Thinking of building a mini rod...

[jetboat]

So I have been kicking it back and forth for a couple years now and I am finally getting most of my projects wrapped up. A buddy traded me a great running (though under powered) 350 with a blown th350 trans so, I have decided its time to slowly start building. About all I have decided on is motor/trans and rear (dana 60).

For frame I was thinking of using 2x3x1/8 box steel, fairly plain jane but easy to work with. Ive got a '46 willys project that I have given up on (body is trash) so I was thinking of narrowing the grill and hood, stretching the front fenders and using that as body work. My other idea was to get ahold of a Ford N series grill and hood and making some sides for the engine bay (side shields required by rules). I dont plan to win every weekend, just be competitive and have fun (and beat my brother if I can convince him to build one).

So, Ideas? Experiences? detailed pictures? what ever you have to share, please do. Advice on this forum has been helpful in my previous projects.

 

[wh22366]

Me too, only a real mini/scaled down deuce with a Harley engine. There's a picture of one in the May 2012 Hot Rod magazine.

 

[nue2farm]

Sounds like fun to me.

 

[jetboat]

I just realized that "mini rod" might be missunderstood as a mini hot rod. A mini rod is a pulling tractor. Supposed to be a budget entry level class but, after reading, there isnt much budget in it.

 

[Case485Guy]

Would a differential out of a say like 6k capacity forklift work? its already narrowed down and would have some extreme pulling gears in it

 

[Renze]

Would a differential out of a say like 6k capacity forklift work? its already narrowed down and would have some extreme pulling gears in it

Forklift axles are used in tractorpulling cars (most of them only resemble a car body but are a conventional freestyle puller underneath) and minipullers here. The width is o.k. and they have the ratio which corresponds with a commonly used 3 feet tall rear tire. A car differential would A. break in two or three runs, and B. with the bigger tires it will run so fast that a common car transmission will break its 1st gear too. You need the reduction of the forklift diff, so you can pull in 2nd or 3rd and keep the torque on the driveline low.

 

[Raspy]

I never thought of using a forklift axle for pulling, but it makes sense for both width and ratio. Are the gears and axles strong enough for the torque from big power?

 

[Renze]

I never thought of using a forklift axle for pulling, but it makes sense for both width and ratio. Are the gears and axles strong enough for the torque from big power?

It seems like: I know one classic BMW body with home made frame and small block V8 which is using a forklift front axle. Just make sure you put the ring gear on the correct side of the pinion to go forward: you might have to flip it over to go forward in a forward gear. (or flip the entire axle over)