Adjustable vs. non adjustable suspension links (1 Viewer)

[Mace]

From another thread
HZJ60guy thinks that suspension links shoudl not be adjustable. If you build it right the first time there is not a need for adjustments.

I disagree. I see no reason NOT to make them adjustable. The ability to tune and tweak your suspension is very important IMHO.

he also wanted examples of suspension builders that make adjustable links

http://www.polyperformance.com/~dave5150/shop/image.php?productid=99

http://www.polyperformance.com/~dave5150/shop/image.php?productid=100

Just a quick search.

Is there a reason NOT to have your links adjustable??

 

[woody]

IMO, they shouldn't need to, and the adjustability is another potential wear point...

however, I don't have the precision install skills to get my bracketry 100% perfect, so adjustability is necessary to mask my pathetic skills...lol

 

[Rock Taxi]

IMO, they shouldn't need to, and the adjustability is another potential wear point...

however, I don't have the precision install skills to get my bracketry 100% perfect, so adjustability is necessary to mask my pathetic skills...lol

It occurs to me that if you use heim joints, they are adjustable whether you intend it or not. If you use bushings, you need to allow the link to twist - usually accomplished via threads - so they are adjustable too. My point is that many links are adjustable even if not intended to be.

As for should they be adjustable - I say yes. I have bent my links when wheeling (even with .50 wall links) and if not adjustable, I would drive down the road sideways like a dog running.

I've never had a failure or wear issue on the threads that allow twist and adjustment. I have lost heims and bushings though, and bent darn near every lower link I have ever run, so adustability is good.

Ed

 

[trailcarnage]

I have built 4 suspension systems from scratch. The first three were road-driven and adjustable via heim joints. The last was a comp rig and non-adjustable using RE joints. For the comp rig, I felt it was a non-issue if they were properly set the first time and that it was cool to have less parts to break. It was a real bitch getting them right the first time though! As Ed mentioned, if I would have bent a link I would have had a real perdicament. Look at the flip-side...FZJ80. If I remember correctly, none of it's links are adjustable. I guess that I am torn on this one. If you plan on abusing it like a buggy, I recommend making it adjustable so you can tweek it on the fly. If you feel you can get everything in the correct position and don't expect to bend anything, you can probably go non-adjustable. This can save you some money on joints also.

 

[lowtideride]

I never made a link setup til now...But, I look at like this...

I am not Toyota. I can not make stuff as good as they can (non adjustable setup, like the 80s) so im offsetting my retardedness with adjustable links.

 

[Mace]

I kinda like the comparison to a tie rod..

Why are they adjustable???

 

[cruiserrg]

From another thread

Is there a reason NOT to have your links adjustable??

Short answer nope, no reason not to.

Reasons to do so.
-Not many people build a rig once without changing something
-Front suspension link set-ups should have adjustably (link lengths) if you require ability to align (not necessary for off-road)
-Adjustably in the angle of links allows for changes in anti-squat characteristics and other fancy suspension stuff, If not adjustable then you must have known the desired anti-squat, weight of rig, CG, corner weights, sprung/unsprung weight going into the design of your set-up. I doubt if many people know this going in before a build of a rig. (Calculators only give you a # even if you inputed all the right information, but can't give you actual rig performance)
-terrains differ by location and what setup might work one place might not another.

Yes you can build without adjustably, but how many doing suspension setups can actually say going in they accounted for everything including knowing how the suspension would perform without actually testing it?

 

[Radd Cruisers]

Hey I have a bunch of adjustability in my moutain bike, changed out the oil in the front fork, changed out the spring rates front and rear to match my ever growing 40 year old fat ass(as of Sunday). I even have rear shock mount adjustments to rake out my fork for different types of riding.

I consider an adjustment fine tunning to make it all right.

Pro or not you should always be adjusting for all types of terrain.