links

[barebel]

how thick should i make my links

[Grizzly4x4]

I have found that 3/16" OD aluminum tube werks great for the uppers. For the lowers, slide a piece of 1/4" steel brake-line over it for super strength. Or just use 1/4" aluminum for the lowers.

I buy the 3/16" tube with a 0.035" wall thickness from my LHS or Ace Hardware. This is the right size for a 6-32 NC tap so it is really easy.

[SR5Dave]

Originally Posted by Grizzly4x4

I have found that 3/16" OD aluminum tube werks great for the uppers. For the lowers, slide a piece of 1/4" steel brake-line over it for super strength. Or just use 1/4" aluminum for the lowers.

I buy the 3/16" tube with a 0.035" wall thickness from my LHS or Ace Hardware. This is the right size for a 6-32 NC tap so it is really easy.

Any link carnage with those so far? I thought about it but feared snappin links.. Now that I'm getting my lathe I can make them out of 1/2 steel

[Grizzly4x4]

Originally Posted by SR5Dave

Any link carnage with those so far? I thought about it but feared snappin links.. Now that I'm getting my lathe I can make them out of 1/2 steel

I had carnage when I used the 3/16" for the lowers with no sleeve. Ever since I started sleeving the lowers I have had no problems. I have never bent an upper 3/16" alum link.
I would love to see yer 1/2" steel links

[Ultima]

Just use 1/4 rod and be done with it..for crawling they will never bend

[SR5Dave]

Originally Posted by Ultima

Just use 1/4 rod and be done with it..for crawling they will never bend

I used 3/8" and I've snapped an upper (Ok, that one was from a stupid move..) But all my lowers are bent from having the springs on them, if your springs were mounted on the axles you probably wouldn't have too many problems w/ 3/8"; 1/4" seems a bit small though.

[Ultima]

8O ...my links on the back are about 9 inches long and I have NEVER bent it, even the slightest bit.

[SR5Dave]

Originally Posted by Ultima

8O ...my links on the back are about 9 inches long and I have NEVER bent it, even the slightest bit.

wow, even with 9" links.. Guess I just drive too hard!

[Ultima]

Yep...22 ich wheelbase..the things a beast... the only thing i have ever broken is a buntch of tube from the chassis and a couple ball ends.

[chuukrc]

I had some SS lower links made for me. 6" long with holes drilled in it for different shock mounting points, so far no damage. Only thing breaking are steering knuckles. I twisted up a rod end but that was because I hadn't threaded the set screw all the way into the rod end. :?