Colin Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 Hi All. Really, really idle question. Why does the Herald rear suspension angle inward, when I've observed the Spit set up angle completely the opposite way. 'Specially puzzling as I've always thought the two chassis sets are interchangeable?? ('Assume' makes an ass (out of) u (&) me!!). Is it therefore a differing suspension set up off the same basic chassis or . . . . ??? Still willing to be educated at age 65. Size 12 shoes. Cheers, C. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
trigolf Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 Re: the Spitfire camber angle, you are probably comparing the Herald (swing axle )suspension, where the spring was rigidly bolted atop the diff, compared to the later Spitfire IV or 1500 model which had a 'swing spring' ,where basically the spring pivoted slightly via a central pivot point box atop the diff. This was BL's attempt to reduce excessive camber angles and improve roadholding. As a simple device it works well. You can swap a swing spring into a Spit 1,2,or 3 if desired. Thats why most later Spits show a bit of negative camber at the rear wheels -top of wheel leans in slightly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 add in there are two lengths of drive shaft which if you swap will affect the camber Pete Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rlubikey Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 I imagine it boils down to two things:- 1) You can load up a Herald far more than a Spit. Positive camber allows for a driver plus four passengers, and a boot full of luggage. 2) Spits are expected to be driven more "enthusiastically" than Heralds. Negative camber gives better handling at the expense of load capacity. The springs a different to give these characteristics. Does that sound about right? Cheers, Richard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johny Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 yes always difficult for vehicle manufactures as the suspension has a wide range of load to cope with and this obviously affects ride height. On motorbikes theres often spring preload so the bike ride height can be ajusted for a passenger or luggage while some lorries have an extra axle that can be lowered into use when fully loaded to keep it at the right height. Unfortunately our cars dont have any of this adjustment so springs that can support the maximum design load are installed and then when that load isnt carried the change in ride height is particularly obvious due to the swing axle design☹️ Air suspension anyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Lewis Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 having deal with truck warranty on air suspension i will duck out of that idea Pete 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johny Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 Pity as a Herald would look so cool bouncing up and down on its air suspension US style but with its back wheels flapping like ears😁 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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