Hi all, whats the views on using 22mm 16swg for rear IRS wishbones, have seen a few different material gauges from the book at 19mm 16swg to 25mm 12swg.

Have a bit of 22mm 16swg tube so hopping its up to the job.

I'd say it's ok with my "seems-about-right-crometer"

Larger diameter is better then thicker wall.
Proportionally big increase in strength for little increase in weight.
According to my calcs it should be 65% stronger for an 18% increase in weight.

I could be wrong of course it's a bit early in the day !!

For the same mass of metal, increasing the diameter and reducing the wall thickness will make the tube stronger under bending loads. tensil and compression strength should not be affected.

The limit is that if the tube wall is too thin then it will dent easilly which will reduce the strength under bending loads

If you go for the same wall thickness and a larger diamter than the book then you should have nothing to fear other than the weight.

[Edited on 8/3/06 by clbarclay]

[Edited on 8/3/06 by clbarclay]