Twist (torsion) beam rear axle design article I found this article on twist beam (torsion beam) rear axle design while trying to find out why the Gen 3 rear axle mounting bushings are angles. http://www.ulsab-avc.org/uploaded/ULSAS_EngRpt_Twistbeam_Design.pdf I found my answer on page 40. The article is fairly generic and is more qualitative than quantitative, just right for gaining an appreciation for what can be done with a good twist beam rear axle. Like McPherson Strut front suspensions, they were originally used because they were cheap. Fortunately modern design has evolved them into something much better than they originally were. They are still cheap to manufacture, light weight and space efficient. Here's "An intelligent conversation about twist beam axle swaybars" Intelligent Conversation about twist beam axle sway bar: Grassroots Motorsports forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine The poster that started the thread was way off in his understanding of how twist beams work, but the follow on comments have some valuable content.
There is something to be said about simple, efficient, lightweight and inexpensive that does the job.
