Thinking I might want to go with an elliptical rear end, but really don't want to buy one. I was just wondering if anyone has any info on how they built there's or if there is a write up somewhere. Also how reliable is the 1/4 elliptical on the road?
Thanks

I built my own - I stretched my wheelbase & didn't want to modify the Spidertrax kit to try & get it to work. The hardest part was finding the right spring combination. My design is much different than theirs - actually more "conservative" in nature & better body roll control (at the cost of some flex). Also my lower foreward mounts are along the side of the frame instead of hanging down from under the frame.

If I were to do it again, I would most likely go with the Spidertrax kit & got Eddie to just order longer leaves & control arms - just because of the convenience,tho.


If your spring rates are right, you can't tell any difference in the rear driving it on the street.

Got any good (or bad) pics, 'burner?:D

I builded mine by myself. The only think that take time to me, was to find the right spring arc and spring rate.
I made it with 1/2" heim joints, 1 1/2" pipes and 50mm springs.
I have some pictures of that on www.
I made the upper links centered to the diff and with same angle each other, in such case you have to bend the right one in order to avoid for hitting the pinion flange.
E mail me directly if you want and I could send you new pictures.

I have some pictures but no red star
(I tried to Jew 'em down to $10 but they won't play ball)

email me & I will send you pictures.



My system is a 3-link with conventional bushings at the housing on the 2 lower links, and Johnny Joints at the frame. For the single upper link I used a rod end at the frame & another JJ on top of the housing. Shocks = 9012's. Toyota axle, so the chunk is in the middle - that is, until I finish my offset Toy pickup full-floating rear! :grinpimp:

I know you said you wanted to do 1/4 ellipitic, but after reading this thread

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=43063&highlight=coil


and hearing about the difficulties in selecting a 1/4 ellipitic spring pack (sounds like a lot of trial and error), why not go with coils? Or am I missing something else, after all, just a newbie.
:D

Originally posted by DemoMike
I know you said you wanted to do 1/4 ellipitic, but after reading this thread

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=43063&highlight=coil


and hearing about the difficulties in selecting a 1/4 ellipitic spring pack (sounds like a lot of trial and error), why not go with coils? Or am I missing something else, after all, just a newbie.
:D



If you read this thread, I posted my opinions both for & against coil spring suspensions.

I think you meant this thread...:D

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44570

Good comments nonetheless. Howabout from a fabrication stand point. Is a 1/4 ellipitic any easy to fab than a coil sprung suspension?

'burner, you following this thread regarding Toy axle FF'ers?

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44948

Originally posted by DemoMike
I think you meant this thread...:D (Yeah, I meant that one)

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44570

Good comments nonetheless. Howabout from a fabrication stand point. Is a 1/4 ellipitic any easy to fab than a coil sprung suspension?

Well, I'll put it this way: I believe you get better control with a 1/4 elliptic rear suspension vs. coils. So of course the .25 ellipt. is going to be harder to fab. The price for the Spidertrax kit is worth the money, IMHO.



'burner, you following this thread regarding Toy axle FF'ers?

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=44948

Yup :D

Go with coils is what i think, i built my own four link for about
80$ and it works really well. i used honda passport lower controll arms i extended the lower 10 inches and left the uppers stock i used stock cherokee coils cut to fit the right hiegth used front samurai drive shaft in the rear thats the basics of my set up if your interested im more than glad to share my design

Heres what im working on ....

http://www.yager.net/zukin/new/r-suspension.jpg

Im using CJ springs mounted up high. I relocated the stock hanger brackets up. The lower brace will be skinded to fully shield the drive shaft. The spring is mounted in stock form, solid in front shackle in the rear. Behind the tire is where the spring plate is bolted to the spring using the center pin and uses a 2nd shackle (yj bushings) going to the lower link. This gives me the advantage of using stock springs which i can "tune" as needed. Axle wrap is full controled by the lower link. Im still fabbing the links and if i get too much lateral ill slap a link on the rear to control it. It wont be a ramp champ but ill beable to surf over rocks. Plus the springs dont ruin my departure angle.

just another suspension option...

looks good man:smokin: