So the caster is set in the spring mount cross member then you can make small adjustments with the wishbone mounts. And the wishbone mount height is more of what looks wright. Am I thinking correct or just full of shit?
Moving the wishbone mounts up or down changes the roll center of the vehicle, and will affect handling.
All these varying opinions just scare the shit out of new guys, my opinion is, sit down right here on the net and read all you can, come to a plan that works for you and get on with it. Fact is.....there isn't anyone here, me included, who hasn't done stuff like this for the very first time, and wasn't full of self doubt as to whether it is right. All of us learn by example, reading and doing. Good luck, education is power.
When the split wishbones are mounted out on the frame rails, does that not cause the tire to rub at full lock?
Tire rub depends on how wide apart the perch bolt holes are.. If using an aftermarket axle you'll have no problem.. Some stock axles(like a 40 Ford) you will have tire rub...
Does any one make flat top axle perch bolt that has an offset head that would allow for caster adjustment. Some what like camber bolt for struts.
Some good information about that here; http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=824962 Different length bones, different steering setups, concerns about turning radius will all play into the bone mounting question. If you are building standard fare, it is easier. If you are building outside the box, learn the basics, listen to people who have been there, done that. The link above is a great example.
If your spring is mounted in a cross member that didn't have enough caster when the frame was built, these perch pins are available to allow more caster without putting the spring in a bind. Not too traditional, but they work well.
Give you an idea, Model A axle (same perch centers up to '36) and '40 bones with the rear mount on the inner edge of an A frame. 5:60 x 15 on an early F-100 rim. Less than a quarters diameter clearance to the bones with the spindle against the stock steering stop.
A lot of good info here. I'm working on my 1st Model "A" and plan on splitting the 'bones and making my own rear brackets. Built quite a few dirt cars in my time so 5-7 degrees seems reasonable. More initial caster = more difficult they are to turn so I'll stay closer to 4 1/2-5 degrees.
Info on pie cutting split bones for caster adjustment? The HAMB is your friend... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/shortening-camber-adjust-repair-of-ford-wishbones.563429/
Here is some helpful info. on splitting wishbones posted earlier on HAMB. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/split-wish-bones.855337/page-2#post-9474697 http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/tech-week-hot-rod-suspension-simplified.683868/
Unsplit wishbones will allow the body to roll more and have a more flexible suspension. Splitting the bones will bind and stiffen the roll (like anti roll bar). Ago
True, but I believe there is a limit as to the amount of strain that split wishbones can sustain over time without fracturing, especially if they are spread wider and wider -for instance out to the side rails.
It's amazing how everyone thinks they are an instant mechanical engineer . As if what Henry Ford did was all wrong. Henry Ford had the X configuration suspension all figured out, nothing could be better. But today everyone thinks that wishbones need to be split, torque tubes aren't necessary, anti-chatter rods are useless, etc etc The only reason to split a wishbone is to make room for an alternative engine. Your mounts will be determined after you set the axle at 7 deg caster.
just remember dont buy super bell axles they are cast and they brake, mine did at 35m.p.h. buy SO-CAL axles they are forged
Also Chassis engineering and Lucky seven are forged as I'm' sure there are others. I believe Australia requires certified aftermarket axles. Ago
Very true, But early in the last century the roads were really bad and the chassis were really flexible. I remember driving my Dad's stock Model A in a grass undulating field slow and the whole chassis would bend and twist with the landscape. Ago
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