1937-1957 Buick Oldsmobile Pontiac suspension upgrade
(→General summary) |
(→Key shortcomings of the original suspension) |
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These cars actually drive reasonably well, and this basic technology was a mainstay for 50 years. However, it does have certain shortcomings: | These cars actually drive reasonably well, and this basic technology was a mainstay for 50 years. However, it does have certain shortcomings: | ||
| − | + | *These cars came with zero to ½ degree of negative caster. When they were originally engineered, this was a reasonable setup. Negative caster makes the car easier to turn, and gives greater control in muddy ruts and other bad road conditions that were prevalent in the 1940's and 50's. However, modern roads and increased speed limits favor positive caster, as it allows the car to stay centered and stable at today's highway speeds. High positive caster became more common as power steering became common. Conversely, manual steering is fine at higher speeds, but requires greater effort in low speed situations, especially parking lots. Manual steering works best at about 2 ½ to 3 degrees of caster, which is a compromise between high speed stability and slow speed turning effort. | |
| − | + | *Due to the up-and-down-only rotation of the control arms, and cross-rotation of the king pins, any attempt to add more caster is fraught with problems. Anti-dive geometry is impossible in this setup. | |
| − | + | *On the pre-50's models, the lever action shocks also present problems. They're hard to find, expensive (about $200 each plus $100 core charge if yours aren't rebuildable), and, even in perfect working order, they have their shortcomings. The shocks are basically a stock only application. Raising or lowering the vehicle puts them out of their designed operating range. Increasing or decreasing weight with engine and tranmission swaps alters their effectiveness. | |
| − | + | *The hubs/drums run on ball bearings. While serviceable if properly maintained, tapered roller bearings are generally thought to be stronger, more stable, and better able to withstand continuous high-speed driving. Ball bearings are now hard to find and cost about $200 for the full set. By comparison, a full set of tapered | |
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| − | The hubs/drums run on ball bearings. While serviceable if properly maintained, tapered roller bearings are generally thought to be stronger, more stable, and better able to withstand continuous high-speed driving. Ball bearings are now hard to find and cost about $200 for the full set. By comparison, a full set of tapered | + | |
bearings will run about $25). | bearings will run about $25). | ||
| − | The brakes are, obviously, inadequate: non-power 4 wheel drums with a single reservoir hydraulic system. | + | *The brakes are, obviously, inadequate: non-power 4 wheel drums with a single reservoir hydraulic system. |
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