extended radius arm build up

[4x4junkie]

OK, so i decided to do this, but im trying to figure out how i could adjust for caster to get it closer and im terriable at reading it, so i made a picture....

Could someone tell me which it needs to be closer to. A or B?

also can some one tell me how long to cut the 2 inch pipe to make it 15 inches longer or do i need to just match it up to another radius arm and go from there? guess go from the base of the bolt and measure off there.....

Both A or B would work (Skyjacker's arms are a bit more like A than B), but like shown in BlackBII's pic, B will be far easier to implement if you're basing them off your stock arms.

For length, just measure in a straight line the length of the arm from where the axle bolts attach to the base of the stud where the front of the bushing sits. Make 'em 12" or 15" or whatever you wish longer than what the stock arm measures (12" works good if you want to keep your frame brackets separate from the trans crossmember, 15" if you'd rather incorporate the mounts into a new custom crossmember).

 

[Bray D]

5 pages worth of "radius arm build up"? This is a 2 hr job, build the damn things already!

 

[sloue]

5 pages worth of "radius arm build up"? This is a 2 hr job, build the damn things already!

not ever one is a fab master like your self i am finding this thread informative

 

[Bray D]

Far from a fab master haha. There is some good info in here, but nothing you couldn't find in a half hour or so of searching. I'm just ready to see some progress!

 

[phatdaddy]

5 pages worth of "radius arm build up"? This is a 2 hr job, build the damn things already!

haha...it never fails if you get self taught redneck ghetto fabriteers together they will do nothing but watch the beer disappear

 

[Bray D]

haha...it never fails if you get self taught redneck ghetto fabriteers together they will do nothing but watch the beer disappear

I'm self taught as well. Maybe that's why I don't trust myself enough to drink and fab haha

 

[phatdaddy]

Im getting so good info here. Im doing a build myself and I want to fab my arms as well so this is a great tread to watch....carry on men

 

[Ranger#1]

5 pages worth of "radius arm build up"? This is a 2 hr job, build the damn things already!

i was kinda thinking the same thing but its more like 2 hrs per side [include grinding alot and a **** up or two and more grinding plus more wire cause you ran out and then 10 min later gas cause that ran out to then back again cause you ran out of cutting wheels] soooo..... lets make that 4 hrs per side lol at any rate lets go your still behind i wanna see some idias

 

[crawlin91]

Eh, ive been busy, lazy, busy, and building my fab skills up by making other stuff for the truck so that this would work right. Im self taught and my access to good tools and help with any project is slim. here are a few pics.

materials used 1/4 steel plate
2" 1/4 wall DOM tube
grade 8 bolts

first I cut the threaded end and what would be welded into the DOM tube then made a cut again where the 2" tube would just squeeze into the stock arm.

Then I fabbed up a transmission support crossmember to replace the stock one. I decided to go this route to ease in the radius arm drop mount install. (instead of relocating my e brake cable mount on the drivers side, and the passenger side framerail flares in the exact point i would have put the mount) Also I used many of the existing holes in the frame and didnt have to make more, just widened them out to 1/2 size. Its very similar to the one PlumCrazy did....yes thats about two feet of snow in the background.

my high tech drill press, I used gear oil as cutting oil. The combination of the powerful drill and the occasional catch of the hole saw left my wrist sore as hell. I also had to do this step twice as I eyeballed it and used a 1.5" bit the first time but the new and old bushings needed a 1 5/8" hole. I also tapered both sides of the hole with a dremel to keep it from cutting my new bushings.

beefed the hell outta the arms

off to the paint booth, once again only the most high tech equipment was used

more tomorrow when shes back on her feet

 

[crawlin91]

Its all on the truck. I got it aligned almost perfectly in the driveway and went for a cruise...nothing fell off, a good sign. I think Im going to be happy with this design overall. and at about $60 in steel and materials, was much cheaper than skyjacker setup $650+. Thanks to all who contributed valueble advice, pictures and info.

 

[phatdaddy]

looks damn good

 

[4x4junkie]

looks damn good

+1

Only thing I'm wondering is how thick that plate is that the bushings are going through... Maybe double up the thickness of it if it's less than ½" or so (I could see it bending if you bump the tread face of your tire hard into a rock).

 

[crawlin91]

+1

Only thing I'm wondering is how thick that plate is that the bushings are going through... Maybe double up the thickness of it if it's less than ½" or so (I could see it bending if you bump the tread face of your tire hard into a rock).

I used 1/4 inch. Id like to add some bracing to the bushing plate or like you said double it up.

 

[PlumCrazy]

That cross member/RA mount setup looks similar to mine Good to see my build inspired someone.

I have since redesigned the mounts to lower the arms and get a better caster angle, I also added a gusset to the bottom.

5 pages worth of "radius arm build up"? This is a 2 hr job, build the damn things already!

I managed to build a set of arms for my truck, and another set that I sold since this thread started.lol

-plumcrazt

 

[Bray D]