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Ladder bar vs. 4 Link

Posted: Wed Jul 03, 2013 2:05 pm
by fdicrasto
Seems that a short wheelbase drag car(97") with ladder bars,weight w/driver 2450 lbs, and 800 hp with a glide is having problems controlling launch(wheelstands) and 60 ft. consistency. So what is the opinion out there about the necessity of a 4 link to allow the car more adjustability to overcome some of these problems? Phil D.

Re: Ladder bar vs. 4 Link

Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2013 9:18 pm
by BirdMan
Have you exhausted All chassis tuning postions?

Some years ago Sheldon Gecker 'King Kong' S/Gas car decided after winning Bunches of races that he could do better with a new 4 link car. After trying all year with it, I believe, he bought back his old ladderbar car and continued winning races which he couldn't do with the 4 link car!!!

Have you lowered the front of the bars to get a lower IC? Adjustable shocks, front and rear? Tightened the front to keep from rising as quick, tighteded the rear to keep seperation slower? Changed low gear in tranny to a lower numerically ratio to lug engine a bit more?

What class do you race in? If it is just bracket racing you could lower stall rpm, get a looser converter, or both?

Re: Ladder bar vs. 4 Link

Posted: Thu Jul 04, 2013 10:21 pm
by fdicrasto
Not my car but the car owner has pretty much exhausted all the points you have made as far as I can tell. I personally prefer a 4 link on the cars I have run but that's just me.I know lots of guys have good leaving cars with ladder bars but seems like they were heavier and not necessarily 8 second stuff. I also have observed quite a few Vegas that tended to be wheel standers similar to the car I am referring to. What I have always liked about a 4 link is the almost infinite adjustability as far as IC and preloads, etc. With everything tying into the front heim on a ladder bar, seems to limit a lot of options IMO. Phil D.