Rat Rod Nation - A place for motorheads
Rat Rod Nation builds => Rat Rod Frame/Suspension/Brake Q&A => Topic started by: notw on June 15, 2018, 08:10:31 PM
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I just started getting my solid axle front end mounted. Anyhow I was asking at what degree to tilt the axle back on a Facebook site and posted a picture......after getting several good answers on my question I had some comments about my "hairpins". I have made them out of 11ga 1" square tubing and one guy says they will fold up on the first bump. I did ask a guy who is a structural engineer and he seems to think they are sufficient but wanting some more opinions. Also I had modeled my front end setup after a local guy heres rat rod that uses a chevy cruise rack and pinion mounted to the frame behind his suicide spring. They also told me that was immediate trouble but his truck has been great for a few years like this. I really don't want to start completely over with my front end but man they beat me down. I don't want to be unsafe but this felt like I posted to the H.A.M.B.
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Your tubing looks adequate, but you should put another piece of tubing into the assembly at an angle to give your radius rods some geometric stability. I would also recommend that you go to heavier grade heim joints and clevices like used in drag racing suspension. The steering rack should be mounted so that it is level with the point where tie rod ends attach to the spindles with the vehicle sitting at the level it will ride at when the car is completed. This will prevent "bump steer". Try to keep the rack assembly as close to straight from tie rod end to tie rod end in every plane. ALSO!! Be sure to install a "panhard" bar or other locator to keep your axle assembly from moving horizontally, (side to side).
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Yes I had thought of a few angle pieces to kind of "triangulate" it. I honestly just picked my heims and rod ends off what I was seeing from off the shelf stuff speedway recommends. Thanks for the input on the rack that is the same line of thinking I was on with it. The gentleman that has it seems to really like it says it is alot more stable than his cross steer setup was. Appreciate the input
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Hey man, way above my head. I'm just responding because I noticed your comment about the "H.A.M.B." I come here for information too, and not to try and have a "smartest guy in the room" competition. I won't say much more than that, but it too was vibe I got when I tried to be a contributor on that forum. Hopefully some day I can post something interesting enough to get commented on.LOL everybody likes recognition, that is why we do what we do. I like being able to share and contribute if I(we) can. Thanks, MATTSIXX.
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Matt, I didn't post that to badmouth them i see some good info on there but would never post because I have seen the responses that some get if they are not up to their standards. Again not all are like that and some people with very good info on there. But that is what my Facebook post was like when I asked about what angle to set my axle back. After Blackwater post and emailing the structural engineer we have at where I work I think I will use the hairpins I built and will probably add a few more supports between the tubes. I just wanted to get an opinion from here as well as the ones I got from people I know local.
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I think we are on same page. Great chatting with you man.
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I have got my steering almost set up and am questioning my use of rack and pinion a little myself. There is a local guy that uses it and loves it but I am worried with it mounted to the frame I will have too much travel for the rack everything is pretty level and in line. As of now I do not have a pan hard but have an idea for one. I will attach a pic of the current setup do not mind the steering arms they are temporary and I am in process of making the ones I will actually use.
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Looks pretty good to me!! If you have a radiator and other items that will be added to the front, make sure to adjust the height of the rack AFTER everything is, (at least temporarily) in place.
ALSO!! Be sure that the radius rods and the steering linkage don't interfere throughout the ENTIRE range of travel of the suspension. Don't forget to triangulate those radius rods, and I'll suggest a gusset or gussets on the rod end mounts at the back ends of your radius rods. Pics of your rack mounts will help!!
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Thanks for the advice....it is free and clear through the whole range of motion (found that out after it was to low the first way I mounted) and yes I need to set everything on the front tonight and see how it sits......the rack mounts and rear radius rod mounts are about 2x3 blocks 3/4" thick drilled and tapped and fillet welded to the frame
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I'm glad iffy advice helps. I've torn up stuff all my life doing things most people never dream of. I sometimes tend to over engineer and even build much stronger than needed, but my motto has always been "The ass you save may be your own!". Folks I build for don't complain that it was "built too light!" 8)
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That's not a bad motto and as this is my first build I have been asking advice from several people and places try to make a safe reliable rig
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Blackwater we must of went the same hard knocks school. Tearing stuff up is why I became a mechanic/fabricator/ machinist and lastly banker ( I'm alway's broke) :o I've always said it is broke I can't break it more HAHA Yes , Yes you can break it more :P
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Here is pics of the mounts for radius rods and the rack and pinion mounts. The radius rod bolts go through the block and into the frame the rack and pinion just bolt into the blocks but there is 3/4" of threads they catch
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Looks pretty solid to me!!
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Thanks Blackwater still working out the pan hard bar and shock mounts but think I have an idea that will work
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Probably not ideal at 13" center to center but got the panhard bar on....was limited on room so this is what I came up with it should do its job none the less
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Can't tell from that angle and I'm sure you're aware of it, but be sure that the center mount doesn't interfere with the axle.
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I think it should be fine I can jump up and down on the front of it and still has some room before it would make contact and that's before shocks
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it looks really good , very clean set up . I like the way you make your own rods and ends . how far in front of the frame is the axle .
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Thank you......its About 8 1/2" it allows the right amount of room for the rack and spring to work.