I was under the car today and took a few measurements and one can could install a triangulated setup. But the more I looked at what I have done I feel the leafs are my best option.
Which brings up another question. Do I run caltracs with a torque arm or is a torque arm run without any other traction device? I do plan on building my own X brace connecting the frame connectors so I could add the TCP torque arm to it without much effort. Would a panhard bar an improvement on a torque arm setup?
To answer your question
“Do I run caltracs with a torque arm or is a torque arm run without any other traction device?”
-It’s one or the other, as both serve the same purpose, obviously executed differently. If you’re after corner carving, the torque is better suited. Caltracs work well, but I believe are geared more towards drag racing. That TCP torque arm is a nice piece. The little dogbone on the chassis attachment end allows for bind free movement, both up and down, and in roll.
Would a panhard bar an improvement on a torque arm setup?
-panhard bar serves a completely different purpose, but it would be a good addition.
In the book I attached an image of, he addressed the many different types of rear suspensions. Leaf spring is most common, and he had a very simple recipe for good handling with leaf springs. And that was to remove as many jobs from the leaf springs as you can. Leaf springs hold the rear of the car up, transmit forward (or rearward) movement, locate the axle laterally, and control axle torque. By adding that torque arm, you take the the job of controlling axle torque away. And adding that panhard bar takes the job of locating the axle laterally. This all gives better predictability in your rear suspension.
Didn’t mean to add so much, but I hope that was helpful. The rear end on my car feels planted and predictable (I have a panhard and slide a links on my rear leafs). It was great advice for me.
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