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View Full Version : Control arm strength?



jlper
06-16-2010, 07:37 PM
Hi - first time poster here, although I've been looking through some of these threads for a couple weeks.
(I actually posted this somewhere else, but I think this is a more suitable board)

I'm working on a ~3000lb drag race-designed project, that I'm planning to fabricate my own steel tube control arms for. The problem is, it's going to be kind of inconvenient for them to be as thick as they probably should be (I was thinking they should probably be 1.5 in diameter, maybe 3/16 wall thickness). If I could make them 0.875" or possibly 1", the packaging would be a lot better, but does this seem like a safe idea? I'm thinking to keep it relatively stiff, I can weld some zig-zag cross braces into it, and a gusset.

Thanks - I appreciate whatever advice you guys have.

slocar
06-16-2010, 08:46 PM
Well given it's gonna be a drag-car (and drag only I'm assuming), I think you can make them strong and safe enough for that. I don't think I'd trust them to hit potholes, but if you're racing at a dragstrip in that sort of condition, you'll have bigger issues to worry about anyway lol.