The IPS Grand Sport rear suspension components

photo of rear suspension parts
The complicated 5 piece linkage system (Arrows A) is the Shaw Link. They provide the lateral tracking between the axle and the chassis. They also enforce the rear roll center, like most lateral tracking devices. In this case, the rear roll center ends up where the two lower push rods would intersect if they were to be extended. Their third function is that of a weight jacker; during a roll, the motions of the linkages are redirected by the bell cranks to apply more downforce onto the inside end of the axle housing, which is then applied to the wheel and tire on that side.

The cross brace (B) is bolted to the frame rails and supports the lateral loads that will eventually be transmistted to the frame. It also provides the upper mounting points for the coil over dampers, which are also the pivot points for the bell cranks in the Shaw Link.

The axle truss (C) is bolted to the axle housing to give it some reinforcement for all the parts that will be bolted to the axle. The push tubes of the Shaw link attach to the base of the truss, where multiple holes allow several choices for placement of the roll center. The truss is also bolted to the lower mounting points of the dampers.

The pocket mounts (D) provides the forward pivot for the upper control arms. It is bolted into the upper spring pocket (see below). A backing plate (E) is provided with each pocket mount to strengthen the floor pan area where the mounts are bolted.

The rear upper control arm bracket (F) must be welded onto the axle housing.