x2 I learned pretty much everything I know about trucks from the forums. asking questions, reading different threads, and some google searching
Dont be afraid to sound stupid. theres alot of stuff youre going to learn about suspension, dont be afraid to ask questions. start with identifying the main types of suspension. -leaf springs -coils -shocks -torsion bars -struts a few tips: -Shocks DO NOT control ride height, they only control the spring Oscillation. (how the spring conpresses/decompresses, or in torsion bar suspension it controls how much the torsion bar twists) however, a bad shock can cause that side of the truck to sag. -Torsion bars are a front end suspension component. and CAN be adjusted to change the ride height of the vehicle. -Struts are a combination of a shock and spring. the shock is inside of the coil. The whole struts assembly can be removed from the vehicle to service. -Ball joints are considered a steering AND suspension component. There are alot of things to learn about suspension, its not just to be able to identify what the parts are but there are also terms and certain measurements you need to know. alot can go wrong with suspension if you do something youre not supposed to do. example: people wanting to lower their cars or trucks like to cut there springs with a torch to lower it, THE WORST idea. when you cut a spring it messes with the spring rate and could cause alot of damage. I have already taken my suspension classes for Automotive Tech, theres alot of hands on stuff. you dont really learn until you start working on a truck or car and taking stuff apart. dont be afraid to ask questions man, the thing that will make you sound dumb is if you act like you know everything and end up not knowing a darn thing. if you need to know anything or just have questions about stuff feel free to shoot me a message.
Sorry guys got really tied up here at home. I'll have to check out that manual, and how is the Mechanical Engineering? Is Calculus too bad? Lol What do you want to do with your Degree?
Thanks for the info! I'll be sure to shoot you a PM if I need help. I agree with the questions thing. I didn't see there was a second page to the thread.
no problem man. hey helpful forum tip: if youre trying to direct a response to someone hit the little button at the bottom right of what they posted. its titled "quote". this helps people know who youre talking too so no one gets confused
