Portal bridges: device and purpose

To date, there are many examples of refinement and tuning SUVs. Some make a backlash of a body and a suspension bracket, the second change wheels, and the third do both that and another. However, today we will consider a very unusual way of tuning, thanks to which it is possible to increase the passability of the car more effectively than any 20-inch wheels. This miracle-device is called a portal bridge.

What he really is?

Portal bridges are mechanisms with onboard reducers having a U-shaped design. Due to the reducer, the axle rises several centimeters above the level of the wheel. It is also worth noting that with such bridges, the main gear and crankcase diminish in size.

Why "portal"?

Some drivers think that the name "portal" this axis received due to its characteristic design. In fact, this is so, however, the very name "portal" has a foreign origin and in this case designates a spatial bearing structure.

Application

On off-road vehicles such devices are not used for a long time. The main connoisseurs of these bridges are lovers of off-road routes. This is explained by the fact that the portal bridges allow to significantly increase the vehicle's ground clearance , which, in fact, is their main function. And due to the fact that several gears are used in the construction at once, the SUV transmission does not tolerate such large loads as the gearbox of an ordinary SUV.

It is also worth noting that the portal bridges, in addition to its special design, have a special gear ratio. Often, this value differs from the standard in a more "traction" side. Thus, the car becomes more suitable for off-road operation and less dynamic on asphalt pavement. However, for the owners of SUVs, which mostly operate them on unpaved roads, the loss of speed is an insignificant drawback.

Benefits

First of all, as we have already said, portal bridges significantly increase the vehicle's ground clearance. And since the location of the beam between the wheels plays a decisive role, then thanks to this axis, you can increase the clearance by at least 10 centimeters. For example, if the car "Hunter" UAZ bridges are located from the road surface at a distance of 21 centimeters, then after installing the portal, this value increases to 38 cm.

But this is not the only reason that motorists are installing portal bridges. Also thanks to this device you can significantly increase the torque, that is, make the SUV more tiring. Such a vehicle can overcome absolutely any obstacle, even if it carries cargo or tows another car. Dirt, snow, heat and frost - not a hindrance for such a car. It is worth noting that the portal bridges have a larger tooth size of the main pair. Due to this, the SUV becomes more reliable. Also portal bridges (UAZ "Bars" including) evenly distribute the load between the on-board and the main gear.