4 Link info

yldbill · 10-06-07, 07:03 PM

I'm considering 4 linking my 40 but am confused about link ends. What I'd like to know is the pros and cons of the different types, heim,johnny joints and rubber bushings and why use different ends on the same link. I've read about guys using heims on oneend and rubber on the other end, or johnny joints at one end and heims on the end other . Can anyone clear my confusion up?

Mace · 10-06-07, 07:36 PM

bushings typically do not have adjustment, so you use some other type of joint for a threaded adjustment of the links..

Most of the reasoning for one over the other is personal preference.

Figure out what you want to do and go from there.

Kavik · 10-06-07, 09:04 PM

Bill,
Use hiems where rotation at the link/hanger is likely (axle end), and bushings where it only swings (frame end).

Of course, you could use hiems all around but they are pricey and offer little "dampning" compared to bushings.

Make sure you use a common bushing that is easy to replace. I have a feeling you are not going to take it easy on them.

rondog · 10-07-07, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yldbill

I'm considering 4 linking my 40 but am confused about link ends. What I'd like to know is the pros and cons of the different types, heim,johnny joints and rubber bushings and why use different ends on the same link. I've read about guys using heims on oneend and rubber on the other end, or johnny joints at one end and heims on the end other . Can anyone clear my confusion up?

I have seen too many rod ends give out ! I chose the forged johnny joints they have gobs of adjustment, are rebuildable, and are just plain beefy! check 'em out.Make sure their the forged ones - they make some with the threaded stud welded on(not so great)

Mace · 10-07-07, 08:28 PM

a good quality 3/4" heim is stupid strong. The onyl reason they shoudl die is age (they have to be replaced periodically) or binding.

1.25" heims are what I run on my lowers with 3/4 by 5/8 heins on the uppers.

then some sort of cartridge joint on the frame side.

I really like this setup..

woody · 10-07-07, 08:28 PM

I've run heim joints on my rear suspension for YEARS with no complaints and zero breakage...

QA-1 stuff, XMR series....5/8 bore-3/4 thread stuff....XMR 10-12 I think....

I've bent .500 wall lower arms, and the heims are still unbroken and tight. YMMV...

Gumby · 10-08-07, 11:30 AM

I run bushings on mine. 80 series lower bushings.

Only because they were free.

They're quiet and tight and they flex far more than I can reasonably use.

RHINO · 10-08-07, 04:03 PM

if and when i ever do a link susp i'll use bushings on the frame end and JJ's on the axle. the only reasons being a nicer road ride and lifespan.

Tapage · 10-09-07, 03:14 PM

In this line .. just wondering if the bushing offer more control ( more rigid ) in a 4 Link ( for example ) that perform good amount of on road time .. ?

Or you can get the same control from a heim or JJoint at same suspension configuration ?

To place a valid example .. take a 80 series stock suspension ( rear ) and replace all bushing with Heims or Jjoints .. the performance on road coul be the same ?

Mace · 10-09-07, 03:26 PM

Heims are more "rigid"
Bushings have more give so "performance" might be compromised. Plus, it is hard to not allow the to bind somehwere...
Cartridge joints (Johnny joints, RE joints, etc.) are a good compromise between a heim and a bushing.
Gyro joints are neat too. So far, they look like they are going to work perfectly on Bob..

RHINO · 10-09-07, 03:45 PM

i think the factory uses bushings over heims for longevity and ride quality, and over cartridge for cost effectiveness.

i dont think the control of the rig is compromised or superior with any of the joint styles.

Tapage · 10-10-07, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mace

Heims are more "rigid"
Bushings have more give so "performance" might be compromised. Plus, it is hard to not allow the to bind somehwere...
Cartridge joints (Johnny joints, RE joints, etc.) are a good compromise between a heim and a bushing.
Gyro joints are neat too. So far, they look like they are going to work perfectly on Bob..

Thanks Guys ..

