Page 51 - Issue 42

of thinking and re-doing of work had to be done. One  Engine/Gear Driven compressor from the UK
issue I had was fi nding an axle wide enough to fi t outside (Extremely hard for to fi nd)
the lowered/sectioned body so I wouldn’t have to cut  Air Lift Performance Д lines, fi ttings & valves for
new “fenders” into the body or narrow the entire body. I fastest suspension action
eventually found the f450 “full-fl oat” axle that would fi t  Nitrous Express Braided Stainless lines used for all
properly (only 1/4” wider than the body on each side) and airlines near the engine (heat)
be strong enough to handle what I was going to do. Ride  Tinman head “fi lter box” for air compressor. Made using
height is set approx. 4” off the ground, but can lay frame one of my late sister’s old funnels that I had always
and also lift about 8” off the ground for usability. nagged her to us to check & add to her oil in her car.
Front Axle: Magnum Д DOM tube straight axle (which Personal touches mean a lot in the rat rod world
I sleeved & gusseted for more strength), speedway disk  Spare VIAIR electric compressor
brakes & heavy duty spindles/kingpins/components.
Front Suspension: Modifi ed parallel 4 link “kit” for a
’32 ford, SLAM SS7 airbags (Mounted on axle), custom
wattslink (started off with a basic “speedway motors”
wattslink, which I reinforced and added higher quality
heim ends). Bilstein 7100 series shocks w/travel of 10”
(Custom valving). Limiter straps (for wheelies) made from
(Custom valving). Limiter straps (for wheelies) made from
old JAZ Products racing seatbelts.
Rear Axle: Full-fl oat 10.5” Sterling axle out of a 2001
f450, YUKON Gear & Axle rebuild components and Grizzly
f450, YUKON Gear & Axle rebuild components and Grizzly
Locker inside. 3.55 gearing for decent highway mileage
and 14” Disk brakes
Rear Suspension: Triangulated 4 link from eBay, SLAM
Rear Suspension: Triangulated 4 link from eBay, SLAM
SS8 airbags (Mounted on Axle). Bilstein 7100 series
shocks w/travel of 10” (Custom valving)

TIP:
TIP: Axle mounting the airbags (rather than placing them on Axle mounting the airbags (rather than placing them on
a link bar) creates the strongest lift possible. To see more a link bar) creates the strongest lift possible. To see more a link bar) creates the strongest lift possible. To see more
on the science of Air bags & suspension, check out my on the science of Air bags & suspension, check out my
articles on “How to Airbag” in issues 37 & 38 of the magazine.

The most challenging part of setting the front end
was wrapping my head around how a “wattslink” works
was wrapping my head around how a “wattslink” works
for lateral placement of the axle. I chose the wattslink
because, unlike the standard panhard bar, they do
not displace the axle throughout the travel of the
suspension (which can cause steering/alignment issues
on an already touchy straight axle front end). Setting a
front straight axle can become a science with all of the
factors involved. There are a few good articles online
that can help you along the way, however.

Other Misc. Air-ride/suspension details:
 AVS Billet Flame 9-rocker Switchbox
 Custom air tank (propane tank)
 CNC machined aluminum valve assemblies &
distribution blocks (1/2”)
 AVS digital air gauge assembly

RATRODMAGAZINE.COM RAT ROD MAGAZINE 51

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