Ladder Bar Disaster

GTX JOHN · 05-02-2015, 05:03 AM

Jon Jr took his 3000 Lb Big block ladder bar car out first time.
Pinion angle looks about 3 down/ 0 Preload in bars. No apparent
binding in heims and everything is moving smoothly.

Making easy pass not using brake, the car makes immediate sharp right
turn almost hitting the tree. Once Jr. lifts shifts to 2nd and gather it up....
It goes down track OK and straight at 130+ with no drama.

It is a S and W built back half car with tubular front and has been raced forever I'm told with no drama.

I have not had a ladder bar car since the 60's but it looks very simple
with just IC/Bar Preload/ Pinion Angle to check. Nothing looks wrong/bent
but it acts like one bar is unhooked or someone sawed right axle in two
for first 50 Ft.

Tried the 14/32s from 10 to 12 Lbs.with no difference. Sidewalls look good on launch not bunching or anything weird(Tires look fairly new).Front end rises OK. Track is sprayed and Jr. is right in groove

After 3 Passes, scaring the starting line crew to death every time, they told us
not to bring it back again until it is safe.

Any thoughts appreciated!

05-02-2015, 05:03 AM	#1
GTX JOHN VIP Member Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Boulder City, Nevada 89005 Posts: 2,709 Likes: 2,737 Liked 2,400 Times in 680 Posts	Ladder Bar Disaster Jon Jr took his 3000 Lb Big block ladder bar car out first time. Pinion angle looks about 3 down/ 0 Preload in bars. No apparent binding in heims and everything is moving smoothly. Making easy pass not using brake, the car makes immediate sharp right turn almost hitting the tree. Once Jr. lifts shifts to 2nd and gather it up.... It goes down track OK and straight at 130+ with no drama. It is a S and W built back half car with tubular front and has been raced forever I'm told with no drama. I have not had a ladder bar car since the 60's but it looks very simple with just IC/Bar Preload/ Pinion Angle to check. Nothing looks wrong/bent but it acts like one bar is unhooked or someone sawed right axle in two for first 50 Ft. Tried the 14/32s from 10 to 12 Lbs.with no difference. Sidewalls look good on launch not bunching or anything weird(Tires look fairly new).Front end rises OK. Track is sprayed and Jr. is right in groove After 3 Passes, scaring the starting line crew to death every time, they told us not to bring it back again until it is safe. Any thoughts appreciated! __________________ John Irving 741 Stock 741 Super Stock Last edited by GTX JOHN; 05-02-2015 at 05:05 AM.