A happy new year to you and yours also!
I do love the 7014 rod too. Most forgiving stick I ever use. But pretty sure I will rip it all apart and MIG it.
Not to mention anneal the welds when I am through. I have yet to get the pieces out to see, but looking at the top cracks, they look 'old'. I am betting that the fabricator was in a hurry, and things went down hot and quick. Enough locked in stress to be close to cracking. And then it did, who's to say from what. Or when, but judging from the rust I feel safe in saying it predates my purchase.
But that tear on the bottom with the fresh gray steel... thats all mine.
And I am hoping the driveline vibration has been the other broken ones flexing all this time. Be nice to have that solved when it goes back together.
The two top welds are about impossible to see from the bottom, and I didnt really do a 'check it for ticks' close inspection... lucky it wasnt worse. The only way I can see them clearly now is after removing the top piece between the fender and seat. I can see them somewhat from the front of the right rear wheel, but you sorta have to be looking for them.
Disc vs drum... good thoughts. I would be hard pressed to say which is heavier, the rotor, its mount and caliper might easily be more weight than the drum and backing plate ass'y. Never weighed them. I was sorta surprised there was less than 2 pounds difference in the tires weights.
As far as 'better'...well for better performance in heavy use and nearing the 'extreme' limits, disc. The drum will have fluid boiling in the cylinder before a caliper gets to that temperature. Not to mention drum expansion can lead to a very strange feeling pedal. But on a trike, I would be hard pressed to get them that hot. I hope. :xzqxz:
But drums sure keep things cleaner.
And they are whats on there. So keeping them for now.
Been reflecting on how it did NOT turn into a disaster with the ladder bar mount completely off. I think the air bag in back, and the coil spring on the front of the axle helped a lot in keeping things centered. Good design. :good: Possibly saved our lives. That, and the fact I backed off instantly when I felt it start to crab. Mrs V knew something was wrong, but I am pretty good at hiding my 'OH SH*T' feelings. Never let them see you sweat, right?
For those who wonder why I am still shaking a bit after finding this, watch this video to ~20 seconds.
Note the rear axle behavior in the Dart. Now imagine that happening with a trike... :shock: Might hurt.
Ripping things apart tonight, will be taking many pictures! :wave4: