Can someone explain what these are for?
I'm looking through Lefthander chassis, thinking about making rear LCA's. I was thinking about using the aluminum hex bar, tapped on both ends, but they also have "swedge" tubes, steel. Are these strong in compression and tension, meant for this purpose? I'm not sure what these are "normally" for... Anyone?

Thanks

A swedge tube is compressed down to a smaller size at the end.

oh ok, that'd be where it's threaded. So that's it eh? I just have to make sure it's got thick enough material.
This would be easier than using 1 1/4" tube, then welding in a threaded tube adapter, I could just buy the one part.

I wonder if I can buy these threaded swedge tubes locally...

You can, they're a common enough item. If Guyon was still around, I'd say they could probably not only sell them to you, they'd swedge it to any size you'd like.

If you can't find it in Calgary, there's a place in Leduc that I can't remember the name of that could probably do it.

Most of the load on an rod-ended LCA is going to be under compression anyway, so why not use use a tube that's the diameter you need along its full length instead of a swedged tube?

That's kinda what i'm thinking. Either a swedged tube, thread in rod ends on both sides, or
aluminum hex stock, threaded ends, put in my rod ends
or get normal steel (or MOLY), then weld on threaded tube adapters, put in the rod ends, and i'm done.

The reason for the swedged was that I saw them on lefthanderchassis.com, such that I could buy a 16" piece pre-threaded for $15 or whatever it was, all said and done. I figured it'd be the same as welding on a threaded tube end onto a normal tube.

IMO the weld on ends are stronger due to threads creating a stress riser inside the tube. On my car I used DOM tubing with ends just mig welded (not recommended) on and they never broke even with slicks. But the trans and rear end sure did fail quite a few times.........too many holeshots I guess.
What I have learned since then is that ALL suspension parts should be Tig welded for safety. It is really easy to tig dom (mild steel) with good results. Moly is better but the welds need to be normalized or they will be brittle. Just my 2 cents.
Randy

I'd probably just stick weld the ends on. I'll keep my eyes on using normal tube and weld on ends then.

I can't seem to find the right combo though,
1 1/4" tube, xxx wall thickness, and 3/4"fine thread inserts. The inserts on lefthander have a 1.10" OD.... What tube (or pipe?) size should I use with 1.10" OD threaded inserts?

http://www.colemanracing.com/catalog...sort=2a&page=1
has tons of stuff this link shows hex alum trailing arms in 1/2 inch increments from 10" on up. they have these arms also in steel and swedge steel also