Spindle Arm Length

[n9obl]

Please forgive the cliche, "Long time reader....first time poster...", but....long time reader, first time poster:o)

I have started construction of my radio flyer BSR which I call "International" (as in IH). I am very close in wanting to start tack welding my front end together.

I do have a question. How long should the spindle arms be. Should they be as long as the pitman arm? If so, how long should the pitman arm be as well?

I have attached some picks of my spindle construction so far.

I have gone the route of harbor freight wheels and tires since I already had a set around the house (front 4x10 rear 5x13)

Thanks in advance!

Jon
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/hunnytreasure/BSR/th_Photo01260733.jpg (http://s872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/hunnytreasure/BSR/?action=view&current=Photo01260733.jpg)
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/hunnytreasure/BSR/th_Photo01270637.jpg (http://s872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/hunnytreasure/BSR/?action=view&current=Photo01270637.jpg)
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/hunnytreasure/BSR/th_Photo01270651.jpg (http://s872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/hunnytreasure/BSR/?action=view&current=Photo01270651.jpg)

[n9obl]

Here are a couple more pictures
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/hunnytreasure/BSR/th_Photo01310634_1.jpg (http://s872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/hunnytreasure/BSR/?action=view&current=Photo01310634_1.jpg)
http://i872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/hunnytreasure/BSR/th_Photo02020651.jpg (http://s872.photobucket.com/albums/ab284/hunnytreasure/BSR/?action=view&current=Photo02020651.jpg)

[KiwiMike]

There is always a first time for everything. You have done the right thing by providing photos of your work and your particular problem.
The standard spindle arm length should be 4" center to center and drill for a 3/8" hole.
The pitman arm has a hole to take the 5/8" steering shaft at one end and a 3/8" hole at the other end at 1.86" or 1-55/64" centers or thereabouts.
I designed a pitman arm to introduce the right amount of ackerman into your steering geometry. You can copy it if you want.
Notice I have used cone washers to overcome the difference in angles between the pitman arm and the spindle arm. You can buy cone washers and the heim joints from http://www.qscomponents.com

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x466/rangi15/PitmanArm1-2.jpg

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x466/rangi15/1299118807.jpg

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x466/rangi15/1299118845.jpg

[n9obl]

Thanks for the reply Mike. Also thanks for the picture of your ackerman pitman arm. I found a picture of your design on an other thread but the picture quality was much less. All the measurements are very clear on the one you posted in this thread. Thanks!!!!

I have a 9" Logan Lathe in my garage. I will be making my own cone washers. I am really trying to keep the cost down on this project. My entire build will be less than $150. I am lucky that I already had my engine, and wheels. I do a log of "dumpster treasure hunting" which scores lots of good stuff!

Thanks again,

Jon

[KiwiMike]

Jon, Do you want me to give you the measurements for the cone washers?

[n9obl]

That would make things super easy. Please and thank you.

As far as spindle arm length, I found this in another thread and I thought it would be a good starting point....
"The ackerman is also trial and error, but twith a pitman length of 2.5" at spindle, 2.75" at steering, and a separation of 2.25" at the steering post, it works sooo much better than my first build w/ no ackerman!"

Using these numbers I can proportionally make the calucations to match your bracket.

Thanks again,

Jon

[rmm727]

Nice job on notching that spindle. Did you make that brake yourself? It looks beefy.

I did an IH themed barstool racer. Check it out.

http://www.barflyracers.com/showthread.php?t=3877

[n9obl]

I did not make the brake, but it is such a straight forward design, it could easily be duplicated. It is very beefy. I bought it used ten or so years ago. I bought it to fab parts for IH Cub Cadet Garden.

I have seen the pictures of your Farmall bar stool. Top Notch Job!!!!!!!

I have recently considered changing my color scheme and going with IH Cub Cadet colors (cub yellow and white) but just have not decided yet.

Thanks,

J

I could post better pics of the brake if you would like but I better post them in the right forum, we are getting a little off topic;o)

J

[KiwiMike]

Jon, Can you post the pics and give me some overall dimensions, maybe under the Cool Tools threads? I'll draw it up for anyone that is interested. I plan to build one for myself also. Thanks mate. Good eye Ryan, I completely missed it.

[n9obl]

I will get some pics of that tonight and post tomorrow. I will also post a you tube video as well.

I find when I build from plans, it really helps to have a video as well to give you more of that 3d effect.

The parts brake has been a really big help for a 1000 uses. They will be posted in the Cool Tools section.

Mike-don't forget to post the cone washer specs.

Tnx,

Jon

[rmm727]

Yellow and white would be sweet. I have a model 73 narrow frame I need to put back together. I copied kiwimike's design for the pitman arm when I built mine. If I had to do it over again, I would add about 1/2" or so the the length (3" measurement) as my tie rods hit the tuning fork portion of the steering support on Mike Bean's frame design. (well, actually the jam nuts hit so its no biggie) I would move the outer holes out the same amount. I couldn't use the inner holes if I tried. Regardless, I still like his design and having it to work from saved me a ton.

[KiwiMike]

Jon, Here is a drawing with the measurements for the cone washer.

http://i1183.photobucket.com/albums/x466/rangi15/Barstool%20Racer/ConeWasher.jpg

The video and measurements sound great for the press brake.

Thanks.

Mike.