Thread: Ladder Bars

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Hello, I have a '23 T that I'm rebuilding. I have ladder bars in the rear end mounted to the outside of the frame. They have a four bar type rod end and I'm wondering if this is ok or should I switch them for a Heim joint type of rod end? The front end is split wishbones with same type rod end. If so should I switch the fronts as well? Any help is appreciated. Thanks

Rocky,
When you say "Four Bar Type" do you mean a rubber/poly insert type? The first picture below is a 4-Bar end on my coupe:

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The second one is the end on a the ladder bar on the roadster.

DSC01317.JPG

Both are Pete & Jake's components, and I wouldn't change either one from what's shown. A solid Heim type is going to transmit vibration and noise, IMO.

I would stick with the 4-bar rod ends, as long as the bushings are in good shape. You'll find that most frame/suspension builders, such as Pete & Jakes, TCI, etc., use 4-bar type rod ends for street rods. My '34 with P&J chassis has all 4-bar ends, and it works just fine. I had Heim joints on ladder bars on a custom big-block Chevy pickup, and they were noisy as hell.

Yes that's exactly what I meant. Thanks to both of you this was extremely helpful. I've been a welder/ fabricator for 15 years but I'm new to hot rods. I've learned a lot but eager to learn more.
Thanks

Originally Posted by Rocky44

Yes that's exactly what I meant. Thanks to both of you this was extremely helpful. I've been a welder/ fabricator for 15 years but I'm new to hot rods. I've learned a lot but eager to learn more.
Thanks

Don't forget to show us photos . . .