Gelande alloy "bent" steering link rod on a SCX-10

[TacoCrawler]

...Yep, it can be done

I have the Axial 8* Chubs/knuckles...
but could not achieve full steering because the primary
link rod would hit the axle's center chunk at full L/R steer lock.

sooo... I used the Gelande's dual bent steering rod
to replace the straight 106mm alloy axial link rod I was using.

* sure you could bend angle to most any straight link rod.
but some length would be lost and need be made up for
by using longer shank rod ends.

The Gelande bent link rod clears the axle's center chunk
with room to spare and it looks more to scale, in that...
the primary tube diameter is thinner then the alloy 6mm stuff.
The post "type" ends of the Gelande link rod is 6mm...
But the main tube diameter is 4mm and solid core alloy rod.
I like the way the double bent ends look and clear the axle's center chunk.
And how the smaller diameter tube looks more to scale in diameter.
IMO... the 6mm link rod diameter looks too thick to be scale.
Just an FYI... VP's titanium rods are 3/16" so those are purdy close to 4mm.

The Gelande bent link rod measures only 104.5mm in total length
* (RC4WD# Z-S0810) ^ it's packaging labels it as a "drag link"
So... the Gelande link rod comes up a little short by 1.5mm.

Therefore... a washer/spacer of the appropriate thickness will need be added to one the link's ends,
inserted between the end link and link rod.

I used a single Du-bro 4-40 flat nylon washer (P# 635) (1mm thick).
Installed to the driver's side of the link rod, so that shifts the
bent angle so it centers better during travel movement over the axle's center chunk.
I basically ignore the remaining .5 mm and left the steering link
with that... offering a slight amount of toe in. (.5mm)

Of course the determining over-all length of the link rod could vary
and would be dependent of which rod ends are utilized.
I used the traxxas/slash rod ends, which each measure 10mm
^ (shank end to eye)

Using the original offset Axial link ends might allow the Gelande link rod
to be more recessed then when using a straight link end.
But I haven't bothered to try those as of yet.
As I'm ok with the current protrusion/clearance of the Gelande link rod.

The bend(s) in the Gelande link rod clear the axle's center chunk well
during full throw, both L/R lock to lock.
And has allowed me to dial in the maximum allowable steering throw the Axial knuckle arms are capable of.

* I do run Axial universal axles to allow for more steering throw.

The Gelande link rod uses a 3mm ID thread but is shorter then
the Axial 3mm grub screws due to it's bent ends.
so I just used a 3mm bolt and cut the head(s) off at the appropriate length.
* The cut ends should be thread into the plastic rod ends
because those threads will be slightly marred from the cuts.
The marred ends will easily thread into the plastic rod ends.

^ too much jabber...
when pics and video might better explain.

If this isn't for you !?. ...then do yer own damn thing

pics... sorry if my camera didn't focus properly

---original 6mm alloy steering link rod set up---



---Gelande link rod installed---

















this pics were to demonstrate clearance at the CO's
but ai think are somewhat unfocused. (meh posted anyways)





here's a crappy video clip showing full steering throw...

Gelande steering link rod clip 01 - YouTube


Another project I'm playing with...







found out the 220v welder doesn't deliver the finesse needed for intricate small scale bumpers...
or that I lack any patience and have poor eye sight.
But I'll clean this up some and paint it... should get the job done.













think I'll do better on the front bumper,
after learning what not to do, when I practiced on the rear bumper.

But heck... I'm not installing these for the show n shine.

My interest is more about function, then form.
and offering some form of protection to the Dinky bedside's rearward corner(s).

They're gonna get hammer'd to chit anyways.

[Tbredon]

Nice tip man. The bumpers look good. Have ya tried painting them to match the roll bar? Rustoleom makes a nice thin application spray-on bed liner. It's not much good for 1:1 vehicles, but looks scale for our 1/10 rigs.