Vehicle suspension for a model vehicle

• US 20060264151A1
• Filed: 02/06/2006
• Published: 11/23/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 04/07/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Traxxas LP (Traxxas)
• Original Assignee: Traxxas
• Inventors: Lampert, Jon Kenneth, Byers, Brent Whitfield
• Granted Patent: US 7,883,099 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 446/469
• CPC Class Codes: A63H 17/262 Chassis; Wheel mountings; Wheels; Axles; Suspensions; Fitting body portions to chassis
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 15/067 characterised by the mounting on the vehicle body or chassis of the spring and damper unit
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2204/13 with the spring, i.e. coil spring, or damper horizontally mounted
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 2300/20 Toys
• CPC Class Codes: B60G 3/20 all arms being rigid
• CPC Class Codes: B60Y 2200/81 Toys

Abstract

A model vehicle suspension is provided, comprising a vehicle chassis, a spring for providing a supporting suspension force, one or more dampers for providing a damping suspension force, the dampers having an elongated shape, wherein the dampers are mounted on the chassis with a longitudinal axis substantially horizontal relative to the chassis and at least a first suspension member mounted to the chassis for supporting a vehicle wheel, the first suspension member being mounted for movement upwardly and downwardly at the location for supporting a vehicle wheel. A coupling mechanism for transmitting suspension forces from one or both of the spring and the one or more dampers to the first suspension member at the location for supporting a vehicle wheel is also provided, the coupling mechanism being configured to transmit suspension forces to the first suspension member, while allowing movement of the first suspension member at the point of supporting a wheel.

Claims

1. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

a first wheel for supporting at least a portion of the chassis above an underlying surface;

a first spring for providing a supporting suspension force to the first wheel;

a first damper for providing a damping suspension force to the first wheel, the first damper having an elongated shape, wherein the first damper is secured to the chassis with a longitudinal axis substantially horizontal relative to the chassis;

a first suspension member secured to the chassis for supporting the first wheel, the first suspension member mounted for movement upwardly and downwardly at substantially the location of the first wheel; and

a first coupling mechanism configured to transmit supporting suspension force from the first spring to the first wheel through the first suspension member, while allowing movement of the first suspension member substantially at the point of supporting the first wheel.

2. The model vehicle suspension of claim 1, wherein the first spring is a compression spring secured to the chassis for linear actuation in a direction substantially horizontal relative to the chassis.

3. The model vehicle suspension of claim 1, further comprising:

a motion ratio of vertical movement of the first wheel to movement of the first spring or first damper that is progressive over a substantial portion of first suspension member travel.

4. The model vehicle suspension of claim 3, wherein the motion ratio generally decreases with upward movement of the first wheel.

5. The model vehicle suspension of claim 3, wherein the supporting suspension force transmitted from the first spring to the first wheel by the first suspension member increases non-linearly over at least a substantial portion of a range of upward movement of the first wheel.

6. The model vehicle suspension of claim 1, further comprising:

a second wheel for supporting at least a portion of the chassis above an underlying surface, the second wheel positioned aft of the first wheel relative to the chassis;

a second spring for providing a supporting suspension force to the second wheel;

a second damper for providing a damping suspension force to the second wheel, the second damper having an elongated shape, wherein the second damper is secured to the chassis with a longitudinal axis substantially horizontal relative to the chassis;

a second suspension member secured to the chassis for supporting the second wheel at a location aft of the first suspension member, the second suspension member mounted for movement upwardly and downwardly at substantially the location for supporting the second wheel; and

a second coupling mechanism configured to transmit supporting suspension force from the second spring to the second wheel through the second suspension member, while allowing movement of the second suspension member substantially at the point of supporting the first wheel.

7. The model vehicle suspension of claim 6, wherein the second spring is a compression spring secured to the chassis for linear actuation in a direction substantially horizontal relative to the chassis.

8. The model vehicle suspension of claim 6, further comprising:

a motion ratio of vertical movement of the second wheel to movement of the second spring or second damper that is progressive over a substantial portion of second suspension member travel.

9. The model vehicle suspension of claim 8, wherein the motion ratio generally decreases with upward movement of the second wheel.

