Re: Handling info
Nolan,
Here is the basic recipe for a handling truck.
DO WHAT EVER IT TAKES TO KEEP THE LARGEST TIRE CONTACT PATCH ON THE ROAD AS POSSIBLE.
Put some sticky wide tires on the truck and make sure the rears are the same size if not smaller than the fronts. Tires are what hold the truck in the corners. Wider tires will reduce the slip angle in the rear inducing more undesirable understeer.
Make it as light as possible. Keeps the tire from overly deforming and overheating so tires contact patch stays in contact with the pavement. Improves agility, acceleration and braking ability.
Shift as much weight to the rear as possible and keep it functional weight. This will help reduce the load placed on the front tires and reduces understeer.
Remove as much unsprung weight as possible. This allows the suspension to work properly keeping the tire on the pavement. Improves ride quality as well.
Add torsional rigidity to the frame. Helps keep suspension geometry in the correct position so the tires can maintain proper contact with the pavement. Also helps the driver feel more connected to the road.
Reduce body roll. Keeps the weight off the outside of the tire.
Lower the center of gravity. Helps reduce polar momentum, but be careful not to lower the truck past the point where you get full suspension travel. If you bottom out the spring rate becomes infinite and you weight transfer big time and the truck can spin off course.
Optimize your suspension alignment. Add some negative camber to the front tires. Under cornering load the tires will have a tendency to go into positive camber and roll onto the outside edge. Keep the stick axle. It's proven in some cases to be faster than IRS. Just ask Griggs Racing.
Change to a quick ratio steering box/pump or rack and pinion. This is absolutely necessary for autox or fast transitioning as the stock steering ratio just can't keep up. I know from personal experience.
If you plan on going real fast, do everything possible to reduce lift. Our trucks have no downforce other than a a little benefit from the slight rack from the factory. Keep air from getting under the front of the truck with a front air dam/splitter.
Take a road racing driving course. This will be a big help reducing lap times.
