Thread: 4 link or Hairpins

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Which one gives a better ride or works better with a full fender car ?
Thank's guy's

Although I'm old fashioned, I have to say the four bar setup allows the axle to arc more properly. As long as you are running fenders you won't see much of them anyway, so that would be my vote.

Don

I would also advise going with a four-bar setup. And if you are using a tubular axle, you cannot run hairpins so a four-bar is you only option.

Originally Posted by rumrumm

And if you are using a tubular axle, you cannot run hairpins so a four-bar is you only option.

That statement just is not so!

The stock 1937 Ford V8-60 came with a tubular front axle and used a standard wishbone to locate it. Many other manufacturers also had tubular front axles that were located with means other than the 4-bar setup.

While many believe that it is necessary to run a 4-bar setup when they have selected a tubular front axle because the tubular makeup allows less flex than the typical I-beam front axle, there just isn't that much flexing invloved to warrant making the 4-bar the only option.

I will agree that the parallel 4-bar setup to locate the front axle (whether tubular or I-beam) is superior, it is not the only option.

I guess I should amend my statement to "your could run the original wishbone set up or go IFS." But the main point of my post involved a safety issue with running hairpins with a tubular front axle. It should not be done because there is a risk of breakage.

The four bar gives the least amount of resistance, if set up properly.
Ken

Thanks guy's
Don sorry to hear my cars motor gave up.....LOL I was going to offer to drive it to the Turkey Run seeing how you have so many rides.

I disabled it on purpose Brad. You have been sneaking those little trips into Florida too many times for comfort.

I know, I've read all the expert opinions too about how you should never run a tubular axle with hairpins, but no one I have ever known or heard about actually had one snap in half from over twisting over time. There are a zillion T buckets and similar cars running around with that setup, many of them from kit builders. Same goes for the old thing of hydrogen embrittlement from chroming suspension pieces and not heat treating them to some mil spec thingie. You can bet your bottom dollar none of the companies selling chrome axles, springs, steering arms, etc have taken the time to do that process.

It's good to be informed and aware, but if we listened to all the articles and stuff from experts none of us would ever get out of our Lazy Boy recliners....way too dangerous out there.

Don

Kinda like disconnecting the ground side of a battery!

A lot like that!

Don

I've finally got my shop ready,going to move the 31 from storage and begin tear down.
Bradc

Originally Posted by BradC

I've finally got my shop ready,going to move the 31 from storage and begin tear down.
Bradc

Hmmmmm. Got the shop ready?????? Now that you're experienced on putting one together, I know who to call when I build my new one down South!!!!! Do you make house calls, Brad??????

Yes, I ran out of room 20x30 so I added another 16x24 and put in a lift. Age must have caught up with me, I found that if I lay down to work under the cars I fell asleep...LOL
Dave I would be glad to help you build your new shop.
Bradc

You will get a marginally better ride with parallel 4 bars. On the front suspension, there just isn't enough travel to make a great deal of difference. ---and as far as not using hairpins with a tubular axle---thats an old wives tale. The rear axle does move a lot, and 4 bars do give a definite improvement there.---Brian

My son's 32 has tube axle, posie spring, and four bar. It rides and drives suprisingly well considering the technology.