High Clearance Link Question

[Maxx_Action]

So....

are the high clearance links supposed to be run long side out? Or long side in?

I have seen pictures of them run both ways, and I have tried them both ways and notice no difference in performance. It seems to me that long side towards the center gives more clearance, but no performance difference otherwise.

[sgtlt]

This is almost as big of a debate as what is the best crawler tire, lol. I like the flat on the trans side but just run them the way that works best for you

[jeeptec]

This is my element. This is how a installed mine!


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[MOguy]

I run them like Jeeptec. Better clearance but your drive shaft will take more of a beating.

[HumboldtEF]

Originally Posted by sgtlt

This is almost as big of a debate as what is the best crawler tire

I cant say I agree that this is a debate at all.

These are absolutely designed to have the long end on the skid side. Nothing wrong with trying both though.

Originally Posted by MOguy

I run them like Jeeptec. Better clearance but your drive shaft will take more of a beating.

Simply adjust your pinion angle to point it up a bit more, you can usually get it up and mostly out of the way.

[MOguy]

Originally Posted by HumboldtEF

I cant say I agree that this is a debate at all.

These are absolutely designed to have the long end on the skid side. Nothing wrong with trying both though.



Simply adjust your pinion angle to point it up a bit more, you can usually get it up and mostly out of the way.

That could be a pretty steep angle.

[HumboldtEF]

Originally Posted by MOguy

That could be a pretty steep angle.

A U joint may not like that but a CVD joint will prefer to point to the transfer case.

If its too much just back it off a bit, you can find a happy balance.

[MOguy]

Originally Posted by HumboldtEF

A U joint may not like that but a CVD joint will prefer to point to the transfer case.

If its too much just back it off a bit, you can find a happy balance.

On a high pinion diff such as an AR44 you can get it better. A portal axle wont' be a problem but with the low pinion on and Enduro axle it will take more hits. I will take the hits. for the added clearance. Yes, the Enduro shaft (CV or ball joint) is a good design but if you are running MIPs (yes I got suckered into buying some) that have a more "U Joint" design they won't do as well.

[HumboldtEF]

Its possible on the Enduro axles, this is what I ended up with. The pinion is just a whisker above the links.

[MOguy]

Originally Posted by HumboldtEF

Its possible on the Enduro axles, this is what I ended up with. The pinion is just a whisker above the links.

I am running a different chassis and have too much up travel for the much of an angle but if it works that is great.

[mr lee]

Just came across this post now...

I have the BK2 and for reasons known only to Element the kit only comes with the lower bent links (high clearance) but the upper links are still straight! Possibly for cost savings but I can't imagine it would be so much more to add bent uppers!

The individually available high clearance link set has both the uppers and lowers bent.

What are the known issues and movement restrictions by only having bent lower links?


Oh and by essentially clocking the diffs forward to create a shallower pinion angle you are reducing diff housing clearance slightly....i.e. it rotates the underside of the diff closer to the ground. Guess you have to find a happy medium somewhere and can't have everything!

[DRED805]

Originally Posted by mr lee

Just came across this post now...

I have the BK2 and for reasons known only to Element the kit only comes with the lower bent links (high clearance) but the upper links are still straight! Possibly for cost savings but I can't imagine it would be so much more to add bent uppers!

The individually available high clearance link set has both the uppers and lowers bent.

What are the known issues and movement restrictions by only having bent lower links?


Oh and by essentially clocking the diffs forward to create a shallower pinion angle you are reducing diff housing clearance slightly....i.e. it rotates the underside of the diff closer to the ground. Guess you have to find a happy medium somewhere and can't have everything!

No need to bend the uppers unless the bent lowers come into contact with them.




referring to the original topic... THE BEND GOES AT THE SKID!

[mr lee]

Originally Posted by DRED805

No need to bend the uppers unless the bent lowers come into contact with them.




referring to the original topic... THE BEND GOES AT THE SKID!

Ok great! was just wondering if anyone that has built the BK2 has noticed this setup to be a problem.

[DRED805]

Originally Posted by mr lee

Ok great! was just wondering if anyone that has built the BK2 has noticed this setup to be a problem.

I've never even heard of an element BK2, so can't help you with that truck specifically.

I have bent lowers and straight uppers on the rear of this truck (bend at the skid) ...

[mr lee]

Sorry I assumed most would know what BK2 is...Builders kit 2

Good to know you have not had any problems and many thanks for the feedback!