Why did Chrysler chose torsion bars over coil springs?

[Tonker1]

I've been doing some reading around the history of Chrysler and the various automotive designs and technologies they have created and used throughout the years. I was wondering if anyone knew why Chrysler Corp used torsion bars in their vehicle lines in the 60's and 70's instead of coil springs?

From what I've gathered so far most decisions on suspension technology were made on the basis that poly glass tire technology was the limiting factor for handling, so there is no point in spending large amounts of money creating epic suspension system if the tires wont grip. That makes sense as its good business. Interestingly though a large number of other competing companies were using coil springs.

What was the advantage of installing torsion bars at the time?

[burdar]

I've always heard that torsion bars give a much smoother ride.  Also, the cars with coil springs usually had full frames under them...not unibody construction.

[HP2]

While the marketing of a different approach does allow one to differentiate themselves in the market place, there also were some technical reasons for their use. Torsion bars placed the spring weight lower and further back than a coil spring design. They also tend to take up less total space which allows for bigger engine bays which gives designers greater latitude in vehicle design. They also allow for easier changes in ride height adjustments to compensate for wear and tear, although they tend to retain their rate longer than coils do.

Prior to Chrysler adopting them, t-bars were used most prominently in high end American sedans like  Packards and Hudsons or well handling European cars, so there was some additional marketing "chutzpa" for Mopars adaptation.

[Tonker1]

Thanks for the replies! That makes a lot of sense.

I've always heard that torsion bars give a much smoother ride.  Also, the cars with coil springs usually had full frames under them...not unibody construction.

After watching some nostalgia races with the Sam Posey Challenger I noticed the Challenger has noticeably less body roll around the corners than a lot of the other Trans Am racers from that era.

They also allow for easier changes in ride height adjustments to compensate for wear and tear, although they tend to retain their rate longer than coils do.

Non-sense, coil springs are so much better for adjusting ride height, I see people with rice burners do it all the time, just break out the angle grinder! 

[drewcrane]

Next time you see a Porsche owner test his knowledge ,ask him what do Mopars and Porsche's have in common....? most I ask are stunned to know they share torsion bars suspensions 

The lower center of gravity as another benifit also torsion bars are used in formula 1 for similar reasons

[HP2]

Oh yes, torsion bars are used in any number of competition cars  such as sprints, midgets, and other open wheel racers, as well as a large number of modern light trucks and SUVs. They are a very effective suspension design.

Despite 100 + years of development, there are still only four ways to suspend a vehicle; torsion, leaf, coil, or air. Until I get my Jetson car, that all that's out there.

[drewcrane]

Oh yes, torsion bars are used in any number of competition cars  such as sprints, midgets, and other open wheel racers, as well as a large number of modern light trucks and SUVs. They are a very effective suspension design.

Despite 100 + years of development, there are still only four ways to suspend a vehicle; torsion, leaf, coil, or air. Until I get my Jetson car, that all that's out there.

Yea we were supposed to have those jeston cars by now................according to all those radical pics we saw in the 60,s.................and there is the "hydrofoil" but it dont handle like a car........well some cars anyway

[Super Blue 72]

Do some Vettes have some sort of magnetic suspension?

I have seen magnetic suspensions used on small scale RC cars.   Freaky looking as there is no coil. Just two opposing magnets. 

[drewcrane]

Do some Vettes have some sort of magnetic suspension?

I have seen magnetic suspensions used on small scale RC cars.   Freaky looking as there is no coil. Just two opposing magnets.

Trains have used electromagnets ,but on a car not sure, but yea I had those R/C cars too,seems like a cool idea for suspension

[Jamiez]

Some cars have shocks that can be altered magnetically:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magneto_rheological_damper

[drewcrane]

Some cars have shocks that can be altered magnetically:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Magneto_rheological_damper

cool, good to know thanks for posting

[70CUDA4SPEED]

Look at this and you will understand why.

1958 3 of 3 Chrysler-GM-Ford Comparative Test in Color!

[shadango]

Look at this and you will understand why.
1958 3 of 3 Chrysler-GM-Ford Comparative Test in Color!

...I have to go out and buy me a fedora!    LOL   

Man, SO many puns used in one clip!    "Like a kangaroo with a pouch pull of tobasco."     OMG  LOL

Loved it though....thanks for the cool clip!

[brads70]

Look at this and you will understand why.
1958 3 of 3 Chrysler-GM-Ford Comparative Test in Color!

I'm not saying they did.... but sure is easy to be misleading? Bad/good shocks will sure stand out in that test?

[Racer57]

Oh yes, torsion bars are used in any number of competition cars  such as sprints, midgets, and other open wheel racers, as well as a large number of modern light trucks and SUVs. They are a very effective suspension design.

 
Primary reason is that as compared to coil, bars are lazy/slower in their reactions.