We established more of the drive train, or the parts that make the vehicle drive on the ground. The one pictured below is a differential, which splits the power from the engine out to each rear wheel. Normal differentials for automobiles are quite heavy, as the vehicle is quite heavy. We have a different need, so we are using a differential that is built for off-road use in lighter vehicles, but is still beefy enough to handle the output of the engine. It may not be a racing part, but we can offer an upgrade to that should someone desire. The main reason we like this differential is that it weighs 28 pounds. Our target for the differential was 45 pounds, as that was the lightest auto differential we could find. I don’t hear anyone complaining that we should be heavier, so I am thinking that will be okay.

Samson also received the front suspension arms, which will be trimmed, and then have a mounting plate welded to the end. With that, the assembly for the front wheel is nearly completed. The only thing left is to mount the steering box and arms, and connect the front suspension arms to the torsion bar suspension. Torax is to ship one shortly for our use and testing. Torax produces torsion suspension systems for the military, so it is proven to be ‘stout’. What we are looking for is a torsion bar setup that doesn’t need additional shock absorption. The unit is supposed to do that, but we haven’t tested it that way. When we do, we will find out if it is satisfactory, or if we will need an additional Fox shock on the front to match the two we are ordering for the rear. Fox is an aftermarket shock company that even Ford goes to when it wants the best.

We have ordered the rear half-shafts that take the power from the differential out to the wheels, and are mounting the rear wheels onto the newly created rear suspension arms. The engineers will be reviewing the suspension to ensure that there is no binding in the suspension components under extreme use.

That is it for now, so talk again soon!