Adjustable Trailing Arm Axle (1 Viewer)

[aktundra]

Has anybody seen pic's or drawings of an adjustable trailing arm axle using 4130 tube, weld in threaded tube end inserts and 4130 rod ends and jam nuts in the tube ends?

I guess this system is used in fabricated rock crawler & racing frames, etc. Wondering if there is an economical application to trailering ?

 

[JeepFreak21]

Adventure Trailers' third generation trailing am setup are adjustableeee, I believe. Unfortunately, It's pretty top secret. You probably won't find much info out there on it.

I made my trailing arms adjustable... you just need an angle grinder and a welder to adjust them

Good Luck,
Billy

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

What exactly are you trying to build?

 

[aktundra]

Arya Ebrahimi, This is the project I am reasearching.

This is a 50 year old airstream (the smallest Airstream ever made, 1961-1963) that is going to require a "frame off" restoration. The original/current axle has no springs, and split rim wheels. Make no mistake, not considering wheeling with this trailer. But the roads in this country are crap. If I am going to pull the frame out, considering a trailing arm & air bag system.

 

[aktundra]

This is the concept I am trying to develop. The rod ends and jam nuts are availabe on the net for about $25. As well as weld-in threaded inserts for DOM tubing. Seems I have the basic parts for adjustable home made "A" arms. Not building a race car or rock crawler, obviuosly do not want to spend the $$ for a high performance professionaaly built system. Just need to figure out how to attach to the frame, and sketch out a design that make efficiant use of material.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

Ah, I see now.

Check out my build(link in signature) as I recently completed an airbag/trailing arm suspension build on my trailer. I would say that if you drastically oversize the joints for the application they will be ok, however a "typical" trailing arm design puts the shank(threaded part) of the rod end in bending and will ultimately lead to bending/failure of the rod end. It's best to keep the forces on a rod end in-line with the shank.

 

[aktundra]

help me understand your thoughts on dramatically over-sizing the rod ends. I am looking at 1,800 lbs on the axle. Well within the range of vehicle axles, and "A" arms have been used for some time. I think this is a Firebird but buggies use the same concept

The spring should still be supporting the weight, shouldn't it? I understand your comment on shear forces and need to think about how to minimize that.

Comm'on folks, don't make Arya Ebrahimi do all the explaining till I get it.

 

[Arya Ebrahimi]

That style A-arm is not being twisted by the weight of the trailer, it is merely locating a spindle. A trailing arm is entirely different in principle from an A-arm.

I don't have time to explain in detail right now, but it's not a good idea.