Re: [DML] Front Suspension Mod's

["Michael Quinto" <mquinto@xxxx>]

Hello List,
Right now I am still in the middle of building a jig to make a set of new
lower control arms for my car.
I have most of the pieces machined and ready for assembly.
The material I chose to use is 4130 Chromolly 0.063" thk. It's the same
thickness as the original mild steel arms but already twice as strong.
My question to John is, why did Bern use such thick material to make them
stronger. Why isn't he concerned about un-sprung weight. Heavier arms will
change the ride handling. The arms were made lightweight But cheap for a
reason.

For people on this list who don't know:
Sprung and Unsprung Weight

"Sprung" weight is a term used to describe the parts of an automobile that
are supported by the front and rear springs. They suspend the vehicle's
frame, body, engine, and the power train above the wheels. These are quite
heavy assemblies.


Minimize suspension unsprung weight for best handling. Unsprung weight is
what is on the outboard end of the suspension - what is not being "sprung"
by the suspension. This includes wheels, tires, brake components (rotors,
calipers, drums) suspension arms, spindle, rear axle and associated brake
components, and the leaf springs. By reducing unsprung weight you are
reducing mass in motion in the suspension. Less weight moving up and down
means the suspension can react more quickly to changing road surfaces and
keep the tires planted on the ground better. This all equals higher
acceleration traction, cornering traction, and overall better handling and
road feel.

Regards,
Mike
vin#1113


----- Original Message -----
From: <dherv10@xxxx>
To: <dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, January 06, 2002 1:46 PM
Subject: Re: [DML] Front Suspension Mod's


> Group, The only thing I have to say about front suspension and lower
control
> arm, is that just about all vendors have a new and improved lower control
> arm. Bern Heninger has them made out of 1/8" steel which is twice the
> strength of the original. You can see them on my web site since he doesn't
> have one. Also, the price is coming down. I will post it next week. When I
> talked to Steve at the Houston meet about a month ago, he said he only had
to
> fix or modify 3 to 5 per year. They normally have 25 + D's in the shop to
> work on all the time. Dave Teitelbaum also said in an email about a month
> ago, there were some new lower control arms also coming from another
vendor.
> Just my 2ct's worth.
> John Hervey
> http://www.specialtauto.com/bodyparts.shtml
>
>
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