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Frame Types
The X-Frame was used on older cars and light trucks to
provide some independant action between the front
and the rear sections of the vehicle.
The Perimeter Frame was used on large cars to provide
a rigid mounting structure for the body, engine and
rear axle.
The Ladder Frame is used on trucks to provide rigid
support for mounting of the chassis and suspension
systems.
Unit Body Construction
Most of today's cars and minivans use a Unit
Body construction, where
all the parts of the vehicle work together
to provide a rigid structure.
(Refer to the diagram in the text)
Springs
The Coil Spring uses a steel rod wound into a spiral to
provide a compression spring action. These springs can
be used at the front or rear wheels. They are commonly
used because of their low cost and ease of designing a
system that can utilize them.
Leaf Springs use flat pieces of steel that are curved and
then fastened together to provide the spring action. Some
leaf spring systems only use one leaf. To allow for
changes in spring length, the rear of the spring uses
a spring shackle (refer to the text). Leaf springs
are
normally used at the rear wheels, but may be used at
the front on some trucks.
Torsion bars use the twisting force on a long steel rod
to provide the springing action. These are often used
where front wheel drive axles may interfere with the
spring location. Torsion bars provide an adjustment
that allows vehicle height to be adjusted.
Air springs consist of a large rubber bag that can be
inflated through a solenoid valve at the top of the spring -
using an engine driven or electric pump to provide the pressure.
These are often used on "active suspension systems"
where computer controls are used to modify the height and
ride quality of the vehicle.