Steering, Suspension, & Brakes

Ive spent a couple of the last weekends under the car getting roundabout measurements of the frame and axle area in the rear. Ive done tons of reading about link type setups but have never actually made one, and ive never seen a kit for a Sunbeam. I used a calculator and put in numbers I think may fit or be close to fitting (which I wont know for sure until I lift the car again and measure some more). Does anyone on here know if these numbers look ok? Im looking for better handling, and maybe a little better ride. Im not into drag racing, prefer good cornering. If anyone could chime in on this would positives,negatives, suggestions, etc... I have a ford 8 inch rear end, and the driveshaft is offset. Thanks!




Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/10/2011 09:22PM by socorob.

That is the same setup I put in my B, I have yet to try it out but I will let you know in a month or so!
The only thing I may have screwed up on was the pinion angle, I set it at 4* down thinking of a leaf setup but Ive been told It'll be ok.
Cant wait to hear the driveline vibration, and make the adjustable links to compensate!

I was thinking about using Johnny joints to keep down noise if I ever get the right setup figured out. You B owners are lucky as there are a few kits available and it's been done before.

I would try to keep the lower links as straight in line with the cars axis as possible. Keeping the force in line with the links makes for better strength, any angle to the inboard as you have shown in your drawing would only place side loading on the heim joints or other forms of adjustment where the links are at their weakest. As for pinion angle, I'd set it at the same angle as the trans output unless you're running some pretty soft bushings. It's not going to change much with a 4 link.

Thanks. When I put the lower links straight, I get 5 degrees of roll oversteer. Is that a lot? I've always heard you want 0 or a little roll understate for a good handling setup.