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).
Chrysler's 'air flow' independent suspension system, detailing its weight distribution, spring ratings, and ride characteristics.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 173\1\ img349 | |
| Date | 19th February 1934 | |
| USA COPY OF REPORT RECEIVED FROM Rs.{Sir Henry Royce's Secretary} in U.S.A. DATED 2.2.34. To Sg.{Arthur F. Sidgreaves - MD} from Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson} c. to Hor. c. to E.{Mr Elliott - Chief Engineer} c. to By.{R.W. Bailey - Chief Engineer} c. to De. c. to Hdy.{William Hardy} Hs{Lord Ernest Hives - Chair}/Rn.{Mr Robinson}1/KW.19.2.34. CHRYSLERS. INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION. These people are convinced that their air flow jobs ride as well as any of the independently sprung cars. I confirmed the following:- Height Distribution. Unloaded 56% on front wheels Spring Ratings Loaded Front Static defln. 4.5" Rear 6.0" Spring Leaf Friction Most important to eliminate this. Use Graphite bronze buttons in the leaf. An sending a set back. They are rather like Woodhead's old "Alf's Button". They are quite convinced themselves that if you get K2/ab = 1 it is not necessary to have a very low rating front spring nor is the riding sensitive to the front spring rating, because no blow at the front of the car of reasonable proportions can disturb the rear passengers. They get K2/ab on the air flow = 1.05" empty while the very best you can do with a conventional car is about .75. Of course with the air flow, in addition to pushing the engine forward, they house both wheels at the back. They claim that the back seat ride is appreciably better than the front seat ride. That the conventional leaf spring is an asset as it insulates the car against direct forward and side thrusts which the independent does not. This seems to be borne out by the fact that Cadillacs are playing with mounting their wish bones in rubber. | ||