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Experimental part for CBBR (UPDATE) installed, with pics!

protechk5 said:
damn i wish i didnt just buy ords cross member
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I admire DCUBB's work :D

Protechk5, why not fab some tabs and braces to weld to the tubes on your existing ORD crossmember? I have the ORD crossmember on my truck and I think it can still work...

The quick disconnects that southernspeed mentioned sound like a great idea to add to it.
 
Brown Santa came today, which made me smile. Unfortunately I will be out of town this weekend, so it will be next week before I have a chance to work on the truck, which makes me frown.
 
wait im still a little lost, so that piece is bolted on the axle with u bolts?
 
and also with a dana60 its looks like it might be pretty close to the spring plate, but with disconnects it probably wouldnt be much of an issue
 
stockk5 said:
looks nice. few questions. does it replace the stock motor mounts? wats the biggest improvement it gives to a k5?
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This setup uses the stock motor mount brackets.

Biggest improvement= eliminating the lateral movement of the axle thereby firming up the steering. Much improved steering response, (especially on the street).
 
The part that attaches to the axle tube is the lower anchor point for the panhard bar. The pass side end of the bar ends approximately 4" past the outside edge of the d60 spring plate. The panhard bar itself is close to the length of the draglink.

On my truck there are absolutely no binding or suspension travel issues with this setup. I feel that, with the type suspension that's on my truck, and Chad's, there's no reason to disconnect the bar for off-road.

But on a truck with insane droop binding may become a issue.
 
cbbr said:
Brown Santa came today, which made me smile. Unfortunately I will be out of town this weekend, so it will be next week before I have a chance to work on the truck, which makes me frown.
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Or next year. :whistle:


:wink1:
 
Taking this one back to the top...

I can only say this thing is a masterpiece...
 
I know. I'm staring at one on my dining room table. :D
 
Outstanding work. I am also interested heavily in this. I have the now defunct MOO Offroad engine crossmember that looks a lot like the one there, minus the tabs. When I went crossover, holy crap talk about wishy washy handling on the street due to the lack of a swaybar. I don't have any D/W, but much body roll and a bit of wandering. I went with TC springs and Bilstein 5150 shocks which is fairly flexy. I lamented losing the swaybar but now it seems there is another option. I do like the idea of the disconnects though I have to admit.
 
I guess I just don't see what the necessity is for the panhard bar. :dunno: I love the steering and handling I have now with crossover and 52" front springs.

Please don't misinterpret, I'm not questioning the quality of the fabrication at all. I'd be a fool if I was doing that, the components look outstanding. :waytogo:
 
Thanks for all the compliments guys.

Due to the popularity of the disconnect idea, I've been thinking about it quite a bit. While riding around on my tractor a little while ago, it hit me (an idea, not a tree limb).

I'll keep you all posted on the progress.
 
mrk5 said:
I guess I just don't see what the necessity is for the panhard bar. :dunno: I love the steering and handling I have now with crossover and 52" front springs.

Please don't misinterpret, I'm not questioning the quality of the fabrication at all. I'd be a fool if I was doing that, the components look outstanding. :waytogo:
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No one "needs" a panhard bar. IMO it's just personal preference. If you're happy with what you already have there is no reason to change it.

But If you ever get a chance to drive a rig with one that is properly set up, you will see why some people want one.
 
Okay, I guess what I'm asking is the same as this post back several posts, but I didn't see an answer:

stockk5 said:
looks nice. few questions. does it replace the stock motor mounts? wats the biggest improvement it gives to a k5?
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In simpler terms, stockk5 and I are asking, "What is the purpose of a panhard bar on a leaf spring suspension?" Or in general, "What does a panhard bar do?"

Forgive the ignorance.
 
mrk5 said:
In simpler terms, stockk5 and I are asking, "What is the purpose of a panhard bar on a leaf spring suspension?" Or in general, "What does a panhard bar do?"
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I think I can answer that question fairly well.

Go drive a 99-2003 Ford Superduty 4X4 pickup. These years have leaf springs with a panhard bar. Fairly flexable, yet ride nice and handle well.
Ok now. Take the panhard bar off, and the truck with it's ball joint front axle will exhibit symptoms of deathwobble on railroad crossings or mild washboard roads. Also will feel a little squirrely in normal around town driving--not bad, just not as tight as it should/could be.

In short, a panhard can be a stabilizing factor, while at the same time improving handling and steering response without sacrificing flexability.

Also, some people have reported frame damage due to the lateral forces exerted by crossover steering(the steering brace helps a lot, but is not the total answer) when equipped with large tires. This is the reason Ford 4X4 pickups are equipped with a panhard bar to complement their crossover steering.

Clear as mud, no?

Jimbo
 
mrk5 said:
Okay, I guess what I'm asking is the same as this post back several posts, but I didn't see an answer:



In simpler terms, stockk5 and I are asking, "What is the purpose of a panhard bar on a leaf spring suspension?" Or in general, "What does a panhard bar do?"

Forgive the ignorance.
Click to expand...

If you have a few minutes read this thread. What Jimbo said is not wrong but it doesnt really explain how the panhard works and if not set up properly it can limit flex.
http://coloradok5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=130668
 
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