Softail rear brake on 4-speed rigid help?

[Tater66]

Tater,


I can see where I need to grind away a bit of the bracket to make it sit better on the frame; that's not a concern.

I see how the caliper has an X shape cut into it, I'm assuming to allow for varying angles on the brake stay.



The "X" allows you to lift caliper onto stay easily then swing caliper up to slip axle into it. Its a bit of a juggling act to get that shit to line up. Thats why I stab axle in thru sprocket side first. Much easier for me. Nothing like trying to get left side spacer in past sprocket bolts.




My concern is twofold: I want to make sure I locate the bracket on correctly AND be sure I can take the wheel assembly off and reinstall it once the bracket is welded into place. It's a really tight fit in there.


See above.




The wheel, with new chain, is only a few millimeters away from the front of the adjusting slots; there's lots of room to move beck if needed.


Thats why I said new chain. make damn sure thats the sprocket you want. Bigger sprocket pulls wheel towards front.
If you are certain that the combo you have is the combo thats gonna stay then allow a bit of room in front of caliper so it can wiggle while you get the axle and other shit in place.



I have a local chop shop welder who says it'll be a quick job for him.


Tack it in and play with it a bunch before burning it solid.

a

[Tater66]

Oops. Also may want a chain with 2 more links to get a bit more adjust ment

[jbswear]

I actually removed a link because it was so far back in the adjuster slots that my adjusting bolts were nearly at the end of their reach.

If need be I'll put then back.

[jbswear]

Oh, just read the rest of your response in the quote.

Cool beans. Thanks.

[Sky]

A proper sized and grade bolt would not bend
Been done and run a thousand times
If you are concerned about failure under braking forces, do some math or overbuild it.
Same goes for a tab
brake stay is another option
Heim joints and a rod for example



Two personal observations...

JBswear seems like an overthinker, probably a good thing in the the aerospace industry. Sometimes the simplest cleanest setups require a great deal of forethought. Don't forget to think about ease of maintenance and repair.

And Tattoo knows what he is talking about. Just never get in a pissing contest with him. He's got more piss and vinegar than most ��

[jbswear]

Yup, I'm guilty of over thinking things. I'll be the first to admit it!

[BlackCloudSalvage]

Meanwhile at Jbswear and Tattoo's house....



Come on guys. You're roommates. Cut it out and make up!

[Tattooo]

Meanwhile at Jbswear and Tattoo's house....

Come on guys. You're roommates. Cut it out and make up!

What are you talking about??????????

[jbswear]

Tell you what: How about a truce?

You stop and I'll stop.

How's that sound?

[Tattooo]

Find a pic of a soft tail swingarm and look at the bracket..... It is a very simple design.....

[jbswear]

This evening I'll be mocking it up without the chain so I can get full front-to-back alignment.

I'll be taking it to a welder on Wednesday (hopefully) to have it welded in place.

[Tattooo]

This evening I'll be mocking it up without the chain so I can get full front-to-back alignment.

I'll be taking it to a welder on Wednesday (hopefully) to have it welded in place.

Awesome that sounds like a plan.....

[jbswear]

I'm down with that.

[Tattooo]

I'm down with that.

Cool...... I also cleaned several of mine up....... Have a good one....

[BlackCloudSalvage]

Here's the setup on my rigid shovel using a two piece bracket/caliper. Had my local shop order me the tab and cut and grinded for nice fit. Next time id just go with a piece of scrap steel. I put lots of weld on it so i could smooth it into the frame nicely. I like the 2 piece setup because u can pull the caliper and change pads etc without pulling the wheel.