why do i need a tourque arm?
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 0
From: TX
the panhard bar keeps the axle in place side to side
the lower control arms keep it in place front to back
the torque arm keeps the axle from rotating
its really a pretty good design and works well... the only thing that sucks about it is that the torque arm is anchored to the transmission and theres nothing you can do about it that doesnt sacrifice comfort
the only other thing i would change about the design (aside from going IRS) is give it a watts linkage instead of a panhard bar. but a good rod end phb is good enough.
the lower control arms keep it in place front to back
the torque arm keeps the axle from rotating
its really a pretty good design and works well... the only thing that sucks about it is that the torque arm is anchored to the transmission and theres nothing you can do about it that doesnt sacrifice comfort
the only other thing i would change about the design (aside from going IRS) is give it a watts linkage instead of a panhard bar. but a good rod end phb is good enough.
i agree with oldeschool but i am anti IRS. i have had a couple and was never able to get them to hook and go strait or they had really bad wheel hop but everything else i agree with!
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 0
From: TX
Not at all trying to start a war std. Just adding this for the benefit of other readers.
There are many ways to do an IRS and some are way better than others. Compare an old jaguar rear to a recent corvette rear if you just want to see how different they can be. The IRS cobras are at a significant disadvantage because the car was intended to be solid axle.
that being said, if you want a strictly drag race car a solid axle is the way to go especially for strength. A retrofit IRS would not be suitable for reasons mentioned above. but for a street car that sees bumpy pavement and is meant to do all things well... IRS is the way to go. every serious performance street car from vettes to porsches to mclaren F1's has an independent rear.
There are many ways to do an IRS and some are way better than others. Compare an old jaguar rear to a recent corvette rear if you just want to see how different they can be. The IRS cobras are at a significant disadvantage because the car was intended to be solid axle.
that being said, if you want a strictly drag race car a solid axle is the way to go especially for strength. A retrofit IRS would not be suitable for reasons mentioned above. but for a street car that sees bumpy pavement and is meant to do all things well... IRS is the way to go. every serious performance street car from vettes to porsches to mclaren F1's has an independent rear.
Trending Topics
TECH Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 0
From: TX
well lets not go comparing apples to watermellons. there are many more factors to consider when comparing 60' times than just 3 link vs 4 link. Tires, weight transfer and torque for instance.
But if you want to get your f-body to hook better, there are ways. A shorter torque arm and sticky tires and the right springs and shocks will go a long way towards getting power to the pavement.
But if you want to get your f-body to hook better, there are ways. A shorter torque arm and sticky tires and the right springs and shocks will go a long way towards getting power to the pavement.
LS1 Tech Stories
The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine
Verdad Gallardo
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built
Verdad Gallardo
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin
Verdad Gallardo
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them
Pouria Savadkouei
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked
Pouria Savadkouei
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP
Verdad Gallardo
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes
Verdad Gallardo
Originally Posted by OldeSkool
the panhard bar keeps the axle in place side to side
the lower control arms keep it in place front to back
the torque arm keeps the axle from rotating
its really a pretty good design and works well... the only thing that sucks about it is that the torque arm is anchored to the transmission and theres nothing you can do about it that doesnt sacrifice comfort
the only other thing i would change about the design (aside from going IRS) is give it a watts linkage instead of a panhard bar. but a good rod end phb is good enough.
the lower control arms keep it in place front to back
the torque arm keeps the axle from rotating
its really a pretty good design and works well... the only thing that sucks about it is that the torque arm is anchored to the transmission and theres nothing you can do about it that doesnt sacrifice comfort
the only other thing i would change about the design (aside from going IRS) is give it a watts linkage instead of a panhard bar. but a good rod end phb is good enough.
As far as the g-body cars are concerned, the baddest g-body of them all (GNX) had a torque arm, so GM saw some benefit to it.
