Rear Control Arms!

[gotricebih]

Johnny joints, summit machine joints, ballistic joints.. I've looked at pretty much everything. I emailed a few companies to see if they can make something work.

[teebes]

Johnny joints, summit machine joints, ballistic joints.. I've looked at pretty much everything. I emailed a few companies to see if they can make something work.

Awesome - thanks for the research! I wouldn't be opposed to heim's, either. I know they don't flex as much as JJ's, but in reality they would be more than enough for the majority of folks. How do the specs on those look compared to what our Rig uses?

Thx again!!!

[gotricebih]

Specs on what? Heim joints?

[teebes]

Specs on what? Heim joints?

Yea, bolt size, width for fitting properly, etc. Should be cheaper than JJs by a bit, too.

[gotricebih]

Aren't heim joints all adjustable?

[teebes]

As in with a shank on them for some length adjustability? Believe most are. Just curious regarding the width, spacers, etc.

[gotricebih]

I haven't looked into heim joints really. Then I would have to use tube adapters which would add to cost.

[Zero]

Hahaha one step forward, 2 back with this project it seems. Im sure you guys will solve it though. Im sure the second gen. rear CA's will be awesome and worth every penny.

[gotricebih]

I found some Summit Machine joints that have the correct bolt size....... but still the wrong mounting width. Closest one I've found so far tho!

[Trail X]

Yeah, the 14mm 2" width isn't a common combination it seems, I've been googling myself.

What is the down side of using spacers or washers on either side of the joint?... BDS currently ships their rear shocks that way... our guys seem to accept it as the norm since we've got a lot of iniquities. I guess it would complicate the installation a bit though.

[gotricebih]

It's just not ideal in my mind. I'm sure it would be plenty strong, but I'm just making sure there isn't any joints out there that I'm missing.

I wish I could find some joints that are 14mm and have a 2" mounting width, that way I could use spacers instead of getting the 2.375" mounting width and cutting them down on the lathe.

Yeah, the 14mm 2" width isn't a common combination it seems, I've been googling myself.

What is the down side of using spacers or washers on either side of the joint?... BDS currently ships their rear shocks that way... our guys seem to accept it as the norm since we've got a lot of uniquities. I guess it would complicate the installation a bit though.

[gotricebih]

Finally found some flex joints that will work!

Pricing will be:

$250 for .5" or 1" extended with poly bushings.
$350 for .5" or 1" extended with poly/flex joint.

[SteveTB03]

I'm confused on what a flex joint is and what the benefits are of it?

[Trail X]

Poly bushing is essentially a bushing that compresses when you flex the rear axle. The "flex joints" have a ball joint on one side that allows the arm to rotate free of the frame or axle. If you articulate a lot, the poly bushings will wear and need to be replaced eventually. The flex joints will have longer life and they restrict your articulation less, allowing the axle more freedom.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

[Zero]

What is the best way to decide if you require the .5" or 1" length. Would the average lift and 32" tires or less only require the .5"??

[HARDTRAILZ]

I dont know that .5 inch would really gain you anything. It wont center the axle. You would get strength, but I dont know why you would not go an inch.

[gotricebih]

That's a perfect description! Thanks!

Poly bushing is essentially a bushing that compresses when you flex the rear axle. The "flex joints" have a ball joint on one side that allows the arm to rotate free of the frame or axle. If you articulate a lot, the poly bushings will wear and need to be replaced eventually. The flex joints will have longer life and they restrict your articulation less, allowing the axle more freedom.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

[gotricebih]

I figure I will offer both lengths just in case there is anybody that doesn't want to push their axle back the full inch.

Better to be prepared!

I dont know that .5 inch would really gain you anything. It wont center the axle. You would get strength, but I dont know why you would not go an inch.

[teebes]

Kyle.. By your estimates, will 1" be long enough for the next size up in tires? What's your rear suspension situation looking like now?

[HARDTRAILZ]

Kyle.. By your estimates, will 1" be long enough for the next size up in tires? What's your rear suspension situation looking like now?

Spent 3 more hours spraying mud out of the undercarriage today...{//// mud} I will measure and check for binding or any other issues with prototypes Sunday... I did make a connection with a guy that has some 35s to let me try since he is bumping up to 38s. hopefully will bolt them on end of next week when he gets truck back from 383 install.

but i think 1 inch will clear but a bit more may clear and center if the driveshaft can take it,