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DMC 1450 suspension upgrade - torsion axles

Nikson

Bronze Member
GOLD Site Supporter
:clap::clap::clap:Gentlemen (and ladies)... :clap::clap::clap:

I figured may be we could get even a sticky going on this matter.

I've found out that I'm not only one that likes what NUTSSTER had started (but yet not finished, at least on the forum with his write up)...

http://www.forumsforums.com/3_9/showthread.php?t=61153

So the simplicity is this...

I'm going to a torsion axles setup on my 1450, and would like to gather all the needed info for this conversion.

Questions that anyone will have and answers they will look for.

1. What is the least required weight rating for the axles... (my estimate 1750lbs/axle)

e.i. I'm planning to run 4 axles + rear end, overall weight of the cat will be around 6000lbs, but would consider loading it up with gross nearing 7000lbs, therefore - each axle would need to have a rating of at least 1750lbs, right?

2. Best tire/wheel combo? Any type tread is fine, as long as enough ply? Any specific wheel, which is not going to get out of shape from been ridden hard between the tracks?

I think 1450 would look pretty cool on some aluminum ones, like these...

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200323211_200323211

or steel is the only way to go?

e.i. nutsster is running a 16OD trailer tire (as far as I recall), my assumption those are 6-ply air tires.

3. Axles should be one solid beam/piece?

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/to...i_sku=129284&gclid=CLOjzITd-r8CFWELMgodiSsA9A

or need to go with half-cuts and fabricate mounts accordingly?

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200335742_200335742

4. whats the needed degree?,
I see that most of those average 30deg drop from their center...

e.i. this one says it has a start angle of 46deg

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200335740_200335740

5. Need/dont/would be a good idea to have the front axle turned, so that it drops towards front rather than back, like nutsster done in his 1404 project (see link - http://www.forumsforums.com/3_9/showpost.php?p=76303&postcount=11)

6. Since I do NOT plan on using a front idler with similar approach angle as stock 1450 suspension, would it be a worthwhile idea to go with a bit smaller OD front wheel, and have it be 2-3 inches up off the ground, or not necessary, as most of the modern cats dont?

Any/All feedback based on right reasoning will be helpful,

P.s. Keep in mind if you are stating your OPINION only, state that, so most readers dont accept it as a fact, Thanks!
 

Snowtrac Nome

member formerly known as dds
GOLD Site Supporter
Nick you can get an index able axle from southwest trailer like the ones I used on my snow trac .I would go with half cuts as trailer axles have an alignment bow built in so they run true when loaded this is something you wont need with your imp. also food for thought I'm working on acquiring a sprite with torsion spring axles that way you can use the Thiokol mono rail tires.
 

Nikson

Bronze Member
GOLD Site Supporter
Nick you can get an index able axle from southwest trailer like the ones I used on my snow trac .I would go with half cuts as trailer axles have an alignment bow built in so they run true when loaded this is something you wont need with your imp. also food for thought I'm working on acquiring a sprite with torsion spring axles that way you can use the Thiokol mono rail tires.

Ok, so these are the better ones...

12422_2000x2000.jpg


and what is it exactly - the monorail tires on Spryte? - solid rubber?
 

Nikson

Bronze Member
GOLD Site Supporter
Will look into these... I guess I would want to run with a 2000lbs option for 4 pairs...
 

Snowtrac Nome

member formerly known as dds
GOLD Site Supporter
I put on 2 k axles on my snow trac they are kind of stiff you may want to look into some thing a little softer.
 

Nikson

Bronze Member
GOLD Site Supporter
I put on 2 k axles on my snow trac they are kind of stiff you may want to look into some thing a little softer.

How heavy is your setup all together?

I'm planning to get my cat to be about 4000lbs dry weight with another 2000lbs payload
 

Snowtrac Nome

member formerly known as dds
GOLD Site Supporter
the snow trac only weighs in at 2500 lbs I wanted some thing a ittle stiffer to help keep trac tension when steering but, I now think it's over kill I know yours weighs a little more than that but you have to remember you are supporting that on 4 or 5 sets of wheels.what might make for a really nice ride is 4 half axles with a walking beam between 2 road wheels. per axle
 

Nikson

Bronze Member
GOLD Site Supporter
the snow trac only weighs in at 2500 lbs I wanted some thing a ittle stiffer to help keep trac tension when steering but, I now think it's over kill I know yours weighs a little more than that but you have to remember you are supporting that on 4 or 5 sets of wheels.what might make for a really nice ride is 4 half axles with a walking beam between 2 road wheels. per axle

a walking beam - elaborate please... not following you there...

I'm considering a 4 main axles on which cat will be riding, than also a front one that will have a few inches smaller wheel (as idler), but only a 2 inches off the ground vs the other main wheels.
 

Nikson

Bronze Member
GOLD Site Supporter
the snow trac only weighs in at 2500 lbs I wanted some thing a ittle stiffer to help keep trac tension when steering but, I now think it's over kill I know yours weighs a little more than that but you have to remember you are supporting that on 4 or 5 sets of wheels.what might make for a really nice ride is 4 half axles with a walking beam between 2 road wheels. per axle

Just read up on google about walking beam setup...

I see your point... Only thing of my concern would be that would it make more sence to just throw different rating torsion half axles?

e.i. -

1 set - 2000lbs
2 set - 1500
3 set 2000
4 set 1500

or something in the similar manner?

with walking axles there wont be any suspension play on the flat, would it?
 

Snowtrac Nome

member formerly known as dds
GOLD Site Supporter
with the beam pivioting on the axle you would have suspension it would be about the same as a snow trac you would have a torsion axle instead of a couple of springs. at that point you would only need 2 spindles for 4 wheels
 
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