Topic: Axle Wrap

[blackdiamond]

Has anyone tried mounting a shock from the top if the differential to the frame similar to a 3 or 4 link setup?  I realized that there is nothing new under the sun and someone has probably already tried it, but it seems that the problem with axle wrap is a result of the spring unloading (impact force) rather than the spring loading.  It seems that a stiff shock could reduce or eliminate any quick rotation of the differential.  I can only assume that this has been tried and didn't work since I have not seen it done before.  Any thoughts? <Blackdiamond>

[CTENG in KS]

It's been done, doesn't work all that well compared to a good track bar setup...If you are welding bracket tabs on anyway, why not setup a shackle on the crossmember and run it via trackbar to the axle, no hindrance to articulation and it will take care of you axle wrap.   

[Weldo]

If you have a 3 or four link setup, doesn't that take care of axle wrap by itself?  If you have two links on top of the axle and two on hte bottom, the axle shouldn't wrap, right?  I thought axle wrap was only a problem with leaf springs.

[CTENG in KS]

If you have a 3 or four link setup, doesn't that take care of axle wrap by itself?  If you have two links on top of the axle and two on hte bottom, the axle shouldn't wrap, right?  I thought axle wrap was only a problem with leaf springs.

He is using the 3-link "style" as an example for you to visualize what he is talking about...he means using it as one link to stop axle wrap with his leaf springs.
And yes, a four link would have virually no axle wrap, unless build by a moron.   

[blackdiamond [OP]]

I currently have no trouble with axle wrap since my 4.5 inch Superlift rear springs flex about as well as a 4x4 square tube.  I am in the process of ordering some Alcan rear springs (stock mounts).  The proposed setup was just something that I dreamed up and wanted some feedback on.  I am not sure how a link betwen the axle and the cross member using a shackle would prevent any wrap, I guess I am not visualizing what you mean, any pictures?  It seems to me that the shackle would allow nearly free movement...maybe I just figured it out.  Are you talking about attaching the link to both the top and bottom of the axle keeping them in plane with each other while still allowing movement forward and aft?

[FIREBALL]

The shock thing doesn't work. It slows the movement, but the problem is having movement period. If it's allowed to move it could put your pinion angle to a point where you'll have breakage probs, and broken springs.
As far as the shackle set up, I think you've got it.....2 or 3 points fixed on the axle housing and a shackle purpendicular to the main bar. It does allow for axle articulation, but I had a problem with straight up and down movement. Personally i'm going back to a single bar, and with the right geometry it won't hinder travel in any direction. Keepin it simple.

[mr4x42u]

This is what I'm running and its awesome...I have no problems with it..Its quiet and cheap..I used solid bushings and use the tube to slide in and out for flex..Seems to move just fine..I forgot where I copied this from but this is where I based it from..