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radius rod bending , how to fix


Scott in Bellingham
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i think it's a classic example of how we are taking these cars beyond their intended design limits.

 

a completely tubular radius rod would probably do the trick, but then you will be dealing with the rear mount ripping off b/c it's just stamped sheet metal, so then you make a reinforced rear mount.

 

After that I think things should be good. Can't really see the bolts shearing, but if they do, you might just want to design a one piece a arm for the front along with a new rear mounting point.

 

that's my .02

 

BW

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maybe you have really worn shocks, and the combo of the bigger tire hitting into obstacles. What tire pressure also?

I consider you a wheeler level way above my few times out, but I dont want to be doing this to mine so i want to learn from the benefit of you bending them. Please followup on this more.

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its from ramming the front tire into rocks, roots trees other imovable items

 

Only those who seriously offroad would know that Scott.

 

I re-enforced mine with 1/4" tubing/pipe. The only problem with that is you no longer have your "fuse" there. It is much easier to carry a few radius rods then it is to carry body mounts or control arms. There was a lengthy conversation regarding this exact thing. People were wanting to reenforce every part on the suspension. The problem with that is that you lose your known weak point and no longer know what is going to break.

 

Just a grain of salt to throw over your shoulder.

Edited by Qman
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What does it do to the lower control arm after you pretzel a radius rod like that? I bent one once, and it tweaked the lower control arm and its mount. Even after replacing the radius rod & control arm, the car never drove straight again.

 

 

the control arm bends near the bolt mount , you can usually just unbend it , but they do start to crack at that point , Ive never hurt the crossmember its a Ea82

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Drive softer, use smaller tyres to gain crawl gearing, pick your best line by doing a walk over the terrain before you drive it. But seems you've been 4wding long enough Scott, I'd suggest just sticking solid axles under your subies and build a subframe.....

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  • 2 weeks later...

attachment.php?attachmentid=6558&stc=1&d=1246734267

 

I realize that you question was" what have you guys done",

 

I only have done this on my 2wd toyota Ivan Stuart clone that I built,sold.

 

I like Downeys idea.

 

when it rotates on the same axis,there is no bind, and no rearward-frontward wheel movement. Its alot stronger to trail this link than to have it lead. cant bend it...........It seems way overkill for what were dealing with on our subes, but its a solution,,,,,,,,,,,,,

and with you being one,if not the best fabricator on the usmb, should be a breeze with that awsome jig you have in your shop.:grin:

post-16418-136027633871_thumb.jpg

Edited by mykingcrab
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