Re: tension shackles

[TERNOV@domain.elided]

It would certainly be interesting to see such a setup. However, it seems to me
that there are a few basic flaws with the design. Again, I have never seen any
such a setup up close, let alone riden in a truck equiped with them, but it
seems that while the setup would theoretically offer massive droop, the
transition from horizontal shackles, and the past horizontal, nearing vertical
once again phase would be very jarring. In fact, I don't even think its
feasible for the shackles to pass horizantal, and droop down further, unless
there were enough upward force on the opposite wheel to force the spring down.
The spring would have a tendency to keep the shackles at a horizantal
position, because this is the position where the spring is the shortest
lengthwise, which is by definition, maximum droop. The very function of
shackles actually  defines the fact that even if the springs were forced to
invert the shackles, the spring would flatten proportionally such that the
wheel would be in the same vertical position and no net travel would be
achieved. (Draw a picture, my words are probably hard to piece together) Sorry
to rain on your parade. Its a good idea. Buggy spring is probably a good idea
if you're looking for that kind of travel.
Devin Smith
'65 Scout 80 turbo