Ladder bar question

Hi:
I've got a question, What distance apart should ladder bars be attached to the rear axle? The widest my setup will do is 44 inches, putting them closer together would work better. Ahy thoughts? Thanks

Tool Roomer

 

I guess things depend on what ladder bars and how it's being used. Always easier on the housing in drag racing with a lot of power to space them wide at the housing. Especially if no back brace is used to keep it from bowing. On a street rod, narrower in the front should put less stress on things during body roll but might not be the way to go if youv'e got short racing style bars.

 

If you're going to hammer on it, I'd feed them straight into the frame rails (if possible).

 

Agreed, as far apart as possible.

As for the second comment...how wold one do this..?
Attaching them to a secure crossmember...yes.

Don't copy the 60's format of just using 1/4" tabs off the side of the frame...!
Build a solid crossmember and weld properly to the frame. If it were me, I'd even put a coupla 45 degree supports from the crossmember to the main frame.

Mike