Re: OOPS!!
The distance verticaly at the forward end is to be concentric with the spring bolt , as you stated, but the rear pivot bolt shall be, in your case, below the axle housing tube by the same amount as the spring pad is above the tube. The "lengthening and shortening" of the spring eye to pad during the suspension cycle is allowed without binding, while the rubber blocks, placed as described in my "OOPS" posting limits the amount of pinion travel, without the noise and rattles that occur with a shackle, with is uncontrolled and has no natural spring rate for control.
This installation (along with adjustment for tuning purposes) is probably the simplest modification to eliminate the issues you are concerned about.Although 2 pieces (1 arm on each side), you can accomplish the same thing with a triangular configuration (in the "top view") with 2 frame mounting points and one point slightly offset to one side (the drive side of the carrier) of the carrier housing to maintain the proper heigth. By keeping the length in the side view equal to the spring length, AND pivoting from the same centerline as the spring eye, you minimize the effects on anti-dive and anti-squat that would be affected far more in a trapozoidial design, as is usually suggested. In essence, you creat a triangle, pivioting from the spring eye at the front end of the spring.
Best as always,
Bob Sheaves
<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1>Edited by Bob_Sheaves on 07/01/01 03:08 PM (server time).</FONT></P>