Model A rear suspension. triangulated 4-link with 36 bones.

So what do you guys think about building a triangulated 4-link using two sets of 36 rear bones. Modern design using old parts. Am i wasting time? this would of course be going in the back of a Model A. any input appreciated. thanks.

 

Id's say that it's a waste of time. To make it function as a four link you'll have to cut off the cast ends which is really what gives the rear bones their look.

With the little bit of suspension travel a hot rod rear end using a traverse spring has (about two inches at most) the pinion angle doesn't change that much so you wont really benefit from a four link.

You're better off using the '36 bones as the bottom of a set of ladder bars using some tubing to make the top links and locating the other end (that mounts to the frame) as inward as possible to have some trianglation when pulling in and out of driveways, making sharp turns, etc...

I think this set up is more worth your time and effort for a street car.

 

Awe, I do see your point. thank you for the simple explanation. I didn't realize that a transverse rear only moved 2 inches or so. I had thought about modifying the ends to pivot in the 4-link. I think i'm barking up the wrong tree.

 

never seen it which means... do it!

 

Jack up TWO sets of 36 radius arms!?!?
Not a chance!!!!
Too valuable as they are.
Now if you had some later ones it might be a different story.

The ladder bar configuration Zombie describes are the way to go AND you have a spare set of 36 arms you can send to me just because I'm a good guy!

I'll watch out at the Post Office...
Thanks BUDDY!

 

- I think Brian is dead-on, I wanted to do the same thing but after thinking about how much I'd have to modify the 36 rods, they just wouldn't look or be the same.
In the end I decided to do a ladder bar set up with 4 36 radius rods on an open drive rear axle. It looks killer, but is way overkill, and rediculously HEAVY.

I'll try to post pics when I get my body off the frame again.

 

'36 bones with a torque arm would work fine. There are many threads on that setup. Search "torque arm".

 

Here's a set of 36' bones made into ladder bars. A much simpler way to go IMO.

 

Kirk's set up is exactly what I was trying to describe.

Simple, effective, and it looks great when some know it all wants to stick his head under your car to try and find something that "you did wrong."

 

well, I've managed to acquire 3 sets of 36 bones in about a month and a half.and a set of 40's. You would probably kill me if you knew what I paid. Unfortunately for you they are all spoken for if I don't use them.

 

sweet. that is the magic search word I was looking for. thanks!

 

thanks for the pictures guys!

 

I am doing the bones + torque arm idea. I am hiding some DOM tubing inside a spindly A rear bone. Lets see how many folks tear it apart when it looks like I am using an A bone in a high stress area.

 

Did a quick search for you.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=422212&highlight=torque

Click on Neals link for some eyecandy

 

Hmmmm..a shackle at the front of the torque arm...interesting.

 

i'm going to have to respectfully disagree with that way of thinking!!!

i'd just use the stock 1936's or make them into ladder bars.

 

Thats ElPs way of doing it.

 

see that's the type of thinking that sparked this post.

"How can I make it look old?"

I was actually just reading Kilroy's thread on torque arms that you have posted on a bunch. thanks for the help.

 

I agree, there are some reasons that you don't see certain things done. Usually because they are dangerous or stupid. My original idea is one of those cases.

 

oh man. Neals frame and suspension is BAD ASS. I'm gonna be reading his threads and posts for awhile.

 

Look at the NOVEMBER 2009 R&C for an article using bones for a 4 bar set up.

Nick

 

random wishbone i used for a lower link on a jag rear but would work with any rear

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74337&highlight=link&showall=1