Thread: Spring question.

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Im starting to mock up my frame and front end setup and i think the spring i have is gonna be too wide for the axle i have.Once i compress the spring it will be even wider than it is now, and that will put my radius rods way out. Ive been looking at all the threads on frames and such, but there is not much mention of spring width. Am i right in my assumption?

I just stole this pic from Dons build thread, and this spring is way smaller. the axle is 54 or 56 from plate to plate and my frame is 26" wide at the front.

I don't know John, it doesn't look terribly wide. What are your plans for perches? The standard spring used on most 28-34 type axles is 31" wide. What does yours measure?

Don

I was planning on putting the perches or shackles at the center of the radius rods. I want to build some bat wings to attach to the axle then make a gusset behind the axle to attach the spring to. ill try and find some pics of how i would like to do it. Ill go measure the spring eyes.

you might want to get a different axle--the one you have isn't configured for a cross spring

The spring measures 37 1/2" from eye to eye. The axle is 54" from king pin centers.

Jerry ive seen these axles used before in this configuration. Is there a design issue i should be aware of? other that radius rod fabrication?

Jerry, I don't believe the spring configuration is wrong here. The axle doesn't have a clue to spring location, nor does it matter much. Those old truck axles have been used in cross spring applications for over 60 years. And after you cut off the stock axle pads, this axle will be like any I-Beam axle.

Now Jerry I'm not trying to rain on your idea and if you have a reason for thinking the axle won't work I sure would like to hear it and learn.

RS

Well---you must have it fiqured out---Why don't you tell us how you are going to do it--

And why do you want to put the spring behind the axle??that will create some horrific twisting action on the axle/radius rods also effecting the caster

Why not just buy a new dropped axle that springs fit and get on with the rest of the build???

You're home brewin' your own deal here, but I'll use stock Ford stuff as an example. Typically the perches are a nominal 4 inches wider than the spring "at rest" as you show it off the car. The typical shackle is 1 1/2" bolt to bolt, so when you mount the spring without any vehicle weight on it the shackles are parallel with the ground. Once weight is put on the setup they should be at approximately 45 degree angle. Here's a graphic I clipped from Posie to save a thousand words.

Thanks Bob, that really helps. In all the books i have and all the threads ive read , i could not find that info.

Jerry im sorry if i sounded like a dick, that was not my intention at all! I have no doubts in your knowledge, i was seriously wanting to know if im missing something. I have a basic understanding of how these setups work, and am going off pics i have found. I would really like to do it right.

I would love to buy a new Pete and Jakes complete setup, but i dont have 3 grand laying around, so im working with what i have.

I was modeling my setup off of this one. If this is a bad way to do it please tell me, cause i would like to know.

OK---first a new dropped axle probably $300 not 3k

To use the axle you have with a transverse spring will require you to modify the axle not only trimming off the spring perches but also welding in 2 vertical attach points for the pins that mount the radius rods--that is the big problem--if you get them in the correct place and angle---you will still have a stock height axle---I am just assuming that you probably want some drop to it .

The axle you have pictured has some serious design issues---in addition to a huge amount of fab work---the steering probably doesn't have enough room behind it for the cross rod to work lock to lock--

Remember one thing as you proceed with your project---YOU will judge it by how it rides and handles(drives) not by how it looks---Make the front end right---no short cuts or maybe good enough, I had this laying around so I used it----

Hotroddaddy

go to www.ChassisEngineeringInc.com
Pages 72-75 to see parts available for FORGED 4 inch drop axle and components

check out the rest of there stuff also

Jerry

I'm with Jerry..... suspension and steering isn't a good place to scimp on money.... Lots of other ways and places on a build to cut a few bucks. Think I'd be going with a new forged axle.

How is what im wanting to do any different than what these guys did? What important issues am i missing here?