School me on panhard bars

[Phil513]

Just wondering their purpose. I was looking at the TNA engine crossmember (which I'm sure I don't need, so far my stock one does the job). It has an integrated mount for a panhard bar.

Since the bar is mounted solid to the crossmember, and I assume solid to the axle, and it swings down in an arc motion, doesn't it pull the axle off to one side?

And, basically what is it for, and how do you know you need one?

 

[Phil513]

I meant to put this in the garage. Dammit.

 

[campfire]

Just wondering their purpose. I was looking at the TNA engine crossmember (which I'm sure I don't need, so far my stock one does the job). It has an integrated mount for a panhard bar.

Since the bar is mounted solid to the crossmember, and I assume solid to the axle, and it swings down in an arc motion, doesn't it pull the axle off to one side?

And, basically what is it for, and how do you know you need one?

Yes, it does pull the axle side-to-side somewhat when cycling up and down, but the goal is to hold the axle roughly where it is in the left/right axis (it's not a perfect system, just a simple one). This is useful if you are running springs that don't keep the axle centered (like your leafs are currently doing). Throw a trailing arm on each side of the axle and you now have a basic 3-link suspension.

For your rig, you would only want one of these if you were planning to ditch the leaf springs in favor of some other form of suspension. While this could be a fun project, the fact that you are asking the question leads me to believe that you should do some more research before the cutting and grinding begins.

I meant to put this in the garage. Dammit.

Ask one of the mods to move it.

@Greg72, @tRustyK5, etc...

 

[Phil513]

Yes, it does pull the axle side-to-side somewhat when cycling up and down, but the goal is to hold the axle roughly where it is in the left/right axis (it's not a perfect system, just a simple one). This is useful if you are running springs that don't keep the axle centered (like your leafs are currently doing). Throw a trailing arm on each side of the axle and you now have a basic 3-link suspension.

For your rig, you would only want one of these if you were planning to ditch the leaf springs in favor of some other form of suspension. While this could be a fun project, the fact that you are asking the question leads me to believe that you should do some more research before the cutting and grinding begins.





Ask one of the mods to move it.

@Greg72, @tRustyK5, etc...

Thanks much! No, I have no plans for it. I was curious if it went hand in hand somehow with crossover steering, which I do want to go to eventually. But sounds like that isn't the case.

I really appreciate the answer though! I have looked at that arc and it has bothered me for a long time.

 

[campfire]

Thanks much! No, I have no plans for it. I was curious if it went hand in hand somehow with crossover steering, which I do want to go to eventually. But sounds like that isn't the case.

I really appreciate the answer though! I have looked at that arc and it has bothered me for a long time.

Yeah, there are much more perfect ways of holding the axle in place, the panhard is just one of the simpler ways.

And, yes, it does go with crossover steering, as many of the people doing the one are also doing the other, in addition to lots of other mods.

 

[Phil513]

Yeah, there are much more perfect ways of holding the axle in place, the panhard is just one of the simpler ways.

And, yes, it does go with crossover steering, as many of the people doing the one are also doing the other, in addition to lots of other mods.

If I put in a panhard bar, might as well get a Dana 60.

 

[campfire]

If I put in a panhard bar, might as well get a Dana 60.

Shoot, man...if you're gonna utter those three words, you need 48" boggers on Rockwells.

 

[Phil513]

That's funny, I just saw this on Craigslist.

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/5507192017.html

 

[campfire]

That's funny, I just saw this on Craigslist.

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/cto/5507192017.html

It's a sign. Destiny demands that you upgrade your rig.

 

[Phil513]

As soon as I start breaking stuff, I will. lol.

 

[campfire]

As soon as I start breaking stuff, I will. lol.

I keed, I keed. Your rig is perfect aside from the 10b rear axle being a potential weak point. When that breaks, get it upgraded and then leave the rig alone.

 

[Phil513]

Yes, I will. And I really do want to go Dana 60, I'm saving for it and keeping my eyes out. Already have the 14bff.

 

[campfire]

Yes, I will. And I really do want to go Dana 60, I'm saving for it and keeping my eyes out. Already have the 14bff.

You planning on locking or breaking the front end?

 

[tRustyK5]

Moved to the garage, thanks @campfire for the heads up.

 

[Phil513]

No, just if I'm going to change over to 8 lug, I should just do it once and then be done with it. If an 8 lug Dana 44 falls in my lap, I'll run with it though.

 

[Phil513]

Moved to the garage, thanks @campfire for the heads up.

Thank you!

 

[sreidmx]

Don't you need to wheel it to break it...

 

[wetoolowdingbangow]

Don't you need to wheel it to break it...

Those are the rules!

 

[skunked]

Maybe the panhard is for a link setup.

 

[wetoolowdingbangow]

Maybe the panhard is for a link setup.

I thought that was the only way a panhard should be run? Ive heard of people trying them with 52s but no report of success.