 This shows the testing rig that I built to test the spring
rate of the RV8 springs that I am using on the rear suspension. I suppose
that it's a bit over the top but nobody could come up with reliable figures
- no data in the workshop manuals etc. The system is simple - the top beam
multiplies the weight of the water container by three - ie the lever ratio
is 3:1 - you pour water into the the container until the spring is deflected
by one inch, then weigh the container and multiply by 3 to get the LBS/INCH
rate. The spring is held in the same relationship - upside down as it would
be on the car - (from the body alignment drawings in the workshop manual)
- and the rear pivot swings to replicate the action of the shackles. |
 The special length lower shock brackets to allow for the
very thin RV8 spring. |
 A view looking forward under the LH rear spring - NB the
specially made rear shackles to clear the chassis rails-the panhard rod body
bracket and special lower shock bracket in the background. |
 A general view of the rear suspension minus the petrol tank-hand
brake cables yet to be fitted. |
