Rear Axle: Radius rods

[59r2]

I just picked up a set of radius rods from Phil Harris and I want to install them on my 1959 lark hard top . Welding them on is not a problem ,BUT my question is has anyone noticed in the shop manual that the axle mount end is welded to a piece of steel plate bent around the top of the axle and held in position with the spring U-bolts? Possibly a dealer bolt on conversion? I have two different rears for this car and this option would allow me to try both and choose between them. Has anybody done this? I have searched past threads and haven't found any answers.

[Mike Van Veghten]

I'm only guessing here (you aren't real clear here..!)...but do you not mean "traction bars" ?

If you "clamp" them on as it seems like what you are talking about...you have a great chance of the saddle slipping on the housing under acceleration (hard starting OR hard braking).
I welded a set of clamps on a housing for a friend for his Avanti a coupla years ago. It's the only way I would do it.

Mike

[WinM1895]

Radius rods are a component of 1965 and newer Ford trucks with Twin-I-Beam front suspension. No Studebaker that I'm aware of has radius rods.

[bezhawk]

Studebaker called them Radius Rods. The Brackets I have ever seen were welded on. Phil Harris has them @ Fairborn Studebaker

[WinM1895]

Studebaker called them Radius Rods.

Where does Studebaker call them that? I was a partsman at Frost & French in the early 1970's, never seen or heard of any such thing.

I just looked thru the alphabetical index of the 1959/64 parts catalog. Lists the parts description on the left, group number on the right.

There's not a peep inre to radius rods.

[bezhawk]

Studebaker PEOPLE and various publications called them that.....even IF the factory did not. I have heard them called that from as far back as I remember.

http://www.theavanti.net/chassis.html

[Mike Van Veghten]

Interesting...NEVER heard of a "traction bar...called a "radius rod"...!

A radius rod from my experience (63+ years worth) is an axle "locator bar", used mostly on lighter cars. Also known as "Hair Pins" because of their likness to a womans old fashoned...hsir pin. They're mostly used on lighter cars because of the radius rods (normally..) light weight/smaller tubing.

In any case...IF...that's what he is speaking of, bars that ...aid in "gaining traction"...are called "traction bars" (also called lift bars by some because of what they did) in both the Stude International cat., and in various other aftermarket catalogs

Mike

[sweetolbob]

I don't know about what Studebaker called them but I've known them as radius rods for years. From Wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radius_rod

Not the end all, know all but usually close.

Bob

[59r2]

Thank you for your time guys.
I too have always called them traction bars. They were part of the " super package".
I was just trying to be correct in calling them radius rods as did Studebaker. In the 1959-1964 shop manual, in group II index under REAR SUSPENSION, page 7.
I agree welding would be best ,I was just wondering if anybody had seen the plate the axle bracket seems to be welded to ,in the shop manual.
The brackets I got from Phil Harris have a radius cut to the bottom that has an arch that would allow an bent 1/8" piece of metal and would fill the arch perfectly, and mold to the axle.
The radius rods/traction bars, the ones Phil and his crew have developed with a turnbuckle on them to preload them.
I have already installed the front and rear heavy duty stabilizers from Dave Tbol,which has improved the cornering 100%.

[sweetolbob]

Thank you for your time guys.
I too have always called them traction bars. They were part of the " super package".
I was just trying to be correct in calling them radius rods as did Studebaker. In the 1959-1964 shop manual, in group II index under REAR SUSPENSION, page 7.
I agree welding would be best ,I was just wondering if anybody had seen the plate the axle bracket seems to be welded to ,in the shop manual.
The brackets I got from Phil Harris have a radius cut to the bottom that has an arch that would allow an bent 1/8" piece of metal and would fill the arch perfectly, and mold to the axle.
The radius rods/traction bars, the ones Phil and his crew have developed with a turnbuckle on them to preload them.
I have already installed the front and rear heavy duty stabilizers from Dave Tbol,which has improved the cornering 100%.

Possibly no help, but this is how Avanti attached the rods on my 83. I'm a fan of welding to the rear axle over bolting. Springs are different as they have a welded pad to keep the axle from turning.



Bob

[55 56 PREZ 4D]

Also found in the 59-64 Chassis Parts Catalog.
List of parts covering Jet Thrust engines or High Performance engine package and related parts.
Jet Thrust Engine Equipment.
THE GREEN PAGES
Page No 536.
"Radius Rod" is mentioned 6 times in Group # 1001, Rear Axle Housings.
Wow ! Members get jumped on for using the incorrect terms,
AND get jumped on for using the correct terms.
Someone needs a pair of needle nose pliers to get the wadded up panties out of their derriere.

[jimmijim8]

Radius rods are used to enhance traction. Some may refer to them as traction bars. cheers jimmijim

[rkapteyn]

See this post for a good picture

http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?51844-Radius-rods

Robert Kapteyn

[59r2]

That picture is all I need to weld them properly. The picture is clearer as to the brake line in the shop manual that lead me to believe it was a plate under the spring shackles.
Thank you

[Alan]

59r2, I do not think you will like the factory rods, as they are too short and bind up the rear suspension. Will put too much strain on the frame and pull the mounting plate along with a piece of the frame out with time and amount of hard launches. I prefer a Traction Master or Glib Track type or slapper bar that pushes against the front spring eye.