Should I get a Spreader bar?
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 193
Likes: 2
From: Illinois
Does anyone know how to determine if in fact your cradle has collapsed? Is there a location for a point to point measurement and what would that original measurement have been when new?
My thinking is that if the originator of this thread could determine if a collapse has occoured he could then install a spreader and jack the cradle back where it was designed to be. Benefits would be better range for wheel alignment plus the added ridgidity/handeling gained from the spreader.
My thinking is that if the originator of this thread could determine if a collapse has occoured he could then install a spreader and jack the cradle back where it was designed to be. Benefits would be better range for wheel alignment plus the added ridgidity/handeling gained from the spreader.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 193
Likes: 2
From: Illinois
Yes I realize that, but in other threads I've read re: spreader bars senior members have commented that due to age, fatigue, abuse, and weakening frame components be it corrosion cracked welds ect., the distance from the top of left shock tower to right diminishes as the cradle sags or collapses.
I'm not trying to hyjack this thread. Just trying to bring up some useful information.
I'm not trying to hyjack this thread. Just trying to bring up some useful information.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 1,216
Likes: 66
From: Killeen Texas
I have decided to make my own spreader bar, once I get all the pulleys in and mounted on my (frame off restro / mod LS conversion) I will make my Brackets. From angle iron. I'm using 5/8-18 heim joints L&R threads 1 1/4 OD .120 Tubing. Total cost of mod was 44.95 I have the Angle iron around the shop but if you have to pay to have the heim joints welded to the tubing then it might be cheaper to buy it already made. The plus side of making it yourself is you can have the bar go where you have room. Most 4x4 truck shops have the Heim joints and tubing on hand. At least they do in Texas.
