Live axle check straps?
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 306
Likes: 20
From: Greeneville TN
Live axle check straps?
Now that I have the frame complete with suspension, engine trans etc I remember when I built my Factory Five Roadster that the rear axle (Fox body 8.8”) was installed with a check strap across the rear shack absorbers:
I have never seen this on any of our truck builds or even discussed. It obviously prevents over travel of the shock absorber and when the truck is jacked up the weight of the axle is on the strap not the shock itself. Any comments/thoughts?
John
I have never seen this on any of our truck builds or even discussed. It obviously prevents over travel of the shock absorber and when the truck is jacked up the weight of the axle is on the strap not the shock itself. Any comments/thoughts?
John
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 5,831
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From: St Albert, Alberta
Looks to be an after market coil over shock. It may very will be the shock has no internal bump stops and the axle strap is needed to limit over travel. Axel straps were used in many older vehicles such as Alfa's MG's and Landrovers.
Phantom of the Phorum
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 5,472
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From: Kentucky
They use them on off road 4x4's as well. Mostly on racing chassis that have long shocks and suspension travel. I don't think I've ever seen them on a street vehicle. I'm not saying they're not out there, just that I haven't seen them.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: St Albert, Alberta
Yes they do, but they are used to limit axle articulation, primarily for rock crawlers, so not really applicable to the question posed, as why they were used in this instance.
Elder User
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 766
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From: south Fl.
I agree, there is little to no strength in the design of that cable. I only see it useful when changing a tire.
Thread Starter
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Tuned
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 306
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From: Greeneville TN
Thanks for the feedback, appreciate the comments on the relative strength of the crimped wire. In general though, do you believe the standard shock absorber is designed to hold the weight of the rear axle when the frame is raised?
John
John
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Elder User
Joined: May 2007
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From: south Fl.
My thinking is the cable may be in place to limit downward travel of the axle, maybe to keep tension off brake lines and or cables ect.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2008
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From: St Albert, Alberta
Until the demise of the solid rear coil spring axle in cars it was the shocks that were the limiter for axle travel. Some times even with leaf springs the shocks were the travel limiters
See below of a cut away
Logistics Pro
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