• RME Gear & Apparel

Narrowing a FF rear 60?

RockMonkey

RockMonkey

Suddenly Enthusiastic
Okay, so I've been wondering this for a while now... Why doesn't the sleeve method sound appealing to you guys, but the cutting off spindle method does? The sleeve method you cut the axle tube, insert a tube inside the axle tube (bridging the gap), and you weld the two cut ends of the tube back together, and to the sleeve. Using the spindle method, you still cut the axle tube, but this time you butt-weld the spindle back onto the end of the tube without the reinforcement of an inner sleeve. Doesn't make sense to me that the cutting-sleeving method wouldn't be strong enough, but the cutting-buttwelding method would... :confused: If anyone can explain that I'd really like to hear it. Trying to educate myself as much as possible before I start cutt'n. ;)
 
Hickey

Hickey

Burn-barrel enthusiast
Supporting Member
Location
Grantsville, Utah
IMO, either will work, with an alignment bar. Cutting at the spindle end is the way your axle is originally built. Using a sleeve, if your tube is bent, it may tweek the alignment bar. I once saw an axle that had been narrowed using the alginment bar, cut at the spindle method. The original tube was slightly bent, so when the spindle was wleded back on, it was welded off center of the tube, maybe as much as 1/2". It would be difficult to do that with the sleeve method.
 
N-Smooth

N-Smooth

Smooth Gang Founding Member
Location
UT
it seems like the sleeve method would be easier to do and make sure it was straight. you could run a looong sleeve too as long as you have a bfh.
you could even add a truss after doing it for extra support.
 
T

Too Far

parts is parts
Location
Highland
Where on the tube would be the best place to make the splice?
Closer to the pumpkin? Or closer to the spindle?
I was thinking that right at the spring perch might be a good idea, or a the locating link brackets. You could get a little extra strength at the joint from the brackets.
 
Caleb

Caleb

Well-Known Member
Location
Riverton
Too Far said:
Where on the tube would be the best place to make the splice?
Closer to the pumpkin? Or closer to the spindle?
I was thinking that right at the spring perch might be a good idea, or a the locating link brackets. You could get a little extra strength at the joint from the brackets.
Click to expand...


from a leverage stand point, the farther out the better...BUT, if sleeved like they are talking about in this thread (almost a pressed fit) and then welded by a competent welder I dont think you would have any issues by doing it at any place...
 
N-Smooth

N-Smooth

Smooth Gang Founding Member
Location
UT
Supergper said:
from a leverage stand point, the farther out the better...BUT, if sleeved like they are talking about in this thread (almost a pressed fit) and then welded by a competent welder I dont think you would have any issues by doing it at any place...
Click to expand...

middle imo, to get as much sleeve as possible in both directions.
 
Hickey

Hickey

Burn-barrel enthusiast
Supporting Member
Location
Grantsville, Utah
bryson said:
I got an update..but you gotta come to the shop to see it...we have 2 FF 60's narrowed, working on the third...and a Ford 9"...
Click to expand...
D'oh, I have been trying to make it out there for a few weeks. everyone keeps running into me at work, literally.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top