10. The model vehicle suspension of claim 8, wherein the supporting suspension force transmitted from the second spring to the second wheel by the second suspension member increases non-linearly over at least a substantial portion of a range of upward movement of the second wheel.

11. The model vehicle suspension-of claim 6, wherein the motion ratio of vertical movement of the second wheel to movement of the second spring or second damper is progressive over a substantial portion of second suspension member travel.

12. The model vehicle suspension of claim 6, wherein the spring rate of the second spring associated with the second suspension member is greater than the spring rate of the first spring associated with the first suspension member.

13. The model vehicle suspension of claim 8, wherein the motion ratios of the first and second suspension members are substantially similar over the range of vertical movement of their respective first and second wheels.

16. The model vehicle suspension of claim 1, wherein the wheel comprises a tire and wherein the coupling mechanism has a range of movement at least half the diameter of the wheel and tire supported by the suspension member.

14. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

a spring for providing a supporting suspension force, wherein the spring is a compression spring mounted on the chassis for linear actuation in a direction substantially horizontal relative to the chassis;

one or more dampers for providing a damping suspension force;

at least a first suspension member mounted to the chassis for supporting a vehicle wheel, the first suspension member mounted for movement upwardly and downwardly at the location for supporting a vehicle wheel;

a coupling mechanism for transmitting the suspension force from one or both of the spring and the one or more dampers to the first suspension member at the location for supporting a vehicle wheel; and

wherein the coupling mechanism is configured to transmit suspension forces to the first suspension member, while allowing movement of the first suspension member at the point of supporting a wheel.

15. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

a spring for providing a supporting suspension force;

one or more dampers for providing a damping suspension force;

at least a first suspension member mounted to the chassis for supporting a vehicle wheel, the first suspension member mounted for movement upwardly and downwardly at the location for supporting a vehicle wheel;

a coupling mechanism for transmitting suspension forces from one or both of the spring and the one or more dampers to the first suspension member at the location for supporting a vehicle wheel;

wherein the coupling mechanism is configured to transmit suspension forces to the first suspension member, while allowing movement of the first suspension member at the point of supporting a wheel; and

wherein a motion ratio of vertical wheel movement to movement of the associated spring or damper is progressive over a substantial portion of first suspension member travel.

17. A model vehicle suspension, having one or more motion ratios and an adjustable ride height, comprising:

a chassis;

a suspension spring member secured to the chassis in a substantially horizontal direction;

a rocker arm secured to the chassis for pivotal movement, the rocker arm having an output arm pivotally secured to the suspension spring and an input arm;

a push rod having an outboard end and an inboard end, the inboard end secured to the input arm of the rocker arm for pivotal movement in both vertical and horizontal axes relative to the chassis;

an axle carrier for supporting an axle and wheel for rotation;

a suspension arm secured at an inboard end to the chassis for pivotal movement and secured at an outboard end to the axle carrier to support the chassis on an underlying surface through the axle carrier; and

one or more mounts for securing to the outboard end of the push rod, the one or more mounts being coupled for movement with the suspension arm and the one or more mounts configured to pivotally secure the outboard end of the push rod at a plurality of different mount locations relative to the suspension arm, the plurality of mount locations of the one or more mounts varying the ride height of the chassis without substantially altering the motion ratio (MR) of the suspension.

18. The model vehicle suspension of claim 17, wherein the push rod extends downwardly from the rocker arm to the one or more mounts and wherein the rocker arm is secured to the chassis for pivotal movement about an axis substantially perpendicular to the push rod.

19. The model vehicle suspension of claim 18, wherein the push rod extends both outwardly and downwardly from the rocker arm at an angle less than 45 degrees relative to the chassis.

20. The model vehicle suspension of claim 19, wherein the push rod extends both outwardly and downwardly from the rocker arm at an angle less than 45 degrees relative to the suspension arm.

21. The model vehicle suspension of claim 17, wherein the plurality of push rod mount locations are spaced apart along a path substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the suspension arm.

