So, a thread on HL got me to thinking(which is scary)....
Probably one of the biggest hurdles of building a custom lift is the ball joints. A small ball joint ring(like OE) is difficult to attach to very well, and it seems the custom plates can be a bit over priced.
The next big hurdle is keeping the alignment correct; namely the camber. Many of our spindles do not pivot the same top & bottom, thus the camber rolls in/out pending the suspension angle. W/o expensive scales and/or some fairly extensive geometry calculations its difficult to predict the exact pre-load required on the springs, and how much they will compress with the bike and rider's weight. When you alter the length of the control arms, you alter their leverage over the shocks/springs and thus add in another variable. - We've all seen lifted bikes with improper camber and no good way to adjust it other than to cut something back loose and re-weld/re-build accordingly.
Aftermarket automotive type ball joints sleeves are readily avialable for custom builds, but the joints they fit are far too big for our wheelers; not only the ball/case diameter, but also the shank size. BUT, there are several automotive tie-rod ends that have very similiar dimensions and similiar sized/taper shanks. - With that in mind I'll have to bust out my MOOG book when I get home and do some digging, but I have a pretty good idea on how to build arms that would allow for typical parts-store available joints, and a simple adjustable camber. Plus, most aftermarket automotive tie-rod ends will have a grease zerk allowing for better maintenance and thus better life span.
any thoughts?
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'09Thundercat - 1000ish
SpeedWerx powa, /// WCD, 4" catvos, 29.5 terms
'96 300 ...a little taller & a little more power than most.....
I didn't think I was totally in left field, lol. - I haven't had time to check physical dimensions yet to come up with a good workable end, but I'll be doing that shortly.
Finally going after my 300 build this month. Got all the parts sitting here, not gonna be much 300 left though, lol.
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'09Thundercat - 1000ish
SpeedWerx powa, /// WCD, 4" catvos, 29.5 terms
'96 300 ...a little taller & a little more power than most.....
All I can tell ya is don't have that ball joint ran way out there cause it gets weak. Try to keep it bottomed out as much as possible. I had one bend on me
Thanks. - I found an automotive end that has a 5/8" shank though, thus it probably wouldn't have any issues.
Not sure if I'll go this route or not. I'm in a bit of a time crunch to get this thing done, and so far my threaded sleeves haven;t shown up. If I don't have them by the weekend, I'll plasma the OE upper bj mounts out and re-use them accordingly.
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'09Thundercat - 1000ish
SpeedWerx powa, /// WCD, 4" catvos, 29.5 terms
'96 300 ...a little taller & a little more power than most.....
