ix826@sdcc6.UUCP (tim drabik) (07/25/85)
Triumphs which exhibit a large amount of negative camber have swing-axle rear suspension. The plane of the wheel is constrained to be perpendicular to the drive shaft, which is universal-jointed on one end only, at the differential. This suspension geometry yields an unusually high roll center, which has many interesting side-effects. In particular, when cornering, the effects of body roll are to increase the camber of the outside rear wheel. If there were no negative static camber, the camber at full roll would be positive. With an adequate amount of negative static camber, the outside wheel becomes upright when cornering, for maximum tire contact area. The reason camber on these cars often looks preposterously large is that the leaf springs Triumph built were congenitally weak, and lose their temper after about 10000 to 15000 miles. It is most common to see the driver's side wheel with a greater amount of negative camber, since the car is driven one-up more often than with a passenger. Triumph owners tired of replacing U-joints (side effect of negative camber) can have their rear spring rebuilt by a good spring shop, and kiss the problem goodbye. A happy Spitfire owner, Tim Drabik ...sdcc6!ix826