22. The model vehicle suspension of claim 17, wherein the plurality of push rod mount locations are positioned at substantially the same vertical distance from the chassis when the suspension is at an intermediate ride height relative to the ride heights resulting from placement of the push rod outboard end at the most inboard and most outboard push rod mount locations.

23. The model vehicle suspension of claim 17, wherein the plurality of mount locations of the one or more push rod mounts each result in a relatively different ride height when the push rod is secured to the one or more mounts at that mount location.

24. The model vehicle suspension of claim 23, wherein the outboard end of the push rod is positioned further inboard relative to the chassis when mounted to the one or more mounts resulting in a relatively higher ride height.

25. The model vehicle suspension of claim 24, wherein the angle of the push rod relative to the chassis increases when mounted to the one or more mounts and results in a relatively higher ride height.

26. The model vehicle suspension of claim 17, wherein the plurality of mount locations to pivotally secure the outboard end of the push rod comprise a first and a second mount location, and wherein the second mount location is positioned inboard of the first mount location and both the first and second mount locations are positioned along an imaginary line substantially parallel to the suspension arm.

27. The model vehicle suspension of claim 17, wherein the plurality of mount locations to pivotally secure the outboard end of the push rod comprise a first and a second mount location, and wherein when the outboard end of the push rod is moved from the first mount location to the second mount location, the downward angle at which the push rod extends from the rocker arm increases, at least partially offsetting concurrently reduced leverage on the suspension arm to support the axle carrier caused by the inboard displacement of the outboard end of the push rod, substantially maintaining the motion ratio of the suspension while increasing the ride height of the chassis.

28. The model vehicle suspension of claim 17, wherein the outboard end of the push rod is displaced in an inboard direction at substantially the same vertical distance from the chassis when moved inboard from a first mount location to a second mount location, resulting in an increase in the downward angle at which the push rod extends from the rocker arm, substantially offsetting a loss of leverage to support the axle carrier caused by the inboard displacement of the outboard end of the push rod, to substantially maintain the motion ratio of the suspension while increasing the ride height of the vehicle.

29. The model vehicle suspension of claim 17, wherein when in an initial ride height the outboard end of the push rod is displaced from a first mount to a relatively inboard second mount at substantially the same vertical distance from the chassis, the inboard movement of the outboard end of the push rod lowers the axle carrier relative to the vehicle chassis producing a resultant vehicle ride height greater than the initial ride height without substantially modifying the motion ratio of the suspension.

30. The model vehicle suspension of claim 17, wherein when in an initial ride height the outboard end of the push rod is displaced from a first mount to a relatively inboard second mount at substantially the same vertical distance from the chassis, downward movement of the outboard end of the push rod lowers the axle carrier relative to the vehicle chassis producing a resultant vehicle ride height greater than the initial ride height without substantially modifying the motion ratio of the suspension.

31. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

an axle carrier for supporting a wheel for rotational movement;

at least one suspension arm having an inboard end secured for pivotal movement relative to the chassis and an outboard end for supporting the axel carrier; and

a push rod linkage to the suspension arm for adjusting the ride height of the chassis, without substantially modifying the motion ratio of the suspension.

32. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the chassis;

a spring member coupled to the chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the chassis, the suspension assembly coupling the spring member to the wheel, and wherein the suspension assembly has a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the suspension assembly has a Δ

MR1 value determined from the change of MR of the suspension assembly from approximately full droop to full bump positions;

wherein the suspension assembly has an average MR (MR_AVE) value determined from the average MR of the suspension assembly over the range of movement between approximately full droop and full bump positions; and

wherein the ratio of Δ

MR1 to MR_AVE of the suspension assembly is within the range of about −

0.03 to 0.37.

33. The model vehicle suspension of claim 32, wherein the suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

34. The model vehicle suspension of claim 32, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the chassis.

35. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the chassis;

a spring member coupled to the chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the chassis, the suspension assembly coupling the spring member to the wheel, and wherein the suspension assembly has a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the suspension assembly has a Δ

MR1 value determined from the change of MR of the suspension assembly from approximately full droop to full bump positions;

wherein the suspension assembly has an average MR (MR_AVE) value determined from the average MR of the suspension assembly over the range of movement between approximately full droop and full bump positions; and

wherein the ratio of Δ

MR1 to MR_AVE of the suspension assembly is within the range of about −

0.03 to 0.18.

