So, as expected, axle wrap is a concern on my SOA. But, I had an idea yesterday. It is not the best idea, but I would like some comment. I know there are lots of solutions to axle wrap but what do you think of this idea.
Trick to the axle wrap problem is a bar that does not limit articulation and does not cost a fortune. Keep it simple, keep it inexepensive. The bar has to allow free movement forward and back and up and down, and rotational around the cente of the axle as one side or the other droops.

Heim joints and a shackle would work.

But, how about this.

Use a spare driveline you have laying around in the garage.

Weld/mont a vertical post onto the rear axle. The yoke on the driveline slides down over that post. Use a bushing, a sleever or some such thing so the driveline can pivot around the post but cannot rotate up and down independent of the axle.

On the other end, using 1/4" plate, or whatever, (haven't figured out the mounting point yet, because I have to crawl under there and take a look, but the top of the tranny cross member might work) the plate extends vertically. On the upper end of the driveline, leave the ujoint on. Drill out the plate, and bolt on a t-case yoke so it can spin on its axis a little. Bolt the upper end of the driveline ujoint into the yoke

Whallah. The driveline will collapse and extend allowing the axle to move forward and back freely. The ujoint will allow the driveline to rotate so as one side of the axle dips, the driveline can rotate and not bind. But, the bar will not allow the axle to rotate, much, and will (help) eliminate axle wrap and hopping.



OK Flame suit on. What do you think?

Sounds like a workable idea. My only thoughts are, drive lines may be a little thin to hold up to the abuse. But using square tube with yokes welded on might solve the weakness problem. Search for the pics of the square drive line I built. Plus you'd have a spare DL on board if you need it.

Joe

I'm not sure I completely understand what your idea was, but what I did understand is pretty good, that is, using a shackle and a joint.

Here's my idea maybe you'll like it.

I have some ford raduis arms that have been extended 15" (both of them) from my coil spring conversion on my blazer. I'm going to mount these on my axles like stock fords, (except straight not at an angle) and on the opposite-of-axle end of the raduis arm I will do a leaf spring shackle type mount. I have an extra raduis arm to do this. If you'd like to pay for JUST shipping, it's yours. (well when I pull it off in a few weeks)

Another thought (and this might be simpler) I have my CUSTOM (made by me) rear radius arms. They mount to the axle JUST LIKE A LEAF SPRING and have a leaf spring "EYE" and the end of it. Basically the same idea as above but half the work to make it work.

They are make of ~1/4" thick square tubing 4' long (they definitely won't, bend I've tried)

Originally posted by Cliffhanger
I'm not sure I completely understand what your idea was, but what I did understand is pretty good, that is, using a shackle and a joint.

Here's my idea maybe you'll like it.

I have some ford raduis arms that have been extended 15" (both of them) from my coil spring conversion on my blazer. I'm going to mount these on my axles like stock fords, (except straight not at an angle) and on the opposite-of-axle end of the raduis arm I will do a leaf spring shackle type mount. I have an extra raduis arm to do this. If you'd like to pay for JUST shipping, it's yours. (well when I pull it off in a few weeks)

Well, the consensus seems to be that the idea is not bad, but the driveline would not stand up to it. JDJanda's idea of the square driveline would work, but, again, it is a fair amount of fab work (welding) that I can't do. I was mosly just kicking around the idea of a DIY type of thing.

If you are willing to part with one of the ladder bars, I'd be more than happy to pay shipping on it. I am sure I will end up going that route, as it is the tried and true method, but I might go ahead and try my driveline idea for the interim..... just for knowledge sake.... :)

thanks

Originally posted by jdjanda
Sounds like a workable idea. My only thoughts are, drive lines may be a little thin to hold up to the abuse. But using square tube with yokes welded on might solve the weakness problem. Search for the pics of the square drive line I built. Plus you'd have a spare DL on board if you need it.

Joe

Yup. That is what I keep hearing. Walls are too thin.

Square tubes with yokes might work, but I would be worried about binding in the middle as it tried to slip with lots of bending force applied.....


The idea of the spare DL on board is what really appealed to me on the whole project. But, it seems the DL is not strong enough to hold up. Apparently there is a lot more bending force than I had thought.

The square DL is easy to make, you should be able to find someone to weld it up for you. Look in the projects section for pics. I might take your idea and run with it.

http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/view?username=jdjanda

Originally posted by Hooper


If you are willing to part with one of the ladder bars, I'd be more than happy to pay shipping on it. I am sure I will end up going that route, as it is the tried and true method, but I might go ahead and try my driveline idea for the interim..... just for knowledge sake.... :)

thanks

I'd let it go to a POR'r. Give me your zip code and I'll hunt down shipping info. Like I said it'd be a few weeks, and I'll have to weigh it, I'd guess it's around 55-70#'s. But basically all you'd have to do weld a third spring perch to your axle and get the hardware; then fab up a shackle mount to the frame.

My zip is 69361 if you wanna hunt down shipping info with the weights I gave.

Originally posted by Cliffhanger


I'd let it go to a POR'r. Give me your zip code and I'll hunt down shipping info. Like I said it'd be a few weeks, and I'll have to weigh it, I'd guess it's around 55-70#'s. But basically all you'd have to do weld a third spring perch to your axle and get the hardware; then fab up a shackle mount to the frame.

My zip is 69361 if you wanna hunt down shipping info with the weights I gave.

Great. Thanks. I'll get you the info.