9 replies to this topic

[malc_west]

Just a question really, does a rear beam conversion take make it like a torsion bar? Or are the wheels still independently sprung

[nicklouse]

if you are talking about one of the kits sold by most of the retailers then it is a subframe replacement kit that reduces weight and changes the rising rate spring to a linear coil spring which then limits the use of the car.

 

so the suspension stays as a fully independent trailing arm set up.

[MiniMadRacer]

As Nick says.. don't confuse with an Anti Roll bar, which limits the independent suspension possibilities.. I always think a beam is not a good idea on a road car... severely weakens a rear end impact... in a race car this is mitigated usually by turretted suspension feeding straight into the roll cage rear arms which are extended into the boot area

[malc_west]

Yeah my feeling based on a weak understanding was it'd effect the car negatively for road use, better to just stay with a rear subbie then

[Spider]

I find this name these days a misnomer for the kits that are commonly available.

 

They do away with the rear subframe, which, as a bare item, really isn't that heavy, but adds a fair bit of strength and rigidity to the car.

 

All the ones I've seen also do away with the rubber cones and you're forced to use Coil Overs. I think this a backward step for a car for road use.

 

I guess one advantage is they do away with the rust trap that the stock rear subframe is.

 

A Beam Axle, which once was available for a Mini, is just that, a Beam Axle very similar to a Trailer. They were widely used for Track work and very effective as regardless of what roll position the body took up, the rear wheels were always square to the road. While these were quite advantageous on the track, you wouldn't run one on the road.

[Artstu]

Allspeed used to make them. My Micra has one as standard. 

 

Is Dural-beam the right description for the ones that use the Mini radius arms?

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[nicklouse]

 

 

Is Dural-beam the right description for the ones that use the Mini radius arms?

nope it was just the "Brand" of aluminium used for making the Alloy ones and the early Alloy sump guards.

[Artstu]

 

 

 

Is Dural-beam the right description for the ones that use the Mini radius arms?

nope it was just the "Brand" of aluminium used for making the Alloy ones and the early Alloy sump guards.

 

 

Autocar called it a Dural beam when talking about the one on the back of the Midas.

[Tupers]

Dural is just a conjunction of durable and aluminium.

[Artstu]

Dural is just a conjunction of durable and aluminium.

 

Thanks, sadly not something that could be said of the thin steel Midas item.