36. The model vehicle suspension of claim 35, wherein the suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

37. The model vehicle suspension of claim 35, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the chassis.

38. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the chassis;

a spring member coupled to the chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the chassis, the suspension assembly coupling the spring member to a the wheel, and wherein the suspension assembly has a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the suspension assembly has a Δ

MR1 value determined from the change of MR of the suspension assembly from approximately full droop to full bump positions;

wherein the suspension assembly has an average MR (MR_AVE) value determined from the average MR of the suspension assembly over the range of movement between approximately full droop and full bump positions; and

wherein the ratio of Δ

MR1 to MR_AVE of the suspension assembly is within the range of about 0.18 to 0.37.

39. The model vehicle suspension of claim 38, wherein the suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

40. The model vehicle suspension of claim 38, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the chassis.

41. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the chassis;

a spring member coupled to the chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the chassis, the suspension assembly coupling the spring member to a the wheel, and wherein the suspension assembly has a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the suspension assembly has a Δ

MR1 value determined from the change of MR of the suspension assembly from approximately full droop to full bump positions;

wherein the suspension assembly has an average MR (MR_AVE) value determined from the average MR of the suspension assembly over the range of movement between approximately full droop and full bump positions; and

wherein the ratio of Δ

MR1 to MR_AVE of the suspension assembly is about 0.18.

42. The model vehicle suspension of claim 41, wherein the suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

43. The model vehicle suspension of claim 41, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the chassis.

44. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the chassis;

a spring member coupled to the chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the chassis, the suspension assembly coupling the spring member to a the wheel, and wherein the suspension assembly has a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the suspension assembly has a Δ

MR1 value determined from the change of MR of the suspension assembly from approximately full droop to full bump positions;

wherein the suspension assembly has an average MR (MR_AVE) value determined from the average MR of the suspension assembly over the range of movement between approximately full droop and full bump positions; and

wherein the ratio of Δ

MR1 to MR_AVE of the suspension assembly is about −

0.03.

45. The model vehicle suspension of claim 44, wherein the suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

46. The model vehicle suspension of claim 44, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the chassis.

47. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the chassis;

a spring member coupled to the chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the chassis, the suspension assembly coupling the spring member to a the wheel, and wherein the suspension assembly has a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the suspension assembly has a Δ

MR1 value determined from the change of MR of the suspension assembly from approximately full droop to full bump positions;

wherein the suspension assembly has an average MR (MR_AVE) value determined from the average MR of the suspension assembly over the range of movement between approximately full droop and full bump positions; and

wherein the ratio of Δ

MR1 to MR_AVE of the suspension assembly is about 0.37.

48. The model vehicle suspension of claim 47, wherein the suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

49. The model vehicle suspension of claim 47, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the chassis.

50. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the chassis;

a spring member coupled to the chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the chassis, the suspension assembly coupling the spring member to a the wheel, and wherein the suspension assembly has a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the suspension assembly has a Δ

MR2 value determined from the change of MR of the suspension assembly from approximately ride height to full bump positions;

wherein the suspension assembly has an average MR (MR_AVE) value determined from the average MR of the suspension assembly over the range of movement between approximately full droop and full bump positions; and

wherein the ratio of Δ

MR1 to MR_AVE of the suspension assembly is within the range of about 0.11 to 0.34.

51. The model vehicle suspension of claim 50, wherein the suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

52. The model vehicle suspension of claim 50, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the chassis.

53. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the chassis;

a spring member coupled to the chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the chassis, the suspension assembly coupling the spring member to a the wheel, and wherein the suspension assembly has a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the suspension assembly has a Δ

MR2 value determined from the change of MR of the suspension assembly from approximately ride height to full bump positions;

wherein the suspension assembly has an average MR (MR_AVE) value determined from the average MR of the suspension assembly over the range of movement between approximately full droop and full bump positions; and

wherein the ratio of Δ

MR1 to MR_AVE of the suspension assembly is within the range of about 0.11 to 0.23.

