Ladder Bars
10-22-2006, 01:48 PM
#1
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Ladder Bars
OK - I've decided to build some ladder bars for my '05 - any suggestions or helpful tips? I already have a design in mind, but I want other's opinions...
10-22-2006, 04:04 PM
#3
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Thanks Blue - I've already searched and didn't find any revelations.
Theoretically, 4-bar ladders would work better than under-axle 2-bars, but empirical evidence suggests that the 2-bar style works just fine. The main reason I see for the additional upper bars is because they work in tension, while the lower bars work in compression - which can result in bending or buckling. If the lower bars are stout enough, they ought to be sufficient.
Ditto for shackle-mounting the frame ends. Not sure if it's necessary to use a heim joint for the axle end of them.
So far, I'm planning a bolt-on set that will solidly mount to the bottom of the lower shock brackets, with the frame end mounted on a large heim joint or even a pillow block bearing (either way in double shear). The bars in between would be 1" x 2" 11ga. 304SS, with two parallel, laterally triangulated tubes comprising each bar. Even at 96" long, they won't bend or buckle. Naturally, all the brackets etc. will be overbuilt and everything will be TIG-welded together.
Theoretically, 4-bar ladders would work better than under-axle 2-bars, but empirical evidence suggests that the 2-bar style works just fine. The main reason I see for the additional upper bars is because they work in tension, while the lower bars work in compression - which can result in bending or buckling. If the lower bars are stout enough, they ought to be sufficient.
Ditto for shackle-mounting the frame ends. Not sure if it's necessary to use a heim joint for the axle end of them.
So far, I'm planning a bolt-on set that will solidly mount to the bottom of the lower shock brackets, with the frame end mounted on a large heim joint or even a pillow block bearing (either way in double shear). The bars in between would be 1" x 2" 11ga. 304SS, with two parallel, laterally triangulated tubes comprising each bar. Even at 96" long, they won't bend or buckle. Naturally, all the brackets etc. will be overbuilt and everything will be TIG-welded together.
10-22-2006, 05:31 PM
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10-22-2006, 05:46 PM
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Ladder Bars
I've been waiting on pics from Glacier Diesel. They are going to get into the ladder bar business,.. from what Richard told me and he is doing a proto-type very soon. FYI.
10-22-2006, 07:01 PM
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10-23-2006, 02:40 AM
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The trac bars I use are just 1.5" od tubes...I think they are chrome moly or dom.
They are about 5' long each and the mounts weld to the frame and axle tube. They have heim joints at each end.
They work great for sledpulling or just driving around...
You can see them in some of my video's in use.
They are about 5' long each and the mounts weld to the frame and axle tube. They have heim joints at each end.
They work great for sledpulling or just driving around...
You can see them in some of my video's in use.
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10-23-2006, 02:26 PM
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10-23-2006, 03:37 PM
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10-23-2006, 03:51 PM
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No they're Floor It's bars... The tubing Jon used is so stout that you can jack the truck up by the middle of the bar and they don't bend!
