deal there. more so on the shock position and dampering

 

[rossb]

Generally speaking laying a shock down makes it stiffer while standing it up makes it looser.

This is an ok site:

http://www.hpiracing.com/tuning/intro.htm

Shock position is discussed on the "Level 3" page.

Some more:

http://www.competitionx.com/RCGuide/Info_Database.html

http://www.rctek.com/handling/