Re: Spider Bite

[QSHIPQ@aol.com]

In a message dated 9/20/99 10:48:24 PM Central Daylight Time, 
peterb@mysysltd.com writes:

> Have you come up with a solution for reducing the "Spider Bite" - spring -
>  tire pressure - shock - 'sway' bar?
>  

Prayer?  Not kidding either.  Both Jeff and I have had several offline 
conversations regarding the "solution".  Without changing the device 
internally, Jeff had the best idea of putting larger front tires on (inducing 
fwd behavior - slower turning front axle = more torque), but some concerns 
over the wear of the internals keeps me from "recommending" that fix.

The real problem is that 56% of torque from one axle to another in a turn, 
really is hard to "dial" out or "correct" with driver input.  The best luck 
I've had in regaining control is catching the O (foot to the floor) in the 
U-O cycle (works only on a track, and the timing has to be right) or applying 
both the brakes and the gas at the same time, best done with abs off.  I'm 
still convinced we are speaking of luck here.  When you are beyond the 
8/10ths window with a device that really fights all moves toward control, 
luck and prayer are your saviors.  Graydon also suggested, drive right into 
the apex, which may be the last resort and selectively applied, but also 
might save your life, your car and those around you.  

Best advice:  Go to a winter driving event, and play in the harmless world of 
snowbanks and open ice.  Identifying it is the first step, trying to control 
it (for me many times at steamboat) really shows how hard it can be

HTH

Scott Justusson