Page 74 - Issue 44

Lowe’s and buy a 10’ section of 3/4” gas pipe.
Order two 1/2” heim joints and four 1/2” clevis
yokes from Speedway or whoever. They are $6.99
each, and the nut and jam nuts measure exactly
3/4” on the outside which means they will slip
perfectly into the 3/4” gas pipe. The radius rods
will vary in length according to where you want
them to hit, but for all practical purposes about 25”
works out well.
To test the pipe will you get an idea of length by
sticking your 1/2” clevis into the pipe. One nut will tap
into pipe flush and be welded in, and the second
nut is for your jam. However far this sticks out,
double, and minus from your 25” measurement.
Once you settle on this dimension, cut your 4
pipes to that length. All 4 will get the clevis yokes
mounted into one end of them. Mount temporarily
into the two radius rod holes on each side. You will
need a 4” piece cut for each side and into one end
of these little pipes will be your 1/2” heim joints
mounted just as the clevis yokes were. All the
heims and clevis joints will be adjustable so you
can pull the axle one way or another.
The 4” pipe welds between the two radius
rods running back. This gives you your radius
rod set up, and the heim in back will mount to
frame by way of a bracket. This works best with
a bracket on inside and outside of frame for
additional support. This puts the cost of your
radius rods at about $60.00 vs the $150.00 plus
shipping you would pay to order a set.
Once your front axle and radius rods are
mounted temporarily, put a degree finder on your
king pins on the top, and make sure your axle is
pitched backwards 6” - 10”. This is called positive
caster, and is a must. When you brake hard, your
axle will pitch forward about this same amount.
If you install the axle straight up and down, the
amount of forward roll will snap parts and is very
dangerous not to mention the car will not handle
properly. If you can imagine a motorcycle with
the front forks straight up and down, it is the same

74 RAT ROD MAGAZINE ISSUE FORTY-FOUR

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