Custom Rear Radius Rods on a '33 5-Window
A radius rod (also known as a radius arm or a torque arm) is a suspension link that controls wheel motion in the longitudinal direction (think of all the forces that effect the length of the car.) Each link is mounted to the rear axle (ahead of the rear wheel) and to the frame using rubber or solid bushings. In this position they resist dive under braking forces and wheel hop under acceleration.
Speedway’s polished stainless steel radius rods are made from heavy wall tubing and normally include an "S" shaped stiffener which gives the arm greater strength to withstand hard acceleration and braking. Our set was without the stiffener which gave us the opportunity to add a custom stiffener. We came up with a circular design to compliment the drilled front axle.
One final test fit, then off to be welded. Luckily, we know several professional welders who always make time to help.
We took 600 grit sand paper to the radius rods and then used a buffer to really make them shine.
When viewed with the drilled front axle, the designs all connect.
