Front radius rods morphed into batwings---

[brianrupnow]

This post is not for all, and may not please the pure "traditionalists". But---it does solve a huge problem on dropped axle front ends. Many of you will have found out that when you run a 4" dropped front axle, the damn tie rod and the drag link (if you are running a Vega cross steer set-up) will want to run right thru the side of the radius rods. The only cure for this is to heat and bend the stock steering arms, so as to position the draglink and tie rod either above or below the steering arms----or--burn them off and buy a set of deep drop bolt on steering arms. If you buy a 4 bar kit or a hairpin radius rod kit, then the drag link and tie rod can run between the upper and lower bars with no interferance. On my very first build about 25 years ago, I solved the problem by burning the ends off the radius rod and welding a 3/16" plate to each side as shown in the attached model/drawing. This allowed me to "craft" a set of hairpin radius rods with urethane bushings on adjustable threaded studs on the ends to fit between the blue plates. It was easy, it used what I had, it solved the tie rod and drag link clearance issue, and it enabled me to adjust the kingpin caster angle.---and best of all---it was a CHEAP SOLUTION.---Brian
http://i307.photobucket.com/albums/n...wing2views.jpg

[hotroddaddy]

A guy on the hamb did a similar setup. I think i am going to go that route when the time comes to set up the front. It just seems like a better way to go.