1954 Cadillac - GM Heritage Center
1954 Cadillac - GM Heritage Center
1954 Cadillac - GM Heritage Center
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NEW REAR SUSPENSION<br />
For improved riding comfort and ease-of-handling, the <strong>1954</strong><br />
<strong>Cadillac</strong> rear springs are longer, wider and softer acting.The<br />
use of 5-leaf instead of 8-Ieaf springs enables the springs to<br />
flex more quickly and to absorb small road irregularities<br />
without noticeable action to frame or body. Being wider,<br />
the new rear springs increase ride stability by providing<br />
greater resistance to lateral or side-to-side motion of the car.<br />
This stability is further increased by mounting the springs<br />
so that the front ends have a toed-in effect as shown above.<br />
HOTCHKISS DRIVE<br />
Hotchkiss Drive is the name given to the method of transferring<br />
the thrust of the rear wheels to the frame through<br />
the rear springs. Thus, the springs cushion starting or stopping<br />
movement of the car. Driver and passengers experience<br />
only a smooth, gradual feeling of motion during acceleration<br />
or braking. In addition, unsprung weight (weight not carried<br />
by the rear springs) is minimized.<br />
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