ProjectVF: Swingarm Modification and
Rear Shocks
The stock swingarm connects to a large coilover
shock via a progressive linkage, and for racing purposes works very well.
For my vehicle, the linkage is overkill and the shock is in the wrong place.
I removed the linkage, cut off the mounts, and the shock is in the discard
pile. My intention is to use a pair of smaller, preload-adjustable, coilover
shocks attached about midpoint on the sides of the swingarm, with the other
end secured to the roll loop, which is one of the strongest parts of the
frame.
In this drawing, the upper (tension) side of the
chain makes minor contact with the underside of the seat frame, but does not
touch the swingarm itself or the pivot bushings.
When the rear suspension compresses, the upper side
of the chain make severe contact with the frame, plus touches the swingarm
pivot bushings. The chain loosens, but the length only changes 0.16", which isn't enough to
worry about.
When the rear rises (during hard braking) the
upper side of chain doesn't contact the swingarm or the pivot bushings.
This final drawing shows the optimized placement of the
swingarm pivot
bushing. The seat frame will need to be changed to clear the chain
and plastic wear strips
will be added to various areas for extra protection.
Here's how it turned out. I have yet to run a chain from the drive sprocket
to the rear wheel, but I'm pretty confident it'll work. It has to.
