Making Suspension Links

[IceChilly]

Question for you guys...I have been doing some research on the web on how to make links for a 4-link suspension set up. Seems easy enough. What I cant seem to find is the size of threaded rod and tube and what material is the best.

I will be using them on my CR-01 scale build and thought of going with stainless 8-32 threaded rod and 1/4" aluminum tubing. Wondered if those would work together, and if I did use the 8-32 what rod ends would work.

If anyone has experience with these I would love to hear how you did it and if possible what size and material you used.

Thanks!

[OldSchoolRC]

Should, depending on the wall thickness of the tubing. For 1/10 scale, I use 4/40 threaded rod and 1/8 brake line tubing to keep the links somewhat scale though I think going forward I'm going to use something a little thicker than 4/40 rods. Just haven't shopped around yet to see what I can stuff in the 1/8 tubing. You can see what it looks like on my clodapalooza build.

[Moondoggie]

Because every RC related thing I own is metric, I usually just go with metric threaded rod, specifically M3 (3mm):
http://www.mcmaster.com/#90024a040/

Or if you already have an account at amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Rolled-Threaded-M3-0-5-Length/dp/B000FMUYWW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=industrial&qid=1269444425&sr=8-1

McMaster-Carr (http://www.mcmaster.com/) has huge selection of threaded rod of many other sizes and materials as well. They also have tons of machine screws and other useful hardware! :thumb:

[IceChilly]

Thanks for the info guys. I took a quick look at mcmaster.com...what a toy store! hahaha. Moon, what size tubing do you use then with the m3.

[IceChilly]

Oldschool, your links on your clodapalooza (did i spell that right?) lol look great...I thought they would have appeared thicker before looking at it.

The brake line tubing come straight or wrapped up? I never worked with the stuff and wondered if its difficult to straighten.

Thanks again

[Moondoggie]

Thanks for the info guys. I took a quick look at mcmaster.com...what a toy store! hahaha. Moon, what size tubing do you use then with the m3.

That all depends on your needs. I have been using some 5/32 aluminum tubing (very small and weak by itself) but only as a buffer between the threaded rod and carbon fiber arrow shafts. I was using this combo since it is what I had laying around.:p You're best bet is to just figure out the inner and outer diameter you need depending on the size of threaded rod you use and the diameter/strength of the links you need. McMaster has lots of tubing made of a variety of materials including delrin and carbon fiber.

I am going to have to give the delrin a try on a future project.:)

[OldSchoolRC]

The brake line tubing come straight or wrapped up? I never worked with the stuff and wondered if its difficult to straighten.

Thanks again

Straight, and it's pretty cheap. Can usually get a 5ft length from an auto parts store for a few bucks.

Looking into delrin links as well Moondoggie, that's a great point. Seen quite a few that look really good. The delrin slides easier over the rocks too.

[Moondoggie]

SLooking into delrin links as well Moondoggie, that's a great point. Seen quite a few that look really good. The delrin slides easier over the rocks too.

Currently I am eying this to try out one some custom links: http://www.mcmaster.com/#8627k51/

White Delrin Tube
Outer Diameter: 1/4 in.
Inner Diameter: 1/8 in.
Length: 5 ft.
$3.41

Unfortunately it is white, but I suppose you could dye it black, or whatever color you want. I would most likely just paint it, due to my laziness.:)

[IceChilly]

Great information...good to know its affordable and good on the rocks. I would definitely have to paint it black...links in white would go good with maybe a pink jeep...right wyoming?

[Moondoggie]

For some reason I missed it while browsing: http://www.mcmaster.com/#1830t11/

Black Delrin Tube:)

Edit: Here is some info about delrin on rccrawler: http://www.rccrawler.com/forum/showthread.php?t=189151

Just as a warning: In one of the other threads over there someone mentioned that the inner diameter of the delrin tubing was smaller than 1/8 in.

[IceChilly]

I think I will order some, its not expensive and worth a test run. :thumb: