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Haven't posted here since... 2009..
I searched through the archives but could not find a good match for my question, idem on TheSamba..

So my question is the following: for the equivalent of the MOT/regulations and due to restrictions (muffler should not pop out of the bumpers) here in Switzerland, I have decided to fab my own mufflers and I have leaned toward a custom-made dual quiet pack (my header is a Berg 1 5/8", merged, GB933S I think) . I ordered from Berg the flange and the center Y-pipe, mufflers from Summit racing and got some good sized tubings and step-down pipes to finish it all.

I also have the Berg traction bar and it seems rather impossible to fit such a muffler. I tried many different orientations etc, but I feel like none would fit really well. Nothing is welded so it's still open, but would you have any ideas/pictures of a modified version of the (Berg or not) traction bar that would accomodate and clear such mufflers? Maybe some '3D' U-shaped bar?

My inspiration for the mufflers is the Berg's or CB's (https://www.cbperformance.com/product-p/3663.htm).

Thanks for your help

The over trans "kafer cup" setup works great, and leaves max room for exhaust plumbing.
Try to get or make one that keeps all the forces very close to the triangulation points at the shock mounts.
If you can weld, making one of those is pretty trivial.

I made one ages ago out of 3 tractor drag links, some longer shock bolts and a bit of tubing for the joints... Inelegant but very solid.
(before I could weld...cannot find pics, but parts came from local tractor supply, inspired by another poster here 20 years ago)

Don't hack up your Berg bar, I'm sure you'd have a buyer in no time.

Because of seeing the upper shock mount knobs broken off buggies and rails using the stock torsion housing and seeing that the commercial truss bars also join into the shock knobs on the truss housing and adding more loading, but for what it is worth, I am trying another way to support the trans and engine mount a bit differently than the commercial units. On my black buggy post they might be there.

I thought I had pix of the mockup but can't find them. I'll try to get some taken but not sure just when (a lot of "nothing" going on right now) but the truss bars I am mocking up sit on a rectangle tube mounting by the body mount flat spot on the lower part of the shock mount.

Lee

Look halfway down 131.

Lee

Thanks for your replies guys, much appreciated!

Okay so I had never looked at the kafer-cup bracing as such, but now I think I get it.
So basically it prevents the whole assembly from entering rotation (the true cause), which down the chain limits engine movement (the consequence of the rotation and inertia), is my understanding correct?

I will look into these, thanks a lot! If I don't find what I need I might just make one (once the body is off the pan).
I quickly looked at some of them on the market and there seem to be great variance, especially regarding rod sizing/strength.
I may also upgrade my aircooled.net trans support while I'm at it...

Good thing is, I can now fab the mufflers without worrying too much about that issue anymore

I will keep you posted and post some pics of the progress, thanks again for your help!

Leo

The kafer bar setup prevents up or down/twisting of the frame horns, prevents tire shake and saves transmissions.
Some of the commercially available kafer bar setups are a bit hokey, $$$ does not always equal quality or good design.
If you can weld, you can make one as good as any on the market for very little $$$.
It would best tie into your HD trans mounts if at rear of frame horns.(not sure what you are starting with)

It doesn't need to be made from pure, highly polished billet unobtanium unless you are building something for shows.

If you aren't running off road, don't worry too much about breaking shock mounts.
If you are, replace the cast shock mounts and pan attachments with some tube steel/sheet metal or such.
(somebody probably makes something you can weld on to replace the delicate cast bits... or should)

I don't recall ol'fogs setup but I'm sure it's very well thought out.

I just took these showing the truss bar and other things that are part of this area.

I can't edit them as my new computer deleted my editing program and a couple of other things. Got to get someone who is better with computers than I am.

Lee

Thanks a lot for the great details and the pictures, I see well now what you meant. Very interesting design. I will definitely use it as inspiration
Yea I'm not running off road, it's basically a cal looker.
I started designing the mufflers and without the traction bar it's definitely much, much easier.
Still have to add the exhaust tips and take some measures for the kafer brace.
Thanks again guys! Will update when things have progressed a bit more.
Cheers,
Leo