Aluminum links/link mounts

[Tacoma747]

One-Ton Taco, link setup

Here are some pics of the links and link mounts. Got them drilled and tapped for $$FREE$$.
Big thanks to 01blktaco's dad for drilling/tapping them for me, thanks Jimmy and Chad!

 

[justjeepin86]

those look good Michael, how do they compare in weight to
.250 wall dom.
Michael

 

[greg slade]

Your gonna die!

I had to beat Rich to it!!

 

[Tacoma747]

Rich is going to have aluminum links too...

Not sure exactly what they weigh, they seem heavy, but I think that is just because you don't expect aluminum to weigh that much. I would say each lower link with the joints probably weighs 15 lbs, does that seem like alot??

 

[Rich]

those look good Michael, how do they compare in weight to
.250 wall dom.
Michael

They weigh slightly less than 2" .250 DOM, but are approx. 2 times as strong.

My other choice was 2" .500 DOM, and it's about 1/2 the weight of that, and 25% stronger

 

[Tacoma747]

Rich, I know it is not exactly the same, but I know you were kind of worried about gouging on rocks. I clamped them TIGHT in the vise, which would normally at least leave tooth marks in aluminum, not a scratch on these...

 

[Elliott]

Hmmm, this is making me reconsider my wood links. I wonder how treated mahogany compares to aluminum?

 

[01blktaco]

boy those look good, don't forget to pollish them before tellico.

 

[Chris_M]

Your gonna die!
I had to beat Rich to it!!

YEah, but it's not because of the aluminum! I remember this episode of extreme4x4 where they used a grade5 bolt for a link mount, very simliar to what is in the third picture!

 

[Rich]

Rich, I know it is not exactly the same, but I know you were kind of worried about gouging on rocks. I clamped them TIGHT in the vise, which would normally at least leave tooth marks in aluminum, not a scratch on these...

Good deal, though I'm not really that concerned. Neither are all the people including many competitors that have been using the same link for a long time. Might not be sound engineering, but I value real world experience over textbook.

Links, rod ends, leaf springs, etc... they are consumables in this expensive, stupid game we play.

 

[Tacoma747]

YEah, but it's not because of the aluminum! I remember this episode of extreme4x4 where they used a grade5 bolt for a link mount, very simliar to what is in the third picture!

Not using any of the bolts in the pics, even the grade 8 ones

 

[greg slade]

Rich is going to have aluminum links too...

I know, it was a poor attempt at a funnay.

 

[Rich]

Your gonna die!
I had to beat Rich to it!!

Yup, we're all gonna die, and I just remembered my beadlock rings are aluminum too... so the links are gonna shatter, AND the tires are going to pop off the wheels!

 

[Chris_M]

Not using any of the bolts in the pics, even the grade 8 ones

I didn't think you would, especially with the huge nut as a spacer!

 

[spykosshow]

Hmmm, this is making me reconsider my wood links. I wonder how treated mahogany compares to aluminum?

I'd go with oak, it's a much better wood and if treated it'll resist termites!

 

[Rich]

cedar smells better

 

[greg slade]

I can make my link sport lumber, get wood even.

 

[greg slade]

no seriously........

 

[Tacoma747]

Not only acting as a suspension link, but also the drivetrain. How good of traction does the poplar provide?

 

[Tacoma747]

More progress. Links are mocked up, I am going to have to relocate my steering box, because the draglink will interfere with the panhard bar. I am just going to chop the frame off on both sides behind the engine mounts, and put a new section of frame (2x3 tube), I will make new engine mounts, and new front tow points. Re-doing the frame will make it look alot neater, and will also get rid of the leaf spring hanger from the previous SAS. I will have to modify the exhaust a little to clear the 3rd link, not too big of a deal though. The crossmember the 3rd link will bolt to will be welded in place, and is made out of 2x3, 3/16" tube. I will also weld it to the current crossmember in the center to prevent rattles beteween the two (will have to cut those welds if I need to take the tranny or t-case out).

Does anyone see anything that needs to be done differently?
Yes, I am going to gusset the 3rd link mount.