Gearing up for the final frame completion and tear-down before powdercoat, we were able to get the rear suspension completely buttoned up.
Sadistic Iron Werks added the final touches needed to get the full 9 inches of travel we were after both front and rear. As always, we wanted a suspension that would be thought provoking, but for this build we mixed clean street-rod styling with a little off-road influence. Follow along and check out some of the cool little tricks that are coming together to make Project Low Lux one sick truck that you'll definitely want to see in action. For more information, contact the companies listed in the source box, and visit Minitruckinweb.com for more pics of the buildup.
1. The crazy cantilever arm...
1. The crazy cantilever arm was drawn up and cut by Joel at Mindless Metalfab. This arm gave us a 2-to-1 lift ratio based off where we set up the mounting brackets.
2. Once the arm's position...
2. Once the arm's position was centered and level, Bobby tacked the mounts in place. Then he double-checked both sides, and fully welded the brackets.
3. This bracket is the mounting...
3. This bracket is the mounting point for the canti-arm, which rotates at the top giving the link its up-and-down rotation pivot.
4. Bobby cut 1-inch solid...
4. Bobby cut 1-inch solid to build the ends for the rear link arm. This rod pushes the lower link bar up and down.
5. Next, the link ends were...
5. Next, the link ends were tapped to accept the Heim joint ends.
6. The link rods were machined...
6. The link rods were machined and cleaned on the lathe.
7. Here's a look at all the...
7. Here's a look at all the pieces that make up the link rods.
8. Next, Bobby TIG- welded...
8. Next, Bobby TIG- welded the tapped ends on each side of the link rods.
9. Bobby measured and planned...
9. Bobby measured and planned where the link rods would mount to give us 9 inches of lift (equal to the front). He drilled out the lower link bar and mounted the link rods to match the rest of the theme.
10. The rear suspension was...
10. The rear suspension was cycled to measure and test the proper placement of the rear link rods.
11.
12. Laid out, the Shockwave...
12. Laid out, the Shockwave deflates perfectly. Lifted, even though the Shockwave only sees 4.5 inches of travel, with our 2-to-1 canti-system we achieved the 9 inches of lift needed.
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14. Not bad-we love it when...
14. Not bad-we love it when a plan comes together!
15. Here's a bird's eye view...
15. Here's a bird's eye view of what the rear suspension setup looks like. Now that it's fully functioning, time to tear it all apart, do some final welding, and get ready for powdercoat.