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General Site Info => General Discussion => Topic started by: zieg85 on February 07, 2020, 10:35:14 am

Title: Radial Tuned Suspension?
Post by: zieg85 on February 07, 2020, 10:35:14 am

A question on Facebook got me to wondering this question I have always wondered.  Was it just a buzz marketing phrase or was something really done to "TUNE" the suspension over previous years.  I have my guesses but does anyone truly know?

Title: Re: Radial Tuned Suspension?
Post by: MIKE S on February 07, 2020, 10:47:00 am

With the switch to radial tires in the 70s, alignment was a big factor. I remember my 74 Monte Carlo had a ton of caster in it. Front tires looked like a chopper motorcycle when turned to the extreme. I'm sure there were other tweeks but I think that was the main factor.

Title: Re: Radial Tuned Suspension?
Post by: Shifty on February 07, 2020, 02:25:58 pm

Some of it was the switch to gas-charged shocks over oil-filled.

Title: Re: Radial Tuned Suspension?
Post by: zieg85 on February 07, 2020, 03:19:42 pm

Quote from: MIKE S on February 07, 2020, 10:47:00 am

With the switch to radial tires in the 70s, alignment was a big factor. I remember my 74 Monte Carlo had a ton of caster in it. Front tires looked like a chopper motorcycle when turned to the extreme. I'm sure there were other tweeks but I think that was the main factor.

Good point, I will have to see if I can find my old alignment specs, maybe compare 73 to 1980 where radial tires were probably standard equipment

Title: Re: Radial Tuned Suspension?
Post by: VileZambonie on February 07, 2020, 03:48:05 pm

Where did you see it as a buzz marketing phrase for these trucks? I'm not familiar with that advert

Title: Re: Radial Tuned Suspension?
Post by: zieg85 on February 07, 2020, 04:55:23 pm

Quote from: VileZambonie on February 07, 2020, 03:48:05 pm

Where did you see it as a buzz marketing phrase for these trucks? I'm not familiar with that advert

Not for the trucks, I remember it on full sized mid 70's cars

Title: Re: Radial Tuned Suspension?
Post by: VileZambonie on February 08, 2020, 07:52:33 am

Reducing rolling resistance and improving steering & suspension geometry was a necessity. Marketers will always try to put some kind of spin on design evolution. It's not a phrase worthy of differentiating your ride and is comical at best. Dude, my car has radial tuned suspension! No way bro!?  8)

Title: Re: Radial Tuned Suspension?
Post by: JohnnyPopper on February 08, 2020, 06:30:55 pm

http://holdenpaedia.oldholden.com/Radial_tuned_suspension

For a real hoot waste 6 minutes of your life here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IT08BiLDMko

Title: Re: Radial Tuned Suspension?
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on February 09, 2020, 04:45:12 pm

We had one of those 80's bonnevilles and on right on the dash was printed in chrome letters, "Radial Tuned Suspension"

i'll look into when i get a chance.    Pontiac was so awesome.   i'll never forgive the Obama administration for what they did......

Title: Re: Radial Tuned Suspension?
Post by: Stewart G Griffin on February 15, 2020, 09:30:27 am

i have to add that this was the smoothest car i've ever ridden in.

The old B and C bodies.   That kind of car is missing from the automotive landscape.........