Rear axle - preferred angle

[Matt's Dad]

What is the best angle for the rear axles. Some of the derby dads that I've talked to say that 1/2 to 1 degree is the way to go, just enough to get the wheels to gravitate out. I know lots of people hold 3 degrees as kind of a standard. I'd love to hear thoughts on this idea..

 

[B_Regal Racing]

3 degrees is the de-facto standard. All drill jigs are set that way, which is a far more accurate and repeatable than using other methods (the silver bullet comes in at second place). It probably should be re-tested given how cars are prepped vs. many years ago when 3 degrees became the benchmark, but without a precision drill jig, I have no plans on embarking on such an experiment. There are too many other variables in a build for me to perfect. Just my 2 cents...which does not even buy you a stick of gum any more.

 

[Thinkin'Bout Racin]

3 degrees is the de-facto standard. All drill jigs are set that way, which is a far more accurate and repeatable than using other methods (the silver bullet comes in at second place). It probably should be re-tested given how cars are prepped vs. many years ago when 3 degrees became the benchmark, but without a precision drill jig, I have no plans on embarking on such an experiment. There are too many other variables in a build for me to perfect. Just my 2 cents...which does not even buy you a stick of gum any more.

When the information comes from B Regal, the two cents is worth a LOT more than face value!
I have wondered the same thing about rear axle angles. I have no plans to embark on a quest to find out what is the "best". I have WAY more things I need to learn first!

 

[Skywalker Racing]

Aside from wanting the wheels to migrate out towards the axle head, you also benefit by having the wheel ride on its edge. The less cant you have in your axle holes (I don't recommend bending rear axles), the more tread surface you are riding on.

 

[Durham68]

What is the best angle for the rear axles. Some of the derby dads that I've talked to say that 1/2 to 1 degree is the way to go, just enough to get the wheels to gravitate out. I know lots of people hold 3 degrees as kind of a standard. I'd love to hear thoughts on this idea..

Seems like 1/2 to 1 degree would not be steep enough to get the wheel to ride on its edge and risk having the wheel run flat on the track and the axle only contact a small section of the wheel bore closest to the car body. Also, how would you accomplish the 1/2 to 1 degree? Maybe use The Block with a smaller diameter pin gauge?

 

[Matt's Dad]

Seems like 1/2 to 1 degree would not be steep enough to get the wheel to ride on its edge and risk having the wheel run flat on the track and the axle only contact a small section of the wheel bore closest to the car body. Also, how would you accomplish the 1/2 to 1 degree? Maybe use The Block with a smaller diameter pin gauge?

I think they were using the block, or maybe bending, they didn't give that much info.

 

[Crash Enburn]

I think the proponents of the 1/2° - 1° angle are those who have a "wheels must run flat" rule. There is enough slop in the bores to let the wheels run flat, while still providing a bit of an angle to draw the wheels away from the body.

If you don't have to "run flat", go with the 3° angle.

 

[Matt's Dad]

I think the proponents of the 1/2° - 1° angle are those who have a "wheels must run flat" rule. There is enough slop in the bores to let the wheels run flat, while still providing a bit of an angle to draw the wheels away from the body.

If you don't have to "run flat", go with the 3° angle.

Will do - Thanks!

 

[Matt's Dad]

Thanks everyone for chiming in! I appreciate all of your input. I'll stick to the 3 degrees.