79 K5 Prerunner "Lucy"

[blazinzuk]

Don't get me wrong I'm not telling you how to build the truck. I am just putting out there things I think are important.

I have seen lots of guys not follow advice given and be just fine. I have just had some bad experiences with radius arm suspensions breaking so I don't build a fuse into it. If it breaks it's gonna be in spectacular fashion because failure means complete failure

 

[sreidmx]

10-4 I do appreciate the input. You keep me honest.

 

[Deuling]

How does one weld chromo tubing? Tig?

 

[sreidmx]

Under .120 tig or mig just like normal steel. Over that mig tig but must be heat treated.
I did a lot of research regarding that because the last thing I wanted was a metal I couldn't easily weld. The recommendation by my local welding shop was to use ar70-s6, its readily available and compatible.

 

[Deuling]

Cool. Never done it.

 

[sreidmx]

Me neither which is why I am having a pro do it for me

 

[beags86]

Yea seriously that garnered the most comments from friends so far lol If I had known I would have requested american steel.

Actually, There is nothing wrong with china steel. Due to the general lack of QA in China they ( Chinese Industry) were forced to make a change with the steel produced in order to meet ASTM standards. Due to this the metalurgy is monitored very closely. In fact most Chinese fabricators have their own labs to to check composition(MTR) vs. the standard(ASTM). This would be unheard of in the USA. Due to this, fabricated steel is checked twice before it hits the boat. The same standard is upheld to raw material. If you have any doubts ask your steel supplier for the MTR and check it vs. the ASTM standard. If need be I can help you through the process.

Nothing wrong with your china link bars. Carry on.


Edit: mind you I am not talking about things like Harbor Freight tools and such. But real deal steel.

 

[jekquistk5]

S6 is a pretty standard mig wire for dirty materials. It contains more mn and si . Who knew my days of working for a spectrometer company would come in handy. I use to certify hobarts main spectrometer.

 

[beags86]

Under .120 tig or mig just like normal steel. Over that mig tig but must be heat treated.
I did a lot of research regarding that because the last thing I wanted was a metal I couldn't easily weld. The recommendation by my local welding shop was to use ar70-s6, its readily available and compatible.

You mean ER70S-6?


What grade 4130,4140 or 4145?

 

[beags86]

S6 is a pretty standard mig wire for dirty materials. It contains more mn and si . Who knew my days of working for a spectrometer company would come in handy. I use to certify hobarts main spectrometer.

I want to hear more..... What was that like!?

 

[sreidmx]

Yes er70s-6 is specifically what I was referring too. And thanks beags I am happy to hear the qc is better. 4130 is the alloy of the tubing 1.5 .120 and 1.25 x .120 for my steering and pan hard

 

[sreidmx]

Basically here is what I am thinking for the arms aside the BMS design I posted earlier. Kind of like a hairpin I guess.

 

[folkenheath]

How does one weld chromo tubing? Tig?

If you put chrome-moly tubing in a drag car that is NHRA certified it is required that it be TIG welded. I would guess it can be properly MIG welded somehow but if it is not the joint is weaker so to reduce that risk they require TIG welding.

 

[sreidmx]

Right it's the total amount of heat the joints exposed to and mig is hotter over a larger area basically work hardening the steel, I have an old timer helping so he's in the know how regarding this and builds everything from chromoly..

 

[sreidmx]

How are you going to terminate the lower into the upper, just long cope? What do you think about using the same design as my traction bar and make the lower go to your existing heim and then put a pair of tabs on top just before your main drop bracket and put another heim there?

Something like this but no plate gusset in between so you could still adjust both heims for the upper.

You could even box the tabs together like I did for ultimate strength. Since your upper would not be permanently tied to the lower (unlike mine) it would be a really good idea

Wow I didn't realize what you suggested until now, that's a good idea.. Basically tie it in at the farthest point to reduce the stress and allow adjustment.

 

[sreidmx]

Did some stuff today.

 

[sreidmx]

Killer Whale (Coilovers,Radius arms, Hardcore Tech!) 79 K5

Set caster at 8-9 degrees. Weldin these up tomorrow night.

 

[Deuling]

Dayum. Those are longgggg.




Sweet

 

[jekquistk5]

Looking good. Are you tired of cycling yet?

 

[sreidmx]

Haha thanks Adam, they're 42 inches long just like heaths. That's purely a coincidence too.
And jek yes I am tired of cycling it but I still need to fabricate the trackbar and the bracket, also the steering..