Link Leaf - Don Carlton ?

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273

273

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Came across this is a neat setup, is there a reason it's not popular ? Doesn't it work well ?

https://www.hotrod.com/features/the-new-motown-missile-january-1972-982-718-66-1/

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Cause they figured out it works better from under the leaf spring.
 
273 said:
Came across this is a neat setup, is there a reason it's not popular ? Doesn't it work well ?

https://www.hotrod.com/features/the-new-motown-missile-january-1972-982-718-66-1/

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If you search leaf link on google you will find more information. Because the spring was loaded in compression you had to use a really big main leaf and a lot of clamps or you would bend your front segment. Which is why caltracs mount to the bottom. There is more details and dimensions in the mopar chassis manual.
Short answer though is that there is better options now. You either run something like caltracs or just run an actual 4-link depending on your rules. Neat idea though.
 
Don Carlton, with factory backing and Chrysler engineers, did an incredible amount of testing in every facet of Pro Stock racing - aerodynamics, hood scoops, transmissions (clutchflite), suspensions (leaf-link) , etc. It didn't matter how "weird" it seemed. In testing the car was loaded with computers and sensors and they had a computer loaded van dedicated to processing all the info. If there was a chance it might help performance, they tried it. They also had to come up with ideas within the rules. For a while, it was mandatory to retain stock-type suspensions, which is why they had leaf springs in that photo. Rules probably changed soon after that to allow ladder bars, possibly influenced by NHRA allowing Bill Jenkins Vega into the class.

Mopar Missile history

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Yeh, and I've NEVER figured out how a V8 in a Vega which was never produced, got into pro STOCK
 
67Dart273 said:
Yeh, and I've NEVER figured out how a V8 in a Vega which was never produced, got into pro STOCK
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Politics. Then NHRA turned around and wouldn't let Chrysler run a Colt with a Hemi. At least the other sanctioning bodies allowed it and later NHRA did allow Arrows, Horizons & Chargers (2.2)
 
I had a similar setup like that in my demon, 60 ft times were mid 1.4's. After I
Went to ladderbars I was low 1.40's high 1.30's, and lost about 60-70 lbs off the rear
 
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