How to build custom links

[mtm]

I made a thread on how to build driveshafts, figured I'd show the process on building links. Again, sorry if this has been covered just trying to help out. By the way, this will work on all crawlers not just the trail trekker. Adjust the dimensions accordingly.

You will need

- Losi Mini-T rod end/ball cup set part number LOSB1049
- 12" of 1/8" .014" wall aluminum tubing
- 12" of 2/56 threaded rod
- Small cheap tubing cutter (creates the cleanest edges)
- Lighter or small torch (optional)

So first get your total length needed by measuring from the ball on the crossmember to the ball on your axle. Now subtract the length of your mini-t rod ends twice because you have one on both ends. That number will be the length of your 1/8" aluminum tube. Now take that number and add the length of one of the mini-t rod ends. That is the length of your 2/56 threaded rod. Slide the aluminum tube over the threaded rod and secure with a mini-t rod end on each side. That's it. If you have trouble getting the threaded rod to screw into the mini t rod ends, heat it up for a few seconds with the lighter. Hope this helps

[Knytemare]

That's exactly how I did it and they came out perfect!

[Brake Weight]

Subbed and bumped.

[Fungi]

Matt's way is great, but I thought I would show an easier way. MY experience with cutting all thread is it always makes it very difficult to thread on. I got some precut ones from HK and they are very easy to thread on.

[Brake Weight]

On my scx10, I used a fine file to taper the cut ends.

[mtm]

A quick twist on the bench grinder will yield similar results.

[kilgore_trout]

Awesome, I was just searching for how to make these!

[Mauler5000]

Thanks for posting this, it really helped me out on making my links. I found tapping out the rod ends a bit really helped me thread the all thread in. Anybody got an idea to make a new steering link?

[RootBreaker]

fyi it could prevent sliding on rocks some but for looks if you do not want the silver... put shrink tubing over them...



Links totally transform a vehicle...

here are the losi stock trekker aluminum links (obviously on a Raptor v8e body)

Micro Raptor V8e-4 by Jeffrey Riggs, on Flickr


Changed to custom links....

MicroRaptor8VeExtended-2 by Jeffrey Riggs, on Flickr



now with Shrink tubing (and hasnt stopped me from climbing...)
albeit this is mockup pics as you see the battery disconnected...

MicroRaptorV8e-6 by Jeffrey Riggs, on Flickr

[mtm]

Where did you get that chassis?

[RootBreaker]

Originally Posted by mtm

Where did you get that chassis?

was in a huge pile of stuff i got..

i bought a truck for the parts... i got a full running trekker stuffed into a Terd body.... and enough parts to make 1 more complete and other parts I traded/sold/prodded...

I got a Trekker too!!!!!


Ebay to my door... $175!!!!

[fatsachs]

I like bent lower links myself. I use K&S precision metals stock #7131 rod to create my links. I notch the ends that go into the rod end and Krazy glue holds them in permanently. Once complete I coat the steel with bedliner multiple times to build it up some and overlap onto the rod end a bit. Then sand them flat, finish and surface. Smaller diameter, more scale looking links and better ground clearance is the result. The bedliner holds up incredibly and slides across rocks just as well.

[Markhpnc]

Reviving because I'm about to make some lower bent links. Did the aluminum cover on previous build but not even messing with that this time. It was a huge pain so just going with the shrink wrap over rod this time

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[Markhpnc]

Original TMC and building V2 now. Got some Scrambler tires going on and they're taller than Miclaws!

Going to swap the stock Trekker links for uppers and only do custom bent lowers. Starting with 5" wheelbase but maybe go to 5.5 like V1 depending on performance.

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[Brake Weight]

Order 4mm stainless rod and an m4 die from fleaBay. Wait 4-6 weeks. Chuck rod in a cordless drill and cut threads. Measure twice and cut once. Chuck previous cut threaded end and cut new threads on opposing end. Screw on rod ends and voila.

[raydaddy]

Great info on links setup . Thanks Guys!

[shhuskins]

Thanks for the write up!