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It wants to compress under braking. Look at the axle, sits under the springs. Mash the brakes and the weight of the truck pushes forward, brakes and tires push against the momentum of the truck, axle is in the middle and wants to roll forward. Torque rod bracket sits up above the axle so it wants to tip forward, torque rod resists that motion. And since it is parallel to the steering drag link, it keeps the axle from pushing on the steering linkage.

 

Roger, I was under the impression that when the brakes are applied, the axle wants to roll forward. Wouldn't this cause the torque rod to essentially try to stretch out? Since the rod is attached to the frame, and the torque rod bracket is on top of the axle it wants to pull away from the frame, therefore pulling on the torque rod.

Help me understand this better.

 

The torque rod was put into play to keep the front axle springs from bending/twisting under heavy braking. Basically eliminating axle wrap when brakes are applied. Most people just throw it away.

 

That's not entirely the case, from what I understand. When the axle rolls, with the factory push/pull steering system, it will cause the steering to jerk as well. The torque rod prevents that roll and steering from jerking to one side and 1) breaking your fingers as the steering wheel spins out of control, and 2) the tires turning so hard that control is lost... At least that should be the primary purpose of the torque rod.

Most people throw them out AFTER Hysteer is done. Steering can be controlled separate of the axle rolling.

 

Yes, axle rolls forward as I noted above. But look where the bracket for the torque rod is:



Above the axle, so that bracket wants to pivot forward. Torque rod is attached to the frame and thus the forward end does not move, so the rod is compressed under braking.

 

I gotcha. I had it in my head that the torque rod attached to the frame behind the axle. As always you are correct...

 

i remember it as compressing back years ago but i couldn't visualize it, thanks roger. thinking about making a slip torque rod, cut one end and sleeve it so it can extend during flex. only problem i can think of is thumping after quick acceleration then suddenly stopping in 4wd.

 

anyone know where i can get the bracket that welds on to the axle. Mine has been removed by the previous owner.

 

I'm fixing to cut mine off and toss it. But that's prob a couple/few weeks out if you wanna wait...

 

no hurry, let me know when you get it off!
Thanks

 

Will do.