Looking back on the growth of street rodding, there are a number of companies that have not only expanded with the hobby but have been instrumental in the process of expanding it. One such example is Flaming River Industries.
Under the guidance of their president, Jeanette Ladina, Flaming River has grown from a staff of five to more than 30, and supplies an ever-expanding array of popular steering components, including boxes, racks, pumps, columns, wheels, and of course universal joints and shafts. Flaming River also has a line of electrical accessories such as battery kill switches, cruise controls, and ignition switches.
When asked the secret to Flaming River's success, Vice President Ron Domin credits the company's policy of listening to its customers and then providing the products they ask for. Their latest offering is in response to the question, "Why can't we have a solid axle suspension that rides like an independent?" Dubbed the DominAtor, their new suspension system does just that. Developed by Flaming River and Leonard Lopez of Dominator Hot Rods in Brentwood, California, the unique twin-axle design is controlled by a rack-and-pinion steering gear (manual or power). Based on a pair of 2-inch tube axles (each connected to the framerail opposite the wheel attached to it), this arrangement provides the advantages of an independent suspension-that is, one wheel responds to irregularities in the road without affecting the other, while retaining the classic look of a solid axle. To ensure bind-free operation through their range of travel, the axles' pivot points are equipped with what are called Mono-Balls. They allow the axles to move up and down without twisting the anchored end. And speaking of movement, the long individual axles and coilover suspension provide far more travel than traditional arrangements.
While there are obvious advantages to a frontend with lots of travel that allows one wheel to hit a bump without making the other one wiggle, another benefit of the DominAtor's design is the inclusion of rack-and-pinion steering. Impractical on conventional axles, the crossing inner tie rods of this twin-axle design allow the use of a precision rack-and-steering gear while completely eliminating bump-steer.
The DominAtor system comes with 2-inch, independent dual-pivot axles, coilover shocks with mounting towers, early Ford spindles (without brakes), wishbones or four-bars, frame crossmember, rack-and-pinion (power or standard), and mounting hardware. Spindles with camber adjustment are optional, and kits are available for pinched frontends.
Suitable for newly constructed cars or as a retrofit, welding is required to install the crossmember, shock towers, and radius rod mounts; the remaining components install with basic handtools in just a few hours. To prove that point, the DominAtor crew installed a complete frontend at the recent Hot Rod & Performance Trade Show and we got to watch. Take a look at how easy it is to do.
Here's an example of the advantages to the DominAtor suspension system; it behaves like an independent with the look of a traditional axle.
This is the right-side axle-the length minimizes camber change, assures maximum tire contact with pavement for better steering control, and reduces tire wear.
The DominAtor's twin axles provide improved ride and handling while the special rack-and-pinion offers precise steering and improved road feel. Power systems include the pump and a remote reservoir.
Also ncluded in the kit are upper shock mounts that must be welded to the top of the framerails.
New '37-41 Ford-style spindles come with the axles. They accept virtually all the readily available disc brake kits.
To locate the axles, either four-bars or hairpins may be used.
Included in the kit is a special crossmember that anchors the ends of the axles and mounts the steering.
A pair of new steering arms that provide the proper steering geometry also come in the kit.
Here the crossmember has been installed in a '32 frame. The two tabs are the anchor points for the axles.
With the crossmember in place, the axles can be attached. Note the tube axles are flattened where they face each other and the upper shock mounts are in place.
As there are no spring perches, the bat wings are welded to the axles. Coilovers mount to a pair of tabs inboard of the bat wings.
Coilover shocks provide adjustable spring rates, compression, and rebound damping to allow the ultimate in ride tuning.
At this stage of assembly the axles, coilovers, and hairpins have been installed and no one has broken a sweat. With a 5-inch drop, these axles will get the car low while offering increased suspension travel compared to traditional axles and cross springs.
This view shows the left axle; the anchor for the right axle is visible below the framerail.
Here's a view of the left axle's mount on the right-side framerail. The hose clamps and a shim were used to hold the axles in position during assembly.
Like the axles, the tie rods from the rack-and-pinion run from one side of the car to the other. The ingenious design eliminates any bump steer.
Here's a worm's eye view of a DominAtor frontend under Leonard Lopez's roadster. It's been the test vehicle for the new suspension design and has accumulated many, many miles with vastly improved road manners when compared to a traditional suspension system.
Flaming River Industries
800 Poertner Dr.
Dept. SRM
Berea, OH 44017
(440) 826-4488
(800) 648-8022
www.flamingriver.com
