Split wishbones/open drive+Torque Arm= NECESSITY!!!

Dang this is a good thread. Anyone else got anything to add? I'm contemplating rear suspension for my A coupe.

 

I don't remember using old ford radius rods for open drive rear ends, seems like everyone made ladder bars out of whatever was laying around, some of them mothers were a hunert pounds each. I always thought the bikers were crazy enough using them to stretch springer front ends.

Good discussion, makes one think bout it.

 

Years ago, when I was going to build a "T" coupe, I bought a '79 Monza for parts. It had a rear end setup similar to the previously mentioned '80s Camaro. It had two short lower arms which had rubber bushings at both ends. The torque arm was solidly mounted to the side of the center section of the rear, and clamped between two rubber blocks at the side of the trans. The two lower arms took care of locating the rear and transmitting engine and braking forces. The long TA took care of the rear trying to rotate under power. A pretty simple design that could easily be duplicated on a rod.

 

Just in case someone comes across this or needs it later, here's a post to my graphic depiction of what happens when you don't use a torque arm:
http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1995861#post1995861

Jonny

 

Excellent old thread, man,did I post a lot?!

 

Here's a shot of our new kit. I know I need to get a photo of it installed.

 

Another option...







...made from old Ford parts.

Neal

 

Neal, that is killer!

 

Which old Ford parts, precisely?

-Dave

 

Looks like a modified radius rod and a front wishbone to me. Neat idea......too bad I sold my radius rods.................................

Tim D.

 

Here's a clue...

http://wikicars.org/images/en/2/22/Ford_model_t_suspension.triddle.jpg

Neal

 

Thanks Neal. I was about to ask what needs to be done when you don't split the bones but convert to open drive. That helps out a lot.

 

Hah, I'll be damned, so there is a good use for a Model T axle.

-Dave

 

I know what you mean. I have a 27 Chrysler tube axle for my T project...had to find some use for the old T axle.

The end of the T axle is mated to a Model A front wishbone tube. I left about 6 inches of T axle that is spined inside the wishbone tube. I think it will be plenty strong.

Neal

 

Great tech.

Is that the old 4.11 open centre we swapped?

 

Thanks. Yes it is, we finally rebuilt the rearend and got it installed. Did the 3.78's work out OK for you?

Neal

 

OK, just to throw a twist into the conversation here: I'm planning on using 1/4 elliptical set-up on a future modified as well as using stock split radius rods outside the frame rail.

I'm ***uming the inherent flex in the springs and shackles would still mean I need to use a torque arm. Am I correct in this ***umption or would using a TA be overkill?

 

placing split wishbones outside your frame causes them to flex in a way they were never designed to be, when one wheel goes up over a bump they are forced to flex to allow the wheel to move, its like if your car was sitting still with both wheels on the ground and you unhooked the front of one your wishbones and flexed it up and down 6/8 inches above and below its attachment point, do that enough times and its going to fail. with or with a torque arm.

 

I thought this was kind of a clever idea:





Post-war Ford front 'bones, unsplit, being used on the rear. They probably couldn't take a lot of torque, but they might be okay for a 'banger-powered car with skinny tires.

-Dave

 

They will, as yet it hasn't hit our shores, ... but it will be soon though. Looking forward to geting it all together. I picked up another 4.11 recently

 

BTTT, Great info. I have been digging thru old threads as I am building another torque arm setup for my Tudor. This Q came up in another thread this week.

 

If dreaming all night about Neals Wishbone/torque arm setup makes me gay then let it be! Thanks for sending me those pics again Neal!