General Discussions

In another thread AdmiralThrawn implied that the Corvette was primitive for using a leaf spring in the suspension. I used to think the same way. Leaf springs are always those things that sit under pickup trucks and really old cars. It’s easy to see how people would assume it’s a bad idea.

After I searched a bit I found that a number of people really liked it. It’s a more expensive solution than coils because the Corvette uses a leaf spring with double A arms. The biggest drawback is cost. It also can’t be used on some cars because you have to have space for the spring to go from one side to the other.

However, it has advantages like being a lot lighter than coils springs. It also doesn’t wear out.

Anyway, what I have found is many people don’t really know what the Corvette spring looks like and they just assume the car has a solid axle like a truck. The car has actually had independent suspension since the 60s.

I’m curious if the other car people on this forum find it disappointing when something that isn’t understood is considered bad.

Here’s a good read on the subject for those who would like to see some pictures and descriptions from people who really understand the topic.
Link

Any thoughts? Those who said it was a bad idea, Admiral, Dhampy, why do you think it's bad?


[Edited by mbolton, 5/7/2009 9:59:12 PM]

The link doesn't work.

Sorry, corrected.

I don't think it's bad, I'm just saying that it's ancient technology despite being a recent refinement.

I really don't have any stake in the discussion of its merits or demerits. I wouldn't bother with a GM car. I learned my lesson back in the mid-90s. I shouldn't have bothered then.

I can't help but notice that the Admiral who posted the original misinformation hasn't said anything.

Link

Probably because you aren't presenting an argument.

He said it was a bad idea, then you contradicted him--implying it's a good idea. The onus is on you to show why it is a good idea. This is something you have not done.

If you present an argument, rather than just describing the mechanism in question, then perhaps he can join in.

I wasn't saying it was a bad thing. I was making a point. Same as Dhampy, I was making note of the fact that leaf springs are far from being new tech.