radius rods 34 ford

P

phatssbigboi

Member
I want to convert to open drive, was wondering if I can reuse the stock radius rods and attach them with a cross member

I will not have many horse power just wondering about the strength of them.
 
I did it using 36 radius rods. They were in excess of .100" wall thickness. I think it'll work fine. I used a Model A rear cross member and cut (Plasma) off one side. Then bolted the cross member into the frame. I used Ford rod ends (adjustable) and welded small plates with the 7 degree taper to the new cross member. Seems to work OK
Jim
 
Check out Hot Rod Works (link below.) They have all kinds of stuff like what you're talking about. My read is that the standard radius rods are more suited to just stabilizing the ends of the axle housings and that the torque tube is the major supplier of torque resistance in the rear, so the radius rods by themselves can't be counted on to cut the mustard without the torque tube.
http://www.hotrodworks.com/catalog/
 
No you cannot use stock Ford radius rods as control links when converting to an open drive scenario. The thin sheet metal design will not be sufficient to prevent bowing during acceleration or a panic stop. Even 35/6 design rear radius rods are right on the edge sufficient of strength and require a triangulation bracket for optimum use.
 
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