Thread: Batwing question....

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I've never set up a solid axle front end and was hoping for help from you guys.

Is only the top part of the eye (the area that mounts above the I beam axle which the spring perch bolt rides in) recessed? Or is the bottom recessed as well? In the picture it shows the top recessed but I also found the perch nut with the rounded spacer.

The reason I ask, I want to install the spring perch up from the bottom to mount the cantilever arms but cant unless the bottom is recessed as well.

Thanks,
David

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David, generally both the top and bottom have cone shaped recesses, but I think I have seen some brands that are flat on the bottom. I have a set of Pete and Jakes at the shop and will look at them tomorrow, if you like, and let you know if those are. As I recall, they are. I know the smooth perch pins that we ordered to work with them come with that cone shaped spacer for the bottom, so the more I think about it, them more sure I am that at least Pete and Jakes are that way.

Don

I've only ever seen the wings have the tapered recess top and bottom, though have lived long enough to learn that there always seems to be a remote exception somewhere. The reason for the tapers is that there is a lot of stress/load on these components and the pieces that bolt together with them. Don't want any sideway movement. The perch bolt has the matching taper on the head, then at the bottom you either use the lower shock mount bracket which has the same taper to mate with the bottom of the wing or that conical spacer and the flat nut in it's place. Your last sentence sounds like you're planning to mount the perch bolt upside down? If so, not a good idea from a safety standpoint.

Ford wishbones are the cone seat top and bottom, i don't think the aftermarket has changed the design.

Just don't get them too close to your Dyson® Vac.

Don,

Are the Pete and Jakes 'actually' made here in the states? I'm seeing a lot of negative comments about spring perches made over seas and quite honestly I would prefer to spend the extra cash knowing its made here.

Bob,

Your exactly correct. Im mocking up a plan (on paper) to do the suicide set up with a 2" drop Magnum with the spring perches mounted underneath with the shackles (to prevent binding). Using the 2" drop (or maybe a factory height as someone suggested on another thread) and raising the front frame rails (looking at the 32 rails made in Tennessee) I should gain enough clearance to match the bottom of the frame at the cab at ride height. I assume by unsafe you mean ground clearance? This project is literally going to be a toy to hold me over til I can finish my truck (I just dont have time for it right now....but I cant bear the thought of cutting it up just to make an open wheel hot rod.....so I bought another 36 cab....yay!). I live 2 blocks from my job so this toy wont be used much. Even driving it to work I should meet the state regulations for mileage per year to get my Hot Rod tags.

LOL's Pro!

One more thing. I'm having trouble finding the batwings for Ibeam axles and hairpins. I saw nothing in Speedway (not that I'll buy them there....thats a different story) as I was trying to lay out my front end plans I noticed all they seem to have in the way of hairpins were the type that required bushed links like the four bars have. Am I missing something? Like I said....I have little experience with solid axle suspensions.

Thanks,
David