Some discussions a week ago or so focused on what is supposed to be the "be all, end all" of suspension design books, "Race Car Vehicle Dynamics by William F. Milliken and Doglas L. Milliken."

The book runs about $100 through SAE or Amazon. ... pricey to say the least. $80 if you're an SAE member.

My local library did manage to transfer it in on an inter-library loan. IMO, don't spend the $100 for it, but DO have your local library check into loaning you a copy. Much of the book is filled with non-pertinent (for us off roaders) info on aerodynamics and tire dynamics.

But, it does have some EXCELLENT info on setting up solid axle suspensions; pertaining to coil, coilover, and quarter elliptic setups. There isn't much in there in the way of leaf spring suspensions.

The book is written in a way that it's helpful to have some engineering knowledge, but with some knowhow and experience in the realm of suspensions, one can chug through it fine.

They go in depth on some of the issues that have popped up here quite a bit such as rear steer (roll steer), instant centers, etc. While some guys have thrown up some good info on the board, it really helps to have a reference volume right in front of you with clear drawings and explanations.

cm "now, what is the best shape for my gas tank skid such that it also serves to help smooth the airflow exiting the underside of the Jeep" k

that is why you join the SAE and borrow the club copy :flipoff2:

I have looked high and low for this book in San Diego County...I don't want to buy it, but just borrow it from the library....I have totally come up short here in San Diego County.
Does anybody know where a guy could get a copy cheap, or if someone has copies of the sections I need that would be great too. Please let me know.
Thanks
Ryan

So what would be a good suspension book to buy?? Any recommendations.

Nice work CM"not too shabby"K

Originally posted by rfrey
I have looked high and low for this book in San Diego County...I don't want to buy it, but just borrow it from the library....I have totally come up short here in San Diego County.
Does anybody know where a guy could get a copy cheap, or if someone has copies of the sections I need that would be great too. Please let me know.
Thanks
Ryan


Have you tried to ask you local library to request the book on interlibrary loan? Most libraries are equipped to do this and it should cost you nothing. This is a system where your local librarian can go on line and find a library that has the book and request that it be sent to the borrowing library. You can usually get a book this way for 2 to 4 weeks.

Originally posted by Weasel
So what would be a good suspension book to buy?? Any recommendations.

I have seen Race Car Dynamics and it is probably the best. However, the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) also has another book Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics which is very good.
http://www.sae.org/servlets/productDetail?PROD_TYP=BOOK&PROD_CD=R-114

It also has software to accompany it.
Fundamentals of Vehicle Dynamics Software
http://www.sae.org/servlets/productDetail?PROD_TYP=BOOK&PROD_CD=R-114S

I have not seen the software but it uses TK Solver which is good.

SAE also has a new book out that I have not seen.
Chassis Design - Principles and Analysis $79.95 / $63.96

http://www.sae.org/servlets/productDetail?PROD_TYP=BOOK&PROD_CD=R-206

I have not seen any books outside SAE that are any good.


Hope this helps.

So, does anybody have copies of the pages needed from this book? I would love to get a copy.
Thanks

In regards to having trouble getting the book through an inter-library loan ...

No matter what the librarian says, they can get it. It all comes down to how hard the librarian is willing to work to get it.

Keep in mind, our taxes pay their wages. Demand success.

I had to work on my librarian a bit because the closest copy was several counties away. It took about 2 weeks to get the book, but they got it.

cmk