Straightening a wishbone

louisb

louisb

Senior Member
Hi All,

I just picked up a really nice 32 front wishbone but one of the legs has a slight curve to it. I didn't notice it until I held it up to a straight edge. What is the best way to straighten it without crushing the tube?

Thanks,

--louis
 
There was a post recently about straightening rear radius rods. You could possibly use the same technique. It boils down to a carefully applied amount of force, in the right place, in the right direction to a properly supported piece. I wouldn't try and do it without a press. I bought a press for the equivalent of little over $100 and it is one of the most useful tools in my shop.

Mart.
 
I recently straightened out a rear radius rod on a 40 rearend. I used a length of heavy chain attached to either end of the rod with a grab hook. I kept the chain from sliding by attaching C clamp visegrips to the rod. Then I ran the chain under a 3 ton floor jack with the rod laying on the rubber pad of the jack. A buddy pumped the jack with control and as the chain tightened the sweep in the rod straightened out. The rear rod is oblong shaped so to stabilize the rod as the pressure was applied I used a 3' pipe wrench to keep the rod in the right position to straighten. Sounds like cave man style but the material straightens easily. I would think the same process would work for a front wishbone. I know in an earlier post I said I would take pictures of the event but it was over in five minutes and the battery was dead in the camera,sorry. Bill
 
Thanks for the responses. I have a 20 ton press and agree it is invaluable. Looks pretty much the same process as reversing a main spring. The bend is in the wider side of the oval so I am worried about kinking it. Maybe if I used something to spread the load out so it is not pressing in one spot. Will heat affect the metal's strength? I wouldn't think so since it is not hardened or spring steel.

Thanks,

--louis
 
It will probably end up deformed if you heat it. I just support them on 4x4's in the press and work back and forth bending it a bit at a time, using a piece of oak between the ram and 'bone so as not to mar it.
 
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