Are live axles better?

[bcr5784]

Odd question I know, and said rather tongue in cheek. The reason I ask is that one of the 10 things I've got to do before I die is - build another Caterham. Having driven 3 recently (all de-dion), I wonder if I'm viewing my old live axle Academy car from 20 years ago through rose tinted glasses. The newer cars seem rather more raw - in particular there seems more vibration transmitted to the cabin. The ride seems (astonishingly) less comfortable - a Supersport 140, an R300 and a 420R - so probably more stiffly sprung. Rose tinted spectacles? Interested to hear others more current experience.

Edited by bcr5784 on Sunday 6th March 10:52

[downsman]

Try one with standard Road sport suspension, no watts links/rear anti roll bar and you will find the ride very good. Unfortunately, the diff being bolted to the chassis means there will be noise and vibration than in the live axle chassis.

[PiersR]

I have had both live axle and De Dion. I had the live axle for 25 years and the De Dion for six. I agree that the d/d feels much more raw and in general the d/d is a better ride, even if you do get all the crashing and banging.

[bcr5784]

Thanks for the info - and pleased I'm not really deluding myself. Is it possible/anyone tried more compliant diff mounting arrangements?

[Dorchester]

Always had a live axle on mine and I love it. Ford axle, RS2000 now been on the car for thirty plus years. Pretty well bullet proof, easy to fit, maintain and set up. Car rides and handles perfectly for me.
Not biased or anything like that... :-)

[HustleRussell]

Did your live axle car have Spax dampers? Those, coupled with the standard narrow track live axle's low spring rates, used to float along.

I have to say I've consistently found Bilsteins a bit harsh, on all kinds of cars.

[bcr5784]

HustleRussell said:

Did your live axle car have Spax dampers? Those, coupled with the standard narrow track live axle's low spring rates, used to float along.

I have to say I've consistently found Bilsteins a bit harsh, on all kinds of cars.

It is a long time ago, but yes, I think it did have Spax dampers.

[HustleRussell]

bcr5784 said:

HustleRussell said:

Did your live axle car have Spax dampers? Those, coupled with the standard narrow track live axle's low spring rates, used to float along.

I have to say I've consistently found Bilsteins a bit harsh, on all kinds of cars.

It is a long time ago, but yes, I think it did have Spax dampers.

I back-to-back tested otherwise similar live axle cars, one with Spax and one with Bilstein, at Brands Hatch a few years ago. The difference was remarkable. There's no doubt I'd want Spax on a car which would be primarily used on the road. It was like a hover car by comparison.

Comparing a Bilstein live axle car with a Bilstein De-dion car, I find the de-dion more comfortable.

[Eugene7]

I've had a Live Axle 7 for some 30+ years...
Ital, with LSD.
The 7 is now 210 BHP,
I use Avo dampers, having changed from Spax some years back.

See: http://www.7-dna.com/forums/index.php?action=vthre...

The way Eugene rides on the road is fantastic - as all those who go out on Le BOG Club runs will testify.

I much prefer the handling to DeDion, having tried both many times.

Steve

Edited by Eugene7 on Tuesday 8th March 09:49

[Skyedriver]

Back in the day, (1980's/ 90's) the live axle car was preferred to the DD for competition use.
Haven't driven mine since I bought it back but it came in 1990 with standard shocks (Spax?) and after a few years I replaced them with Bilsteins - what an improvement.