From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Technical article detailing the engine, steering, suspension, and braking systems of the new Studebaker Champion.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 128\3\ scan0026 | |
| Date | 1st April 1939 | |
| NEW STUDEBAKER CHAMPION 437 [Text on engine drawing]: VALVE CLEAR .016 COLD, OIL LEVEL wide spacing holds the steering heads firmly when subjected to road shocks, braking forces and sudden applications of power. The joints at the inner end of the wishbone links are rubber-bushed. Spring action is controlled by Houde double-acting hydraulic shock absorbers. These front shock absorbers are mounted on the wishbone links, with levers connecting to the frame through rubber. Steering is by a Ross twin-lever steering gear with a ratio varying between 19.5 and 24. From the pitman arm of the steering gear one link extends to the left knuckle arm, while another extends to an arm pivoted on a bracket on the inside of the right frame side number, from which arm a third link extends to the right knuckle arm. The two links connecting to the steering knuckles are of equal length, and the steering geometry is said to be so worked out that there is no appreciable change in the toe-in and tread with spring action. Steering is by a 17-in. wheel and is made easy by the use of needle bearings on the knuckle pins. Rear springs, which measure 46 by 1¾ in., are also of silico-manganese steel, and in their case, too, metal spring covers are furnished on the deluxe models. These springs have rubber-bushed shackles, and their action is controlled by Houde adjustable, double-acting shock absorbers whose links have rubber-insulated connections at both ends. Service brakes are of the hydraulic type. The parking brake lever, which applies the rear service brakes, is located under the cowl at the left of the driver. The hill-holder, which has been featured by Studebaker for a number of years, is available on all of the Champion models at extra cost. Gear shifting is accomplished on the Champion by means of a lever mounted on the steering column that acts through a simple mechanical linkage, the control shaft extending parallel with the steering column. [Image caption 1]: Steering knuckle mounting on ball and needle bearings [Image caption 2]: Central section of frame X member Automotive Industries April 1, 1939 | ||