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).
Different types of suspension, frames and pistons from competing car manufacturers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\2\ img089 | |
| Date | 23th February 1934 | |
| -5- HUDSON TYPE INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION. SPLIT AXLE TYPE. There has been no attempt to use very soft front springs with this axle; in fact the ride was not much better than with the conventional type (which as we know from experience is bad). On the other hand, comparing the two cars, the split axle definitely seemed to hold the road far better than the conventional type and killed the axle dither on wavy roads. I think it is well worth trying this as an experiment on the Phantom to see what it does to steering shocks. INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION. I tried a 1934 Plymouth fitted with this. They have no anti-roll rod. The car is about as unstable as anything I have tried. The 1934 Chevrolet is quite stiffly sprung; they throw away comfort but get stability. I hear rumours from the tyre people that the high speed wobble is not dealt with these new independents. This parallels Oy's view that if you get the frame frequency wrong you can get tramp. If I can get back here about March 10th before sailing, some facts should have emerged on the subject. Of course, they are using huge tyres up to 7" section, which undoubtedly make the job more difficult. FRAMES. Showing how contradictory the subject is, the Terraplane people are very pleased with the cross in their frame when used with either the split or conventional front axle. PISTONS. Cadillacs as you know went to alum. pistons this year, and having 35 experimental cars were able to run one third of a million miles in four months to get information. They found - (1) That on the T. slot piston, they were not able to run with a non-interference fit pin unless they clamped one end of the gudgeon pin with a screw. The difficulty they encountered was a rattle in the engine about 50 m.p.h. I suspect that we may be getting the same thing and cabled you accordingly. Forced feed oil reduced the effect when directed on to the bearing in the pistons. | ||