Entry level CAD recommendations & mezzanine concept

[troysladeck]

Starting to get into more technical / precise suspension design on my builds and want to start learning cad that way I can design my own parts and send them to get cut. Whats a good entry level program that works best for modeling suspension and steering design? Being able to cycle the parts and plot the data (motion ratios, bumpsteer, caster change) would be awesome. Don't mind paying for a program if its worth it.

Also how much would a 3d scanner cost? Are there tools available for a hobbyist? If so are there certain CAD programs that work better with 3d scanning?

SECONDLY...

The main reason I want to learn CAD is because I want to start designing a mezzanine 4 link setup for my Cherokee. It seems to be the best way to keep the back seats completely in tact, keep the fuel tank in the stock location, and also run a tradiitonal coilover / bypass setup. And since I don't mind putting the shocks into the trunk I think it will work great.

I could do a typical mezzanine with a hard mounted pivot near the bumper, but I've thought up an interesting idea that seems a lot easier and utilizes parts of the leaf spring suspension that I've already upgraded.

Here my proof of concept:

So typical mezzanine setups have the hard pivot in the back and a connecting rod on the axle. This is essentially the same thing but flipped. The trailing arm that houses the shocks connects directly to the axle, then the shackle in the rear is what allows for movement. My shackle box is already reinforced and bolts through the floor (perfect spot to land a cage pillar) and also is tied into the unibody rails and stiffeners. Its beefy and strong. The direction of force would change (compression -> tension shackle) but I think it would still work fine

Its hard to visualize how it would cycle since both sides of the shock arm pivot locations will change. So I would love to model it in CAD and see if it would work. Is it worth investigating? Or should I just plan on doing a typical style mezzanine with the hard pivot in the rear?

Thanks!

 

[gascapkevin]

Back in my college days I remember the suspension guys on the formula SAE team would do their simulation stuff on Solidworks but it would take awhile to load. I believe @the bodj has mentioned scanning parts and using fusion in some of his posts, and I think @Pictafiedesign does this kind of stuff as well. Maybe they can chime in with words of wisdom.

It would seem as though you have stumped the suspension wizards with this design. I think you should try it out... or you could just finish converting your XJ to an explorer and do a spring under setup

 

[the bodj]

I'm all for learning, but what you're wanting to do is advanced CAD work. Get the free version of Fusion or get Solidworks for Makers (it's pretty cheap annually), and start messing around with it. Honestly, it's hard to jump right in with 3D scanning and 3D design/assemblies. I'm not trying to discourage you, but rather help you save money until you feel you're ready to jump to a scanner and expensive paid subscription CAD software. I rarely use my scanner, unless I'm forcing myself for practice. It's so much faster and easier right now for me to make RAM board templates, draw in SW, and plasma cut out.