The suspension setup used in the 8880 Supercar model is cool. It makes it possible to make a vehicle with independent suspension as well as steering wheel drive. One factor which seriously limits the kinds of models to make, though, is the width of the suspension setup. In the 8880, there is an approximate 29 stud distance between the outside of the two wheels, which means that you can only make really large models. So I've been looking into means of making the distance between the wheels smaller, while still retaining all the features.
The native 8880 setup has a 9 stud distance between the axles that hold the blue suspension arms. This is the distance I would like to minimize, without losing any features.
By using half beams to hold the differential rather than basic beams, one stud distance can be saved. In this setup, the distance between the suspension arms is 8 studs. I used this setup in a rally car model.
The only way to get the setup even more narrow is by moving the differential out of the center. This model is 4 studs narrower than the native setup. As always, power the differential to get the model going.
The universal joints take up a lot of space. We can use bevel gears in stead, to get the same feature. Make sure that the red angle connector #1's can rotate along the length axis of the model, so that the suspension arms can swing up/down. This setup saves 7 studs of width compared to the native setup.
The racks used in the 8880 Supercar are put on a 10 plate with end holes. With a different setup 7 studs narrower, does this mean that the rack becomes 3 studs long? Well, sort of. To overcome this problem, I use a rack and links setup like this:
As you may have guessed already, the problem with making the setup even narrower is the steering links. In the last setup above, the distance between these links is just one stud. If they're moved closer, they can't pivot up/down without coming in conflicting with each other. Hence, I belive that the setup above which is 7 studs narrower than the 8880 setup is the most narrow possible without using a dramatically different steering setup.
If you like this, you may want to view a Beach Buggy model which has independent front suspension using a slightly different technique.
The Beach Buggy model has also been improved into a chassis with independent suspension all round, as well as rear wheel drive.
Back to LEGOŽ ergo sum.