Chassis flex

["Graydon D. Stuckey" <graydon@apollo.gmi.edu>]

On Sun, 16 Mar 1997, Michael Shields wrote:

> > You can feel the chassis flex often on bumpy roads.
> 
> What exactly does chassis flex feel like?  I can understand why it's
> bad but except for having less traction than you might, what are the
> effects?
Mike,

	Oh boy, that's a tuffy.   Detecting chassis flex is not easily 
taught or described, because it feels similar to suspension travel.   
I've driven a few cars with extremely stiff chassis - race cars with full 
cages -and these have a completely different feel about them.    They 
feel like the chassis moves as a unit while the suspension soaks up the 
bumps.   Unfortunately, that description applies to any car - that's why 
you have to experience it to know.   On a really flexible car, you can 
almost see the windshield move in different directions than the rest of 
car, like on a Chrysler convertible.

	BTW, the 5000 is NOT stiff at all.  I have seen few cars flex as
much as this car.  This is likely evidence of why it is so safe in a
crash- it is very absorbant. 

Later, 
Graydon D. Stuckey 
'86 5KCSTQ, getting more toys every day...