Expert: Dan Liddy - 5/23/2011

Question
QUESTION: hey...
i am tryin to learn about the rocker arm suspension system .. but unfortunately am unable to find much info about it on the internet... is this suspension system the same as pull rod system?? can u pls help me find more info about it ? i want to know tis working and how good they are for race cars..

ANSWER: I don't know anything about a pull rod suspension.  The rocker arm system transfers the forces acting on the wheel from vertical to horizontal, and then from lateral to longitudinal. So when the wheel moves up the force ultimately moves backward against the car's bulkhead, rather than creating roll. These types of suspensions are also called "zero roll". They are used almost universally on all modern road racers except the production based series.

Try to find the book, "How To Make Your Car Handle" by Fred Puhn - - -most bookstores have it, or can order it in a day or two. It's about $16.00 and worth the investment.

Good luck~!

Dan Liddy
Sarasota, Florida

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: thank you ! i would also like to know the best book for learning about suspensions.. i have jus finished my first year and am technically not very sound ... so am finding it tough .. .

Answer
The one I mention above is very good. There's another series of books, one of them is entitled "Engineer to Win" by Mr. Carroll Smith. His books are also available at book retailers everywhere.
You can also Google "auto racing books" and things like that, I'm' sure there are hundreds of them.

Good luck

Dan