9. REAR BRACING BARS.

9.1. GENERAL

9.1.1.   The further back they are the better and these may join the chassis on top of the rear cross-member. Here, it will not be easy to fit the required material down the sides of the chassis as shown previously. In this case only, the side plates may be dispensed with so long as the welding goes all round the plate on the top and underneath as shown below. A gusset plate is advisable and, preferably, leave the base-plate rectangular as shown and not trimmed to a T shape. The reason for this design being acceptable is that this is a very strong part of the chassis.

9.1.2. (Drawing)

9.1.3. (Drawing)

9.1.4.   "A" shows the rear brace on top of the rear cross-member. No chassis side plates can be fitted, so a flat plate over the rear cross-member and overlapping on to the chassis is acceptable.

9.1.5.   "B" shows the rear brace still well back but not on top of the rear cross-member. Here, side plates or angles will need to be used per previous drawings.

9.2.  Rear Braces on Range Rover, Discovery, 90, 110 Defender etc.

9.2.1. The awkward shape of the chassis on the coil sprung vehicles can lead to mounting problems. The following sketches may help. Remember, outriggers and cross members should be treated the same way as the main chassis rails.

9.2.2. (Drawing)

9.2.3. (Drawing)

9.2.4. The sketch above may not always work out exactly as shown due to braces between the chassis and the rear cross-member, and the point on the inner face of the chassis rail where the wiring loom emerges.  The sketch below (adapted from the above drawing) shows the pattern of side plates that could be added to a 90 that has been fitted with a roll-cage in the way that some commercial manufacturers do. The box-section upstands are to be securely welded to the chassis first and the ¼" / 6mm reinforcing side-plates added afterwards.

9.2.5. (Drawing)

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Last Updated:
19/02/2007