It took many years for engineers to come up with the design of different length control arms.

I can't get into due to a lack of knowledge, but I've had it explained to me a few times and it is the "right" way to build a front suspension, it seems backwards, but it's the best way to keep the most surface of the tire on the ground in corners.

As for the torsion bars versus the coil overs, I think you get more articulation out of the torsion bars, but coilovers are cool too, I can't rally argue the point either way.

short/long arm IFS I always though was supposed to have the long arm on top. a la racecars.

eh, whatever. I just wanted to see if anyone else thought it was goofy. I'm tossing mine anyway. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

yeah but in a corner the droop side is on the inside so what benefit does this provide? if the bottom of the droop tire went in and the top went out, it would be flat on the road. ill brb i'm gonna draw a picture

i didnt try to make the suspension arms look right, just the changes in camber.

Paul, it has everything to do with driveabilitythwell, almost).

If anyone has ever driven a a car with equal length control arms, you will understand.

In that case, the equal length control arms, provide SUPERIOR handling, but the car is EXTREMELY sensitive to..bumpsteer, input, suspension cycling, etc.

Teh unequal length control arms, provide a different axis of motion, WHICH, helps counter bumpsteer etc...

Now, also, equal length control arms COULD provide MUCH more suspension travel in certain cases, but, the wieght and expense is nuts(some Pre-Runners, trophy trucks)..

There is an extreme amount of geometery that goes into designing front suspensions(or I shoudl say, ANY independent suspension).

BUT, that said, Paul I know exactly what you are talking about, those are the questions that lead to me going to a vocational shool instead of a regular high school, learning, then working in a shop...

I will say this, its PFM, it just works.. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Anyway, I dont know any better way to describe it than what I have already said...

Chase

I have also heard it has to do with tire scrub. With equal length a-arms, the tires are going to be moving in and out from the vehicle centerline during up/down wheel travel.