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An additional suspension system is specifically
designed for the 1-tonner torsion bar LDV's to
enhance their handling and loading capacity and
to minimize the maintenance of the front and rear
suspension. The system is an addition to the standard
suspension of the vehicle. During the development
phase of the system, extensive durability tests
were conducted (after fitment to a vehicle) and
the positive results obtained were most impressive.
The front suspension is thus controlled by shock
absorber, coil and torsion bar, which reduce the
working temperature of the shock absorber with
the results that the shock absorber reacts more
effectively. The coil spring assembly reduces
the load on the torsion bar with the effect that
the front end of the bakkie is raised as a result
of the fitment of the system. The torsion bar is
adjusted to lower the front suspension to maintain
the ride height specified by the manufacturer,
thus adjustment of the torsion bar is part of
the fitting procedure. The now firmer front suspension
eliminates the rocking effects, which is experienced
whilst travelling over rough terrain. A dramatic
reduction in body roll and nose dipping is experienced
during braking with the result that the potential
locking of the braking system on the rear wheels
is reduced. Another advantage of the system is that
heavy-duty bush bars and winches can now be fitted
as a result of the additional carrying capabilities
of the front suspension. Due to the direct action
of the shock absorber assembly on the ball joint,
the contact between the wheels and the road surface
is increasing, which results in improved handling
without a reduction in the comfort whilst driving.
Improved handling and stability will be experienced
on any road condition. The system renders a robust
front suspension to the vehicle with more control
and driving comfort. The system fits neatly between
the wheel and chassis and has no negative effect
on the appearance of the vehicle.
The rear suspension is assisted by a high damping
shock with a adjustable coil spring. The principal
is the same as the front suspension; it lifts
the rear of the vehicle +/- 40mm without load.
The coil springs enhance the loading capability
with between 300kg and 500kg. This is however
not designed to increase the loading capacity
of the vehicle to more than one ton, but to enable
the standard spring pack of the vehicle to handle
the one-ton load better. The ride quality of the
vehicle improves drastically due to the fact that
the vehicle rides practically on a coil spring
suspension. The reason for the ride quality is
that the impact of the standard suspension is
reduced, due to the fact that the Camil suspension
creates a bigger gap between the standard blades
and the overload blade of the standard spring
pack. The system fits neatly on the standard shock
mountings of the vehicle.
Keen interest is being experienced amongst farmers,
4x4 enthusiasts and double cab owners. A large
number of systems have already been fitted over the
last 10 years in the R.S.A. and neighbouring states
with positive feedback from satisfied customers.
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