Bent links

[the-one1]

I know there are bent links for sale but why don't people just bend the stock links and use those? I figure save some $ while modding an AX-10.
Any reason why the after market links are preferred vs bending the stock?

[NMike]

if you just bend the stock links, they become too short and mess up the axle's drive angle. the extra length rods are usually bent for clearance, but the actual pivot points remain in the same place.

[killa b]

the aftermarket ones are a bit longer to keep your wheelbase. also you have the chance kinkin them. but i have seen it done so theres no reason that you cant.

[Hotrodvw]

Home bent links are not comp legal. To run them in comps, you need the Axial bent links.

[stomper4x4]

Originally Posted by Hotrodvw

Home bent links are not comp legal. To run them in comps, you need the Axial bent links.

why would not be comp legal?

[JBHardwear]

Originally Posted by Hotrodvw

Home bent links are not comp legal. To run them in comps, you need the Axial bent links.

WHAT!?..........

[JBHardwear]

Originally Posted by the-one1

I know there are bent links for sale but why don't people just bend the stock links and use those? I figure save some $ while modding an AX-10.
Any reason why the after market links are preferred vs bending the stock?

I assume people just find it easier to but them as to have to make them and get them the perfect length and geometry

[crawlin247]

i bought the bent links from ckrccrawlers and they made a huge differance
a ton of more clearance

[EvilTwin v2]

Originally Posted by Hotrodvw

Home bent links are not comp legal. To run them in comps, you need the Axial bent links.

You's got some 'splainin' to do.

The only reason I could see them not being comp legal is if they put the wheelbase into an illegal length. Other than that, there's nothing in the rules that says you can't bend your own links, so don't post crap like this if you don't know.

[freetimecrawler]

Originally Posted by Hotrodvw

Home bent links are not comp legal. To run them in comps, you need the Axial bent links.

You should know what you're talking about before trying to answer questions.
Show us where in the USRCCA rules it states "home bent links are not comp legal"
Thats right, you won't find it in there.
Please refrain from posting answers, on things you know nothing about

[Scottmisfits]

The tool to do it properly will hold up a few people. And bending the stock ones makes them too short. You'd have to re-drill the chassis or add in a spacer at the end of the bent tube to bring it back to length.

[chevy42083]

Maybe his local comp only allows box stock, or manufacturer aftermarket upgrades for a spec class.... but he should know that before posting it ;)

When dealing with links, it's the length from mounting point to mounting point that determines the geometry. If you bend links, you shorten that distance. Aftermarket links start out longer, and are bent till that distance equals stock (or desired length... most likely NOT shorter than stock). If you wanted to start with a LONG link and bend it into a curly-cue or an "S" you could, as long as the end points are the distance apart you need.

[the-one1]

Well, what I did was split my upper links to make it a 4 link rear. I extended the uppers about 3mm and mounted them to the rear servo tray. Then I bent the lower with some pliers wrapped in rubber to about 25-30* then lengthen them with a couple nuts.
From how i read the rules, the rig has to be under 12.5 inches. I'm in at 12".
Surprisingly the links didn't kink at all. I had bought some all thread and aluminum tubing but then I decided to bend the links just to see if they would work.

[Mriswith]

All three of my Scorpions have 'home brew' bents links. I used the steel Traxxas Revo pushrods I had laying around from old projects. I just put them in a vise and took a hammer to 'em. I drew out a 30 degree bend on some paper as a template and beat 'em 'til they were the same. As for length, I prefer a shorter wheelbase anyway.

[EvilTwin v2]

I haven't found material that I like for making my own links yet, but I've made tube cages/chassis out of 3/16 brake line using this:



It was $5.99 from Harbor Freight.

[Mortimer Snerd]

Originally Posted by EvilTwin v2

I haven't found material that I like for making my own links yet, but I've made tube cages/chassis out of 3/16 brake line using this:



It was $5.99 from Harbor Freight.

Have you tried Delrin? Really easy to work with, and slides well over rocks.

[EvilTwin v2]

Originally Posted by Mortimer Snerd

Have you tried Delrin? Really easy to work with, and slides well over rocks.

Where do you get it?

I'm just getting back into crawling after a couple years away. Things have really boomed! Heck, you can actually buy stuff now instead of having to build every single piece!

[the-one1]

Even though the quality and workmanship of after market parts are great, I always preferred to make as much of the parts I use even though sometimes it turns out butt ugly. Function over form for me. And plus "I is a poor man".

[Hotrodvw]

Damn.......you guys are friendly. I was basing my post off of this:
http://www.orcrc.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1425

I had forgotten it was for a spec class. Forgive me for not being perfect again.

[Mortimer Snerd]

Originally Posted by EvilTwin v2

Where do you get it?

I'm just getting back into crawling after a couple years away. Things have really boomed! Heck, you can actually buy stuff now instead of having to build every single piece!

Most plastic places will carry it. I got mine from a place in Ft. Collins, CO. Google plastics and your hometown, and let your fingers do the walking. Most people use 5/16 or 3/8 rod drilled out to accept 4mmor 8/32 all-thread with revo or Jato end links.