54. The model vehicle suspension of claim 53, wherein the suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

55. The model vehicle suspension of claim 53, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the chassis.

56. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the chassis;

a spring member coupled to the chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the chassis, the suspension assembly coupling the spring member to a the wheel, and wherein the suspension assembly has a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the suspension assembly has a Δ

MR2 value determined from the change of MR of the suspension assembly from approximately ride height to full bump positions;

wherein the suspension assembly has an average MR (MR_AVE) value determined from the average MR of the suspension assembly over the range of movement between approximately full droop and full bump positions; and

wherein the ratio of Δ

MR1 to MR_AVE of the suspension assembly is within the range of about 0.23 to 0.34.

57. The model vehicle suspension of claim 56, wherein the suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

58. The model vehicle suspension of claim 56, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the chassis.

59. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the chassis;

a spring member coupled to the chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the chassis, the suspension assembly coupling the spring member to a the wheel, and wherein the suspension assembly has a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the suspension assembly has a Δ

MR2 value determined from the change of MR of the suspension assembly from approximately ride height to full bump positions;

wherein the suspension assembly has an average MR (MR_AVE) value determined from the average MR of the suspension assembly over the range of movement between approximately full droop and full bump positions; and

wherein the ratio of Δ

MR1 to MR_AVE of the suspension assembly is about 0.23.

60. The model vehicle suspension of claim 59, wherein the suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

61. The model vehicle suspension of claim 59, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the chassis.

62. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the chassis;

a spring member coupled to the chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the chassis, the suspension assembly coupling the spring member to a the wheel, and wherein the suspension assembly has a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the suspension assembly has a Δ

MR2 value determined from the change of MR of the suspension assembly from approximately ride height to full bump positions;

wherein the suspension assembly has an average MR (MR_AVE) value determined from the average MR of the suspension assembly over the range of movement between approximately full droop and full bump positions; and

wherein the ratio of Δ

MR1 to MR_AVE of the suspension assembly is about 0.11.

63. The model vehicle suspension of claim 62, wherein the suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

64. The model vehicle suspension of claim 62, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the chassis.

65. A model vehicle suspension, comprising:

a vehicle chassis;

a wheel supporting at least a portion of the chassis;

a spring member coupled to the chassis for urging the wheel member in at least a vertical direction;

at least one suspension assembly supporting the wheel for vertical movement relative to the chassis, the suspension assembly coupling the spring member to a the wheel, and wherein the suspension assembly has a motion ratio (MR) of vertical displacement of the wheel to displacement of the spring member;

wherein the suspension assembly has a Δ

MR2 value determined from the change of MR of the suspension assembly from approximately ride height to full bump positions;

wherein the suspension assembly has an average MR (MR_AVE) value determined from the average MR of the suspension assembly over the range of movement between approximately full droop and full bump positions; and

wherein the ratio of Δ

MR1 to MR_AVE of the suspension assembly is about 0.34.

66. The model vehicle suspension of claim 65, wherein the suspension assembly further comprises a plurality of rocker arms interchangeably mountable to the chassis for pivotal movement, each rocker arm having an output arm for coupling to the spring member and an input arm for coupling to the wheel, and wherein the plurality of rocker arms having at least output arms of differing configurations or input arms of differing configurations.

67. The model vehicle suspension of claim 65, wherein the spring member extends and retracts in a substantially horizontal orientation relative to the chassis.

68. A model vehicle, comprising:

a chassis; and

one or more suspension assemblies supporting the chassis, wherein at least one of the one or more suspension assemblies is configured to have a motion ratio in the range of approximately 3;

1 to 6;

1.

69. A model vehicle, comprising:

a chassis; and

one or more suspension assemblies supporting the chassis, wherein at least one of the one or more suspension assemblies is configured to have a motion ratio of about 4.5;

1.

70. A model vehicle, comprising:

a chassis; and

one or more suspension assemblies supporting the chassis, wherein at least one of the one or more suspension assemblies is configured to have a motion ratio of about 6;

1.