Is there an easy way...

[0lllllll0]

...to figure out the length of links I need?

I am building a new scaler, on a SCX10 chassis, I have a stock SCX10 chassis and tranny and I will be using a Tamiya Humvee body. The wheel base(center of front fender-center of rear quarter) of the Humvee is right at about 11".

Is there an easy way to fugure out what length I need to make the links, or is it just a trial and error type of thing? Just keep making links until I find the correct length?

I want a 4 link suspension too by the way.

Thanks for any and all help.

[Charlie-III]

I would suggest getting the axles where you want them (sitting on a table whatever distance apart), then put the chassis on a block/book/etc to get that about where you want it.
Then you can use a length of solder, pipe cleaner, etc. to get a route & length for the links. The solder/pipe cleaner can be bent to a route from the axle to the chassis & cut to length. This is your bending pattern and you can get a length from it as well.

[caymin last]

Make a WB jig. Two equal lengths of material, like a wood yardstick, clamp together, measure the wheelbase you need and drill holes, mount axles in jig and place center tranny mount or scratchplate, mark where links will mount and ...you get the basic idea.

Here are some more idea's
Quick wheel base jig.

[JeremyH]

I always make templates. I take some threaded rod and keep cutting and/or bending it until I get the length/shape I need. Then I build the links to match.

[squatch71]

x2 on the jig, you can see mine below..I kept it on till I new the frame, axle and body were going to line up.


I install the ball ends on where the links will be mounted, then measure from inside to inside of the ball ends. then add about 1/4", depending on the ball ends.

[kasper]

Some good ideas there have to re think my process.Great questions good answers.

[0lllllll0]

Great information everyone!

Here's what I did, I already have an SCX10 and a bunch of parts and parts trees. I looked up the WB on the Dingo and it is 11.4" so I figured that would be a good starting point. I connected all the links(3 link for now for mock up) up and it is pretty damn close. I think I can live with it where it is. I will have to get shocks before I am sure. But for now at least I have a starting point.

Thanks for the great advice everyone.

[0lllllll0]

This is where I am at so far

[slowlearner]

X2 on the templates. fit your rod ends then use whatever template material to work out your angles and length. I used Aluminium welding rod, easy to bend and cut as template. A length of solder would do the same thing, easy to bend and cut and you'll eventually re-use it to make electrical connections.
Just remember to add a few mm's for thread to go into your rod ends. It's annoying when you've bent and cut your nice new Ti rods and then found you've forgotten to add the length of the thread. Only silly buggers do that......

[squatch71]

guess that makes me a silly buggar!!!!!!!!


0lllllllllllll0 (hope I spelled that right!!) where did you get those jacks?!?!?!?!

like the stance

[freetimecrawler]

Harbor Freight usually carrys those mini jack stands.

[0lllllll0]

Originally Posted by squatch71

guess that makes me a silly buggar!!!!!!!!


0lllllllllllll0 (hope I spelled that right!!) where did you get those jacks?!?!?!?!

like the stance

There are a few of the vendors in the vendors section selling them right now.