Could this old accessory really replace a panhard rod?

Came across this picture of an original accessory that bolts to early Ford front U-bolts and acts in the same way as a panhard rod by stopping sideways movement.



This set-up is just so simple!

It allows complete up and down axle movement, but stops the sideways movement.

What is the down side to running this method of axle location?

The only downside I can see is the load being placed on the fork, but whats the worst that can happen, its breaks the fork?

 

I have seen lots of panhard bars mounted to the bottom like this. I dont see why this wont work. Especially with a new spring in place too.

 

The old guys around here use a ball bearing and a piece of channel behind the axle. Same basic concept and it works like a champ.

The worse that can happen is a piece of it can end up in a tire?
If you break it its the same as not haveing a panhard bar, no biggy I suppose.

 

Always seemed like a decent setup, wonder if it clunks around? The closer the tolerance the better, I'm sure.

 

Some '50s Italian and English race cars used something close to that.
But they had a sliding block, that mounted on the middle pivot and slid up and down between the sides.

One line of cars that I can think of that had that, were the Factory prepared Alfa Romeo Autodelta GTA 1600 Racers...

 

Great comments.

I ***ume this would work just as well on the rear axle as well?

 

Yeah, the cars I talked about had it on the Rear Axle.

But if it is designed to take up all of the side loads, I think you will need the Sliding Block.
That would spread the load out over a larger area, so it wouldnt dimple or wear out as quick.

But even then, if its built to tight enough tolerances, bind can be a problem.
And if grease is used road dirt will collect in it...

The setup in the pic will probably be fine if part of the load is still taken up by the buggy spring.

 

Compe***ion Alfa Romeo GTA's used something similar called a "sliding block" to position the rear axle. It had a bronze slider that moved up and down inside a slot. It was pretty darn effective.

http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=2171&stc=1

 

As other's have said, this is a similar design from 50's race cars. I've heard that this setup, or something similar, was used at Indy also.

 

Is that thing tuned to middle C ?

 

would sealed linear bearings work with the afore mentioned sliding block?

 

My buddy Ron Wiggins put something similar on his model A RPU except he used a bearing in the slide.