5 bar link, live axle, geometry ???

[richy123]

I have fabricated a 5 bar link (atlas axle) for the morris van , due to the position for coil overs i have gone wide on the axle for the rear rose joint position and mounted the front where the old leaf springs mounted.
Basically the link bars angle INWARDS from axle to chassis , approx 4" on each side .
I am concerned maybe this is too much ???
Is this acceptable or will it really balls up the handling / Roll etc .?.
(top and bottom bars are parallel and in alignment, and level(horizontally) at resting ride height).

Thanks

[denisb]

Really really bad move. The axle will toe in/out ('bumpsteer') as the car rolls.

Having said that, how long are your rear links?

[richy123]

Full length of forward link bars , from centres is approx 19 " +/- 1" adjustment on thread .
I got to admit i dont like the look of it , why i done it like that was in the intrests of strength and to utilise the original chassis point.
Some people say its ok ? i dont want to find out later on when cars finished.

Thanks
Richy

[GreenV8S]

Are the leading links horizontal? If so, and if the axle is well located sideways, I don't see it being a particular problem.

[richy123]

ive worried about it so much , ive been out in garage and cut off front mounts , live and learn ehh ?
ill refabricate new and redo .
now ill never know if it really mattered ,

[denisb]

The principle issue is if all links to fitted with spherical bearings the links will all be arguing with each other about where they want to go and either wear out/damage the bearings or damage the mounts.

If the links are using a softer bush material then bushes will be placed under additional load, suffer similar problems but probably at least the mounting SHOULDN'T be ripped out. However the axle will mislocate when the car roles causing a form of bump steer.

Still look on the bright side, your links are at least long, parallel and the same length which is a heck of a lot better than my car (which is why I know what NOT to do)!

[richy123]

what size rod ends are you useing there ???

[denisb]

1/2" by 1/2"