For the most part, the suspension handles the best when weight transfer is not sudden and the suspension is not compressed on the bump stops. As a vehicle brakes, accelerates and corners, weight is transferred and the vehicle attitude changes. If done in a controlled manner, it can transfer weight effectively to the wheel that needs it the most.
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Adapted from Andrew Markel's article in Brake & Front End
Shocks and struts are simple devices. Their function is to dampen the movement of the springs, suspension and vehicle pitch. This means that as the spring is compressed, the movement is not sudden and when the energy or movement is released, it is not overpowering. For the most part, the suspension handles the best when weight transfer is not sudden and the suspension is not compressed on the bump stops. As a vehicle brakes, accelerates and corners, weight is transferred and the vehicle attitude changes. If done in a controlled manner, it can transfer weight effectively to the wheel that needs it the most. The Roll of a Shock The transfer of weight also can have momentum. If a driver is making a sudden lane change and a panic stop to the right, the weight of vehicle is transferred to the left-front wheel. If that corner of the vehicle has a weak shock or strut, the suspension could rapidly compress. As a result, the right-rear tire has less weight and less traction, as does the left-rear to a lesser extent. This means that the vehicle could go from an understeer condition to a "snap" oversteer very quickly. In the worst case scenario, if the vehicle has a high center-of-gravity like an SUV, it could roll. If the vehicle has effective shocks or struts, the weight transfer is better controlled, as is the vehicle. The role of shocks and struts becomes even more critic...