10-06-07, 07:03 PM	#1
yldbill IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: I live in Apache Junction Az Posts: 83	4 Link info I'm considering 4 linking my 40 but am confused about link ends. What I'd like to know is the pros and cons of the different types, heim,johnny joints and rubber bushings and why use different ends on the same link. I've read about guys using heims on oneend and rubber on the other end, or johnny joints at one end and heims on the end other . Can anyone clear my confusion up?

10-06-07, 07:36 PM	#2
Mace what he said Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 10,983	bushings typically do not have adjustment, so you use some other type of joint for a threaded adjustment of the links.. Most of the reasoning for one over the other is personal preference. Figure out what you want to do and go from there. __________________ I am kinda gay....... My Myspace http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endid=75712409 "Mary Poppins: In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and - SNAP - the job's a game."

10-06-07, 09:04 PM	#3
Kavik IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Phoenix Posts: 706	Bill, Use hiems where rotation at the link/hanger is likely (axle end), and bushings where it only swings (frame end). Of course, you could use hiems all around but they are pricey and offer little "dampning" compared to bushings. Make sure you use a common bushing that is easy to replace. I have a feeling you are not going to take it easy on them. __________________ 85' FJ60 - 2F, desmog, 4-spd, 4.88's, Aussie rear, SOA, 37's on 2" bs Copper State Cruisers #71 KavikOffRoad.com 60 Series porn

10-07-07, 08:28 PM	#5
Mace what he said Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 10,983	a good quality 3/4" heim is stupid strong. The onyl reason they shoudl die is age (they have to be replaced periodically) or binding. 1.25" heims are what I run on my lowers with 3/4 by 5/8 heins on the uppers. then some sort of cartridge joint on the frame side. I really like this setup.. __________________ I am kinda gay....... My Myspace http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endid=75712409 "Mary Poppins: In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and - SNAP - the job's a game."

10-07-07, 08:28 PM	#6
woody Admin Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Appleton, WI TLCA# 1548 Posts: 7,612 Blog Entries: 1	I've run heim joints on my rear suspension for YEARS with no complaints and zero breakage... QA-1 stuff, XMR series....5/8 bore-3/4 thread stuff....XMR 10-12 I think.... I've bent .500 wall lower arms, and the heims are still unbroken and tight. YMMV... __________________ Brian 'woody' Swearingen

10-08-07, 11:30 AM	#7
Gumby Former Wheeler Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Knee deep in hookers and gin TLCA# 5658 Posts: 4,968	I run bushings on mine. 80 series lower bushings. Only because they were free. They're quiet and tight and they flex far more than I can reasonably use. __________________ War Pig and Cerdito "Don't you know, Stan, it's *always* between a Giant Douche and a Turd Sandwich."

10-08-07, 04:03 PM	#8
RHINO IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: valley of the sunstroke, AZ Posts: 2,807	if and when i ever do a link susp i'll use bushings on the frame end and JJ's on the axle. the only reasons being a nicer road ride and lifespan. __________________ 75 BDJ55 soy cruiser 01 TACO got salsa ?

10-09-07, 03:26 PM	#10
Mace what he said Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 10,983	Heims are more "rigid" Bushings have more give so "performance" might be compromised. Plus, it is hard to not allow the to bind somehwere... Cartridge joints (Johnny joints, RE joints, etc.) are a good compromise between a heim and a bushing. Gyro joints are neat too. So far, they look like they are going to work perfectly on Bob.. __________________ I am kinda gay....... My Myspace http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endid=75712409 "Mary Poppins: In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. You find the fun and - SNAP - the job's a game."

10-09-07, 03:45 PM	#11
RHINO IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: valley of the sunstroke, AZ Posts: 2,807	i think the factory uses bushings over heims for longevity and ride quality, and over cartridge for cost effectiveness. i dont think the control of the rig is compromised or superior with any of the joint styles. __________________ 75 BDJ55 soy cruiser 01 TACO got salsa ?

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode