Replacement
Battle experience showed a relatively short life of the original vertical volute spring suspension (VVSS) of the late models M3s due to the tank's increasing combat weight with larger guns and larger tracks. After mid-1944, M4A3 models of the Sherman adopted a newly developed Horizontal Volute Spring Suspension (HVSS). This type of suspension involved springing the pair of dual road wheels on each bogie against each other with a volute spring. When the horizontal volute springs were placed in compression by either the front or rear bogie wheel arm, the load was transmitted to the opposite arm. This kept tension on the track. Compared to the vertical volute spring suspension which it replaced on the US M4 Sherman, HVSS was heavier, but stronger, allowed the changing of individual wheel and increased wheel travel.
When fitted with the HVSS suspension the tanks were known as the M4A3E8 model - and soon gained the nickname 'Easy Eight' since they were more comfortable to travel in than models with the previous VVSS suspension, due to the extended track/wheel travel.
Read more about this topic: Vertical Volute Spring Suspension
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