trailing arm bent

[Carlriddle]

Abount the only thing from the Desertkarts plan are my rear semi trailing arms.  Heard many time the were weak and after LS trip I know where.  I have about 25 degree lean in of tire at ride height.  Bent them pretty bad.  So I've search for other plans for new rear arms.  I'm going to use bolt in bearing carrier.  Also going to plate it out where the carrier goes.  So I'm looking for some other ideas or stuff to avoid.  No CAD only cardboard, actually a drawing table.

[Nutz4sand]

The green one arms are stock  and he kept bending them (He built a few Panthers with stock arms to the plans)

The red and the orange ones are simple rectangle tube. He used 3/4 x 1/12 .095 rec tube. Be easy to add a lil flat palte or make them with thicker tube if you were heavier and or went longer.

He claimed he never had an bending issue once he went with the rectangular tube and they were easier to make.

[Carlriddle]

Ok so after much studying of different ideas I have drawn up some new one that incorporate the best of all.   Looks like they will add a couple lbs to each side but will be 10 times stronger. 

Here are some of the parts:

[Carlriddle]

And this is what I've made.  Have some cross bracing (ideas) and also going to do some lite plate wok.  Ran outta gas for welder so.....

[Reidy02]

Hey Carl wouldn't it have been stronger if you made it out of tube?

[Carlriddle]

Yes and no.  Depends on which can of worms you ask.  If the force is applied to flat side of square its stonger.  But under torsional load like twisting round is stronger.  There is a weight penalty with square because theres more surface area.  I hope after the triangle braceing and lite platework, it will be the last time I ever have to worry about them.   

[Yummi]

Ok so after much studying of different ideas I have drawn up some new one that incorporate the best of all. Looks like they will add a couple lbs to each side but will be 10 times stronger. 

Here are some of the parts:

You and Eng been hanging out?  He rubbing off on you?   

[Engineer]

You and Eng been hanging out?  He rubbing off on you?

Nah...  He's only adding a couple pounds to each side.     

I think they look great.  Plate the top bottom and sides with 1/4" and there should be no bending issues.  Then start drilling holes in it until you can carry it again and it will be just right....

[Carlriddle]

Few extra lbs. on rear maybe I can pull a wheelie?   Swapped out my MIG gas bottle but hurt my shoulder lifting weights.  So might be a few days before any activity. 

 He rubbing off on you?  Yes, everyone is rubbing off on me.  Tried changing soap, but some of it wont come off. 

[Carlriddle]

Well I tore my pect muscle in my shoulder and took a 10 vacation.  So I was mocking up new arm and looks like I'm going to need some longer axles.  Type 2 33 splined stuff in the 17 1/2 to 18-1/2 range.  Have a really great Ebay spot I bought my 16 1/4 axles from but he only has those and the 19 1/4.  So looking for a source???  Or I'm goingt to buy the 19 1/4 and cut off a little.  They have almost 3" of spline.  Most of what I see is $200 +/- and this guy sells his for $100 +/-. 

[sandracer1]

Carl,
Where did you get that green welding table with all the holes in it?

[trans man]

Carl, Go to a junk yards and see if they have any 1968 to 1991 VW buses or vanagons. they run 19 1/4" long axles.

[trans man]

Carl,
Where did you get that green welding table with all the holes in it?

Carl just found a new use for it.

[Carlriddle]

Was going to put on the bar, but I figured you guys would miss the buggy stuff and stare at BEER.

[Carlriddle]

Looks like around '80 they went from 18 3/4 to the 19 1/4.  So found a set from '75.  18.75" with cv's brand new $70. with lifetime warrenty    Should I tell them what I'm doing,  .  They'll be in Fri AM.