C7 Uprights: The Core of Modern Chassis Design
THE PRIMARY ADVANTAGE
Geometry Freedom Starts at the Upright
One of the most important characteristics of the C7 upright is the substantial vertical separation between the upper and lower ball joints. That separation gives ACD considerable freedom when determining control-arm lengths, angles, and chassis pickup locations.
Those decisions establish much of the behavior of the complete suspension system. Camber gain, roll-center location and movement, caster, suspension travel, steering geometry, and tire behavior are influenced by the relationship between the upright, control arms, and their mounting points.
This is especially valuable when developing modern suspension architecture for classic vehicles. Different platforms have different track widths, frame dimensions, body clearances, ride heights, weight distributions, wheelbases, tire packages, and intended uses. A suspension layout that works well in one vehicle cannot simply be assumed to be correct for another.
Starting with an upright that provides substantial geometric freedom allows ACD to develop the surrounding suspension around those vehicle-specific requirements instead of forcing the vehicle to accommodate predetermined suspension dimensions.
CAMBER CONTROL
Control-arm lengths, angles, and pickup locations can be developed to manage the tire's camber through suspension travel.
ROLL-CENTER BEHAVIOR
Front and rear geometry can be developed around the vehicle's ride height, center of gravity, track width, suspension travel, and intended use.
STEERING GEOMETRY
Steering rack location, steering-arm relationship, caster, Ackermann, and bump steer can be evaluated together with the front suspension.
PACKAGING FREEDOM
Track width, wheel offset, tire size, suspension travel, chassis clearance, and body clearance can be considered as part of the geometry rather than after it.
Good suspension geometry doesn't come from the upright alone. It comes from what you do with it.
Lightweight Aluminum
Modern Component Integration
Enhanced Serviceability
Forged aluminum construction significantly reduces unsprung mass, contributing to improved ride quality and dynamic handling.
Designed for contemporary bolt-on hub bearings, wheel-speed sensors, and a wide array of high-performance OEM and aftermarket brakes.
Excellent aftermarket support and readily available replacement parts ensure long-term reliability and ease of maintenance.
Unlocking Geometric Freedom
Beyond A Single Platform
A Suspension Foundation With Broader Potential
The same characteristics that make the C7 upright well suited to the ACD 3100 C7 Development Program also make it an attractive foundation for other classic American cars and trucks.
That does not mean using the same suspension geometry beneath every vehicle. It means beginning with a proven modern component architecture and developing a new suspension system around the requirements of each platform.
A classic pickup, Corvette, muscle car, pony car, and other performance-oriented restomods can have dramatically different dimensions, weight distribution, ride-height requirements, tire packages, chassis structures, and driving objectives. Those differences should influence the suspension design.
ACD's approach is therefore platform-specific. The upright may remain a common foundation where it makes sense, while control-arm geometry, pickup locations, track width, steering, spring and damper motion ratios, chassis structure, wheel and tire packaging, and other dimensions are developed around the individual vehicle.
The 1947–1954 Chevrolet 3100 and GMC 100 platform is the first application of this approach. As that program progresses, ACD intends to evaluate additional classic American vehicle platforms where a modern, vehicle-specific chassis can provide a meaningful improvement in ride quality, handling, steering, braking, and overall drivability.
Same foundation. Different vehicle. Different geometry.
Future development will be driven in part by demand from builders and vehicle owners. If there is a platform you would like to see ACD develop, contact us and tell us about your project.
Beyond A Single Platform
A Suspension Foundation With Broader Potential
The same characteristics that make the C7 upright well suited to the ACD 3100 C7 Development Program also make it an attractive foundation for other classic American cars and trucks.
That does not mean using the same suspension geometry beneath every vehicle. It means beginning with a proven modern component architecture and developing a new suspension system around the requirements of each platform.
A classic pickup, Corvette, muscle car, pony car, and other performance-oriented restomods can have dramatically different dimensions, weight distribution, ride-height requirements, tire packages, chassis structures, and driving objectives. Those differences should influence the suspension design.
ACD's approach is therefore platform-specific. The upright may remain a common foundation where it makes sense, while control-arm geometry, pickup locations, track width, steering, spring and damper motion ratios, chassis structure, wheel and tire packaging, and other dimensions are developed around the individual vehicle.
The 1947–1954 Chevrolet 3100 and GMC 100 platform is the first application of this approach. As that program progresses, ACD intends to evaluate additional classic American vehicle platforms where a modern, vehicle-specific chassis can provide a meaningful improvement in ride quality, handling, steering, braking, and overall drivability.
Same foundation. Different vehicle. Different geometry.
Future development will be driven in part by demand from builders and vehicle owners. If there is a platform you would like to see ACD develop, contact us and tell us about your project.