How To Install a Ladder-Bar Suspension - Chris Alston's Chassisworks

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A protractor or an inclinometer set across the front of theyoke will reveal the initial pinion angle, and an adjustablejack stand comes in handy for returning the now-free-floatinghousing to its stock attitude.After cutting the crossmember to size, the front ladder-bar bracketsare set in their proper, as-wide-as-possible locations and tacked inplace. (The minimum clearance from the brackets to the frame is 1-1/2 inches.) The steel sleeves that ride in the middle of the urethanebushings are used to establish the correct spacing for the brackets.Using materialprovided in thekit, gusset strapsare fabricated andwelded to the backof the bracketsfor added strength.To determine the location of the front crossmember, measurethe prescribed distance forward from the housing and make amark on the frame rails. Next, measure the distance betweenthe rails at this point, noting the exact location of the driveshaftcenterline.This is how theChevelle’s fullywelded front crossmemberlooked justprior to its finalinstallation. Notethe contour on theend of the tubing.These measurementsare then transferred tothe dropped-loopcrossmember, which ismarked for cutting. Labelingthe driver and passengersides of the crossmemberwill help in maintaining itsproper orientation, keepingthe loop centered underthe driveshaft. Be sureto cut the ends of thetubing to follow thecontour of the rails, if any.With their assignments as spacers for the brackets completed,the steel sleeves are returned to their intendedhomes in the middle of the urethane bushings.Don’t bereluctant to sneakup on the perfectcrossmember lengthby making a seriesof small cuts on thetubing. A snug fit ishelpful for the finalalignment.This is the last time the crossmember will be seen in thedaylight. With the ladder bars assembled and mounted tothe crossmember, the entire unit slides under the car andis lifted into place, with the rear brackets snug to the axletubes. This is where a tight fit for the crossmember willcome in handy, to help hold itself in position.2 Order: 800-722-2269 Technical Assistance/Customer Service: 916-388-0288 Chris Alston’s Chassisworks Inc., 8661 Younger Creek Drive, Sacramento, CA 95828
Bumping the brackets into the housing will undoubtedly jostle it around;all measurements must be rechecked before firing up the welder.The housing is brought back out from under the car and the ladderbars are removed from the brackets. The ears at the top of the housing,used for mounting the stock link bars, will be removed to provideclearance for the panhard bar.With clamps holding the front crossmember in place, the rear bracketsare checked for plumb and tacked to the housing.Again, the steel sleeves from the urethane bushings are used asspacers, and the brackets are welded to the axle tubes. Chassisworksrecommends also welding the tubes to the housing for added strength.With the brackets welded to the tubes and gusset straps added,the housing and ladder bars are remounted under the car. Theshock is then assembledin the center position ofthe adjustable lowershock-mounting plate,which is held in itsdesired location andmarked for cutting.Constant use of a tape measureis critical to ensure the successof any chassis or suspensioninstallation. Here, the distancebetween the brackets isverified after they are tackedto the housing.With the rear brackets tackedin place, and after making sureeverything is straight and square,the front crossmember is tacked tothe frame. The ladder bars are thenremoved from the front brackets,and the crossmember iswelded to the frame. Email: sales@cachassisworks.com Web: cachassisworks.com Chris Alston’s Chassisworks Inc., 8661 Younger Creek Drive, Sacramento, CA 958283
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How To Install a Ladder-Bar Suspension - Chris Alston's Chassisworks

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