Hi all,
In the next chapter of my guide on "Locost for Dummies" Can someone tell me what a De Dion rear end is? lol I'm sure when you tell me I'll feel like a complete idiot . . Also this is something only on Sierra rear axles?? If so, does that mean more modifications to the book chassis or can one be made / found to escort dimensions?
Thanks in advance
regards
Matt

De Dion is a cross between live axle and IRS suspension.

The diff is mounted to the chassis and uses driveshafts like IRS.

The wheels are connected to a tube (suitably offset to allow the driveshafts and diff to fit) which is usually mounted using trailing arms and panhard rod just like a live axle.

Has the advantages of lower unsprung weight than a live axle while remaining simple to engineer. Caterham used them for years on their 7's. GTS sell them, and I think MK have done.

Try these links below

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/De_Dion_tube

http://locost7.info/files/suspension/RortyDeDionAxleAssembly.pdf#search=%22DE%20DION%20AXLE%22

these should put you straight, hopefully

best regards

Just going to edit to say Rorty's CAD drawings are available.

flak monkey has them on his web site
http://gtslocost.locostsites.co.uk/downloads.htm

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Can someone tell me what a De Dion rear end is? lol I'm sure when you tell me

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