Swing axle long or short of it Is

[Booky1]

Is there any different in handling capabilities of a long swing axle versus short axle?It is going on a street rail.

[Booky1]

Is there any advantages to running a short axle or long axle ie handling? It is going on a street rail.This might not be the right place to ask this question.

[Bruce2]

A wider track will always handle better, so long wins.

For a given amount of suspension travel, long axle exhibits less camber change than short axle, so long wins again.

[sideshow]

A narrow track fits in more places, so shorter wins.

Street cars require less suspension travel, its a wash.

[petew]

A wider track will always handle better, so long wins.

For a given amount of suspension travel, long axle exhibits less camber change than short axle, so long wins again.

Bruce is right about the suspension travel and camber change.

There is an addendum to the "wider track" thing. That is the ratio of track between the front and rear track effects things. Wider rear track promotes understeer. Wider front track promotes oversteer. Hence why drifters push their front wheels out as far as possible.

With your street rail, you're already behind the 8 ball when it comes to weight balance and under-steer. Without pretty massive changes to weight distribution axle length will probably make little noticable difference to the handling of your rail. So, do whatever you want really. If it were me though, I'd err on slightly wider front track than rear, offroad guys seem to do this. It will help your turn in.