4 link Rod End Size?

[zuksgonewild]

So got some new axles for the zuk and hoping to do a budget 3/4 link over the winter. Looking at rod ends and wondering how big I need to go 1/2" 5/8" 3/4"? it's a Samurai that's going buggy over the winter. Will be riding on FJ-80's and 36/37's, guessing total weight will be around 3k lbs loaded. Thanx for your input.

 

[gertsch]

Get some emf rod ends! Probably 1.25" is my recommendation since its for suspension parts.

 

[zukijames]

1.25 is probably over kill for your rig.. especially on the uppers..

7/8 would probably be plenty

1.25 have more surface area so they will have to be replaced less often.. also if you upgrade to a bigger motor/ tires you wont have to worry your joints are not up for it .

ruff stuff is where i got my joints . im running 1.25's all the way around . also makes it nice to only have to carry 1 size of spares.

i think 1/2 joints would break just from looking at my 2.25 inch .500 wall 45 inch long links (super heavy)

 

[mesha]

I would do 7/8s if I were you. 1.25" is not needed for a samurai.

 

[carsonc1974]

i run 1.25, but only really have any expiriance with desert trucks... keep in mind, while you may be able to get away with alot smaller heims, the bigger they are, theoretically, the longer they should last aswell

 

[Gravy]

7/8" 7/8" shank. 3/4 is plenty strong but I've bent 3/4" shanks with rock hits on steering before.

on a sami on a budget I'd go 7/8" lowers and you'll be fine with 3/4" uppers

 

[gertsch]

Whatever you decide go emf there indestructible!

 

[Bart]

Really depends on the rig and your use. I've always gone with the philosophy of the bigger the better. The buggy I just bought was competed in for years, and ran KOH one year. It has 3/4 x 5/8s, which is incredibly small in this day and age. I was going to replace all the suspension with larger ends, but after wheeling it, I think I'll run it for a year like it is and see how it holds up.

 

[rondo]

I've run 3/4 heims with bad bad results. So i've built my last 2 suspensions with the biggest heims. I mean why not build in extra insurance? I also never understood the concept of using a smaller upper link heim. So its not supposed to be under as much stress as the lowers...whatever. why not build them all the same which makes fewer spare parts to carry or worry about.