Nut-adjustable steering links

[Webbage]

I just wondered if anyone knew how to make a nut-adjustable steering link like the track rod on a 1:1 car. I'm sick of having to disconnect link to change the length, it's impossible to get them spot-on right.

 

[slowngreen]

i might be wrong or not even thinking about the right thing, but could u use longer rod end screws, then maybe connect your rod end to the servo long ways instead of side ways, attaching it form the back of the servo arm, then put a nut on the longer rod end screw on each side of the rod end that connected to the servo arm??? prolly not a good explanation.

 

[robmob]

Why not just use Lunsford turnbuckles?

They come in a wide variety of lengths and you should be able to find one to suit your needs.

 

[CharliesTheMan]

I was thinking that you could use a very small turnbuckle at the end of the link, to connect it to the rod end. That would give you adjustability, if you could make a way that the link would to the turnbuckle and then to the rod end in a smooth transition.

Have you thought about making a wheelbase jig, so that when you set it up you know that everything is perfectly square.

 

[robmob]

I was thinking ditch the rods completely and use turnbuckles instead.

 

[CharliesTheMan]

Yeah I think that would be a great idea, but the only thing that I dont like about them is that they have the nut shaped thing in the middle. I wouldn't want that in the middle of my lower links. You could sleeve them, but then that defeats the whole purpose of having them adjustable.

 

[Webbage]

So how exactly does a turn-buckle work? Do you still have to detach and spin the eye a the end to adjust it? That's what I am trying to avoid. Sorry this is like trying to explain the taste of beer using colours, I hope I'm being clear.

EDIT: Okay I consulted the oracle (aka my dad) and basically I think, looking at the Lunsford products Rob pointed to, what I need is exactly that, with a left handed thread on one side and a right handed thread on the other, so when you wind the centre nut the ball joint either move together or apart.

I kind thought someone must have done this, it'd be near impossible to setup the suspension camber and toe on a RC race car otherwise... In fact now I think about it I feel like a dumbass, my Wheely King has 8 damned great turnbuckles attached to the suspension!!

Thanks, anyway I now have it clear in my head. Anyone know where I can find a turnbuckle that's approx. 1.25" (abour 32mm) long?

 

[slowngreen]

what if u cut the steering arm, not the servo arm, in the middle and thread a turnbuckle bolt or a long rod end bolt into the middle and use a nut on both ends of it to hold it in place?

 

[Webbage]

what if u cut the steering arm, not the servo arm, in the middle and thread a turnbuckle bolt or a long rod end bolt into the middle and use a nut on both ends of it to hold it in place?

The servo arm is the one I've got the issue with, I'm trying to set my servo up so it's dead on centre. I got it worked out anyway, thanks for the ideas

 

[CharliesTheMan]

Lunsford has tons of sizes for custom applications. Maybe their website would shed some light on things.

http://www.lunsfordracing.com/mm5/m...Code=LUNS&Product_Code=1063&Category_Code=3MM

 

[robmob]

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0091p?&P=SM&C=CMD&V=LNS

They should thread into the stock ends.

If not, you can always go to a Dubro ball link.

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0095p?FVPROFIL=&FVSEARCH=DUBRO+++ball+links&search=Go

 

[CharliesTheMan]

If that doesn't come work, you can do what I do and use duct tape, bailing wire, and a toothpick. It works good for crawlers, and if you throw in some tin foil and a paperplate you can pick up free porn from all around the globe.

 

[Webbage]

Oh dear, Charlie's been watching McGuyver again

I think these ought to do the job:

http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXUTG5&P=7

or these:

http://www.hpieurope.com/piw.php?lang=en&partNo=86578

 

[slowngreen]

yeah those look like they would work....and MacGyver is the man!!!! i have the complete serious on dvd.

 

[Webbage]

Are those the DVDs made from 2 sheets of card, some silver foil, duct tape and a frog?

 

[slowngreen]

yes to all except the frog, its actually a 3 earth worms.

 

[Webbage]

Oh I must have been thinking of the CDs in an earlier episode