Is straight axle better?
A solid axle has less moving parts and is easier to service, with no crossmembers clogging everything up. Solid-axle centersections are typically cast iron, which is more durable. Some IFS systems also have weaker steering systems than solid-axle-equipped rigs.
Do solid axle vehicles need alignment?
Solid rear axle vehicles normally have no provisions for alignment adjustment. The alignment angles on all four wheels are read by the alignment equipment but only the front axle is adjusted.
How do you adjust a straight axle caster?
Caster is the tilt of the king pins towards the front or rear of the car. Forward tilt is negative caster, rearward is positive….The Science Of Straight Axles.
| To Decrease | To Decrease | Adjustment |
|---|---|---|
| More Positive | More Negative | Rear Wheel Camber |
| Toe-out | Toe-in | Front Toe |
| Toe-out | Toe-in | Rear Toe |
| More Positive | More Negative | Front Caster |
Can you adjust camber on a straight axle?
Camber angle on front axles can be adjusted with shims that go between the spindle and the knuckle.
What causes bump steer on a straight axle?
Bump steer is caused when one wheel of an axle, say the right front, goes over a bump. The axle rises on the right side tilting the axle so that it is no longer parallel with the ground. This makes the imaginary center line of the axle tilt down and at a point out to the left of the vehicle intersect the ground.
What is straight axle front end?
Building a hot rod in a traditional style means having to use specific period-style components, such as a straight front axle, which is often referred to as a solid axle. The straight axle uses a transverse leaf spring and either four-link, split-wishbone, or hairpin radius rods.
Why do gassers have straight axles?
Gassers (gas coupes and sedans) were allowed some modifications from stock but needed lights, fenders etc. Engine setback 10% of wheelbase. Purpose of straight axle was to raise center of gravity to transfer weight to hard skinny slicks of the time.
Why are straight axles better?
“A solid axle setup can improve traction over big bumps and hills as well as gain more torque from the differential as there are fewer parts that power must transfer through,” says aftermarket manufacturer Fab Fours in a comparison between both systems.
Is IRS better for drifting?
Solid rear is good for drag. Any corners, IRS is preferred. That’s the whole point of IRS. Solid rears are for easy packaging and cost effectiveness.
How do you adjust a straight axle in a truck?
The only camber adjustment method available on straight axles is to physically bend the axle. Heavy truck and trailer shops are equipped to do this by securing the axle to a fixed point while applying pressure with a hydraulic ram. Caster deals with the spindle location governed by the upper and lower ball joints.
What should Gasser settings be for Straight axles?
With straight axles, positive caster (king pin inclination) is the ticket for stability. A typical Gasser setting starts at 7 degrees and is fine-tuned to as much as 10 degrees.
Can a gasser front end be used on a drag strip?
Maybe Now’s the Time. When you talk about old school rodding you have to talk about Gasser Front ends. They’ve been around since forever and they give a rod that special look you may be looking for as well as being functional on the drag strip.
How are front axles different from truck axles?
Front axles were typically all of the same basic design, the main difference being the physical size and, correspondingly, the weight. Truck axles were available, and for the abuse absorbed they were used in many of the dirt-track jalopy racers of the time.