DISCUSSION is limited in this paper to ride problems pertinent to cars equipped with independent-type front and non-independent rear suspensions. Emphasis is placed on problems arising in connection with the newer so-called “flat-type” rides. Approach is made to the problem of the control or damping of springs and some of the factors, important from a balance standpoint, in securing these flat pitch-free ride characteristics.
It is pointed out that shock absorbers should more properly be called “ride controls,” so great is the importance of proper damping characteristics in obtaining the newer flat-type drives. The tremendous number of interrelating factors involved in the attainment of ride excellence is given as the reason why effective instrumentation has never been developed. The author concludes that the maze of compromises involved will always require the experienced observer.
