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Old 08-14-2012, 01:11 AM
  #3401  
howardcano
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Originally Posted by robk
As far as different knuckles, now you're getting into kingpin inclination which is a whole nother ball of wax as well.
Yes, it certainly is a "whole nother ball of wax", as it drastically increases the number of permutations possible when seeking the optimum setup! Too many possibilities can often reduce the probability of finding the best one!

Changing the angle between axle and kingpin is used more on oval cars to add positive camber to the inside tire while maintaining the same roll center and preserving the symmetry of the rest of the suspension geometry on left and right sides. It is not often used on road course because of the lack of off-the-shelf parts (and the effort involved, as I mentioned above), although it is still a valid option.

As an aside, modifying the steering knuckles for different kingpin/axle angles was also used on the "old school" Associated front end to change the roll center without changing tire camber, as Frank Calandra alluded to in the same Stranahan/Pantoura thread. One could change the knuckle, then shim under one side of the suspension arm to maintain the same camber. Leaning the kingpin in at the top would lower the roll center, and vice-versa.

You might consider modifying your drawing of the strut-style suspension during cornering roll, as neither spring has changed length. A more accurate representation would show the kingpin on the outside suspension slid upwards through the lower ball pivot, with the spring compressed. I think that's what Marcus was referring to in post #3360.
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