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.
What vehicles have straight axles?
Even though we are now down to just three new vehicle models available with a solid front axle in the U.S.—Jeep Wrangler, Ford Super Duty, and Ram heavy-duty trucks (four if you count the über-expensive Mercedes G-class)—we’re still huge proponents of the driven beam axle construction for off-road use.
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.
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.
How does a straight axle work?
With a straight axle, as one side travels upwards, like when climbing over a rock, the opposite side is pushed down into the ground. Both tires will be planted. In an independent design, as one wheel moves up, it lifts the entire front end.
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.
What jeeps have straight axles?
In fact, as of 2017, only two production SUVs in the United States are built with a solid-axle setup from the manufacturer, the Jeep Wrangler and the Mercedes Benz G-Class.
What kind of axles do Speedway Motors use?
Take the performance and handling of your car to a whole new level with a quality front I-Beam axle from Speedway Motors. Whether you are looking for a front axle for your street rod or your “gasser” styled dragster, Speedway Motors has the largest selection available.
Where can I get a front axle for my dragster?
Whether you are looking for a front axle for your street rod or your “gasser” styled dragster, Speedway Motors has the largest selection available. Choose from drilled or solid designs as well as your choice length and finish for your specific desire.
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 kind of axles are used in drag racing?
Truck axles were available, and for the abuse absorbed they were used in many of the dirt-track jalopy racers of the time. Drag racers were always looking for a weight advantage and sought out the lighter passenger car axles from Ford, Chevrolet, and Willys.