Ok I am getting ready to install my ladder bars and it seems they are to short for my application unless I am missing something. Which is very possible, this being my first build. My bars are 45 inches from bushing center to axle center. The frame is a Riley's frame. When I mock them up I have to unscrew the clevis really far to get the axle brackets to reach the axle. In the pics they are spaced about 23-24 inches apart on the axle. If I screw "in" the clevis's where I think they should be the axle brackets have to be almost to the pumpkin to reach the axle.
i'm gonna say yes the ladder bars are too short, so, remake the brackets at the housing. Is the wheelbase correct? Is the rear wheel in the center of the fender panel? Lots to check before you throw in the towel.
The bars that are specked for this frame are P & J bars that are 46". Only an inch longer but ..... Also, according the frame supplier I am supposed to have a measurement of 7.5 inches from spring center to axles center which I do.
Like a girl once told me "an inch makes all the difference in the world". There was happiness in her voice, not disappointment.
P & J ladder bars come in different lengths. My suggestion is call P & J and aske them what the lengths of the rods are and compare with your measurement to get one closer. Since you havent painted them you might be able to exchange or have the person you bought them from exchange them for a more correct length unit. Tape measure issue somewhere....
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