built my own panhard bar

[blk9450]

Disclaimer: i used what i had to build this, and i suck at documentation so thats why there is lackl of detailed pics.

heres what i did. i ordered two heim joints, 5/8" then built boxes for them from cutting one edge off some subframe stock i had (heavy stuff) then i reinforced it with welded washers on the bracked side, and just another layer of steel welded on the "structure breacket" side. i then made a bracket for the axle side by using some sheet metal i had . this was pretty easy, cut weld, not much measuring here. then i made mounting plates (u channels) from the same subframe stock i had and widening it. then i placed the slotted end where i wanted int by using the tape measure, level and angle finder, i then cut some heavy 1" od pipe i had for a off road buggy frame. welded it all up, welded to the fame, measured my "bar" length, cut and installed bar. my design looks alot heavier from a MM piece, i overbuilt it so it definately holds up with the torque arm that im building next

only bad thing is i boxed my ends, so to get the bar out, i have to take the whole bracket off the axle, ill give up removal ease for strength on this one though. one end is left hand threads so i can adjust it in the brackets.

i have a couple more pics on my cardomain


heim "boxes"

the bracket goes on the axle, uses the lower controll arm bolt and one of the shock bolts to hold it on, retaining the stock shock mount.

the big stucture piece

installed:

 

[Yobi1Kanobi]

Now how do you know you got the geometry right?

I dont know much about panhard bar so i am just asking really,I mean you wouldn't make an A arm or a lower control arm Becuz you want those to be to a certain spec.

Nice Job though real creative.

 

[blk9450]

Now how do you know you got the geometry right?

I dont know much about panhard bar so i am just asking really,I mean you wouldn't make an A arm or a lower control arm Becuz you want those to be to a certain spec.

Nice Job though real creative.

well im an engineering major, i used some info i learned for static loads. basiucally you want a panhard bar to be low, strainght and long, very simple. i am contemplating making tubular a-arms, and my own caster camber plates. this is not rocket science, its pretty simple

 

[95Vert]

Interested in selling me one?

 

[blk9450]

Interested in selling me one?

after making one, i would say just buy one, i have alot of hours in this and no plans, so i would need another car to work off, huge hassel, plus idk if dual exhaust would fit the way i did it.

on another note, the maximum motorsports site says they have the longest bar at 38" center-center. mines 39.5" bitch. i got the longest rod!!

 

[Zero Signal]

I'm totally impressed! What welder did you use to do all of it? This is another project that makes me want a welder even more. The only thing I see is that the panhard bar should be flat with the car on the ground, it looks like yours is flat with the car lifted, but you do have a slot on the pass. side so you could probably make it up.

Have you driven with it yet? Let us know how it works out.

Being a structural engineer, I can tell you first hand that you can do ANYTHING with two things: Statics and Material Science

I'd really like to know how you go about designing the torque arm. I've been thinking of that one for awhile as well. I wouldn't want to trust my welding skills to A-arms though.

 

[blksn955.o]

nice fine adj. it looks like there...

that isnt DOM tubing is it? DOM would prob. be the best way to go with thred. inserts.

I was thinking of making one but like you posted met. cost and time makes it hard to beat a "kit".

 

[blk9450]

this is a home depot red (lincoln?) welder, with argon/co2 mix and .030 wire. the car is lifted using the a-arms and rear axle as support, at the same angle as it sits on the ground (angle finder on subframes, lifted and sitting) so the bar should be fine when i drop it on the floor. i havent driven it yet, but i havent driven this car off my back street yet, so even when i drive it, i cant give a comparo. unless i take the bar off, then put it back on.
i think it is dom tubing, it pretty heavy stuff.

the torque arm will be a direct maximum motorsports rip off. i was trying to redesign it to make it better, but the keep it simple stupid phrase kept echoing in my head, so im gonna do something like theirs.

 

[tomustang]

the torque arm will be a direct maximum motorsports rip off. i was trying to redesign it to make it better, but the keep it simple stupid phrase kept echoing in my head, so im gonna do something like theirs.

build a Tri-Link insted, i might be alot easier

nice work

 

[blk9450]

build a Tri-Link insted, i might be alot easier

nice work

umm whats a tri-link
are you talking about the poorman 3 link
torque arm is a three link...

i just looked it up, i think you're talking about the evolution motorsports one. i think im sold on that idea. much lighter, easier, adjustable, looks great!
thanks tomustang

 

[tmoss]

Applause - this is what hot rodding is all about. Nice job!

 

[69clark]

Nice piece. Let us know how it works. I bought one from Maximum Motorsports because I could make a cup of coffee if I wanted to.

 

[blk9450]

Applause - this is what hot rodding is all about. Nice job!

thanks tmoss. i do as much as i can on my own. which is everything.

. I bought one from Maximum Motorsports because I could make a cup of coffee if I wanted to.

no comprende. did you mean you couldn't?

 

[DougNuts]

i am contemplating making tubular a-arms, and my own caster camber plates. this is not rocket science, its pretty simple

I would not recommend making a safety critical component (A-arms) yourself.

Good job on the p-rod!