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Automotive Powered Off Road (AKA: Buggys, Jeeps, Trucks, Etc,Etc. ) => Chassis and Suspension => Topic started by: Punkur67 on March 09, 2009, 01:01:28 AM

Title: Rack spreader
Post by: Punkur67 on March 09, 2009, 01:01:28 AM: Just looking for some clean ideas for a spreader on my rack. I have a sacco center load rack. I dont need to move out much but dont want it to look hack. I have seen many ugly and weak spreaders. Any good ideas....
Title: Re: Rack spreader
Post by: SPEC on March 09, 2009, 04:58:54 AM: I had Mumbler turn me some aluminum ones up that threaded into the rack were the heims went and drilled/tapped the other end for them...I'll have to get some pix
Title: Re: Rack spreader
Post by: fabr on March 09, 2009, 06:05:13 AM: I just did one yesterday.I'll post pic tonite.
Title: Re: Rack spreader
Post by: Boostinjdm on March 09, 2009, 12:07:23 PM: Quote from: Spec on March 09, 2009, 04:58:54 AM
I had Mumbler turn me some aluminum ones up that threaded into the rack were the heims went and drilled/tapped the other end for them...I'll have to get some pix

I did the same thing bout five years ago. Rack is still sitting on frame unmounted so I don't know how strong it is yet. I took a 14" rack and made it a 20" I think. It was an el cheapo.
Title: Re: Rack spreader
Post by: Admin on March 09, 2009, 12:26:14 PM: if its one of them super elcheapos with the 3/8 thread it likely will bend, If its one of the heavier duty jobs with the 5/8 thread youll be good to go, Protodie did it with the super elcheapo, he made it run in bishings to keep it from bending... worked well for them...
Title: Re: Rack spreader
Post by: fabr on March 09, 2009, 12:38:13 PM: Nevermind,I thought you meant for a centerload rack.
Title: Re: Rack spreader
Post by: Engineer on March 09, 2009, 12:49:27 PM: Punker's is a center load rack. Looks like it just needs spread a couple inches.

I like it when they use a piece of 1/2 x 1-1/2 on either side of the tie rod ends to hold them in double shear. Then have spacers between the two bars in the center so they are all clamped together with the bolts intended to hold the rod ends originally (in the narrowest possible position). The brackets would look like a H from above. I know that is how I am going to do it.

The only way that I can see of using the original locations on a center load rack, would be having the arms wide at the rear, and narrow at the front, (like Punker's) and have the rack in front of the arm mounts. Doesn't work out to well for other reasons.
Title: Re: Rack spreader
Post by: fabr on March 09, 2009, 01:42:32 PM: Machine it from 6061. Much stouter. And blingier! ;D ;D And easier if you have a mill.You got one of those engineer? Hehehe ;D ;D
Title: Re: Rack spreader
Post by: fabr on March 09, 2009, 06:46:43 PM: Here's what I made in about an hour including polishing.
Title: Re: Rack spreader
Post by: fabr on March 09, 2009, 06:48:40 PM: Not show quality but it'll do.
Title: Re: Rack spreader
Post by: Doug Heim on March 09, 2009, 09:25:09 PM: Damn good in my book!

I polished an entire bike frame and wheels. I have a great respect for anyone willing to take the time.
Title: Re: Rack spreader
Post by: fabr on March 09, 2009, 09:47:00 PM: A whole bike frame with all the nooks and crannies? THAT job had to suck to do! I'm glad it was you and not me. Actually that piece only took about 5 minutes to polish. As with anything tho ,the right tools get the right results quickest. I was just the dumb set of hands that held the piece. Thanks for the compliment tho!
Title: Re: Rack spreader
Post by: Punkur67 on March 09, 2009, 11:31:30 PM: If I gave you dimensions what would you charge to make me one of those fabr. Same thing just 3 holes in the middle and a different spread.