chrysler mini van axle on a gasser?

i was at work the other day and was under a dodge caravan and noticed its got a preety cool looking solid axle. has any one tried to use these on a g***er before. dont know how u would set up steering but hey its a strait line car any way right. just thought id throw another option out there..

 

If you don't want to steer use a pipe its cheaper

Billy

 

Any of the ones I've seen are formed sheet metal,
so they might not stand up very well for doing wheelies.
And there is no provision for steering.

 

They work great for building cheap ATV trailers but a g***er front axle?

 

The vans do have a tubular rear axle but theres no provision for steering...and no easy way to add it.
The AWD vans have a version of the DeDion rear setup, but with leafsprings instead of control arms.
Could be made to work in a Hot Rod.
The Jeep Comanche Pickup (2WD) uses a straight tube front axle but with wide spaced balljoints instead of Kingpins...MIGHT work on a G***er.
Never really sized them up, but you never know!
Might work on a Modified too... At least the brakes would be beyond worry. Late model Discs!
NOT very nostalgic but effective, reliable and cheap!

Bill

 

NOT very nostalgic but effective, reliable and cheap!

Not to mention **** fuggin' Ugly

 

I know it makes a good trailer axle but the exspense of adding axle spindles and steering better off going to swap meet and buying complete set up.

 

With work...ANYTHING can be made to look good RAGTOP!
If I were to use one, (thinking Mod here...) I'd lop off the ends and add a new center tube to get rid of the 4 link brackets and to get the width dead on,(EASY STUFF...no bends!), then use a Sprint car Radius arm setup with a 360 degree Floater on one side to prevent binding.
Couple that with a Suicide mounting for the spring or an actual Torsion bar suspension with handcut lever arms etc...
It COULD work AND look good doing it.
It just isn't....PROPER...thats all.
I don't get too worked up about whats proper or common, it tends to limit the imagination...

Hmmmm... This sorta reads like I'm pissed off or something... I'm NOT!
I just like to see different ideas floating around! Good things always come from that!

Bill

 

Maybe all the drag strips would accomodate you and move the pit area to where it was straight in line with the strip?

 

Hey...MAYBE he wants to build a Wheelstander! LoL
The axle is only to keep the oil pan off the ground!!!

Bill

 

if its a straight axle you want try MAS in st.paul minnesota,they have a tube axle with leafsprings reasonable, to fit econoline, ford, or chevy spindles, so it will steer!!!

 

I saw a pretty nice motorcycle trailer made from one once. But if you've got a motorcycle why would you put it on a trailer???

 

So, you would lop off the ends and then replace the center tube? That's what I'd do too. hehe

 

Heheheh...But I didn't mean it the way YOU do!!!! HAHAHA
Ya got me Ragtop!
You got me GOOD!

Later!
Bill