ladder bars

What's a common or rough length for rear ladder bars for a 30 A pick up. I'm still in the planning stage and was thinking transverse spring, panhard bar and ladder bars for rear suspension. It'll be a cookie cutter sbc, muncie 4 spd. 9 inch. These are the pieces I have and it's going to be a budget build. I'm thinking of extending the wheel base 3-4 inches to avoid cutting into the fireall and keep some room in the foot well.

Thanks in advance

 

Length depends on wheelbase and frame design. Mounted say 8-12 inches apart and within a foot or so of the front u-joint would be good, the longer the better. Spread the buggy spring an inch or so to insert the shackels and you will be fine without a panhard bar. Some like a panhard bar to keep the wisy-washy feel at bay when cornering, did i just say wishy-washy

On a side note a torque arm may be a good addition with spirited driving or depending on how far apart the tubes are at the rear end mount.

Do LOTS of measuring, i think keeping the front axle as close to stock location looks best..jmo

 

I'm going to be using a stock A frame boxed with the stock front cross memeber location with a 4" dropped axle, possibly reverse the eyes on the spring. I'm not going for stupid low, this will be a fair weather everyday driver. I really like the way Grit's coupe sits, so I'd like to copy his ride height using the A frame as it is in excellnt condition and it's what I got. I think I understand the physics and geometry of what I'm wanting to do, wasn't sure about he panhard, I've seen builds with and without, figured better safe than sorry.

I think my best bet now is to start a mock up and see how everything comes together. I'll have to do some research on torque arms. I'm familiar with their use on mid to late 80's Camaros.

 

Grits and Bass's cars are two prime examples of how to do it right. There several threads with pics and info on the torque arm, they DO help.