Some Math help please!

[ravengp]

Ok so my son is just starting to learn geometry and angles and such. He is having a hard time of it and I thought maybe he would understand better if we put it in Jeep terms.

What I need help with is how to figure approach/departure/breakover angles, suspension geometry, stuff like that.

He has a learning disability and it is much easier for him to learn if he can associate it with something he enjoys.

[SGM O]

Approach and departure is easy, take a 2x4 and put it in front of the front tire and then lift it up util it is even with or hits the lowest item in front of the jeep, normally the front bumper if it is stock. The angle the board is at would be the approach angle. Do the same in the rear, board behind the rear tire and lift then measure, that is your departure angle...break over is a little harder in that you need to find the lowest point under the Jeep, normally the transfer case skid plate and then pull a line or use a straight edge from there to the back of the front tires and the front of the back tires, etc...if you have access to a ramp or fork lift you can do the ramp index or flex test which would be how high can you lift the right front before the left front or one of the rear tires lifts, keep in mind you want to keep at least three wheels in contact to stay stable. Of course your flexibility is not the same left to right because of the offset of the front drive shaft, another math test for him. Then there is the whole fulcrum part of long arms vs. the stubby factory control arms

[ravengp]

Thanks SGM! Now, how do I put that into an equation?

[gearhead1985]

how in depth are we talking trig or algebra

algebra use Pythagorean theorem which is like this


all the formulas can be rearranged to solve for what you need