This is just something im working on with the help of some members here and some other freinds. The thing i was wondering is if anyone has tried to add extra support to a stock centerlink. I want to get rid of my front wheel tow in but want to keep my turning radius!!!! MY idea is to Truss the center part with a peice of 1/2" steel and to gusset the back side of the bends as far as possible with out interfearence with 1/4" steel!

Whats your thoughts?

Later
Caleb

Pics will come when it is finished!!!!!!

I don't think the problem is the center link flexing but more the design of it. It has the offset on the ends of it which apply multiply force to the pitman arm and idler arm so they flex upwards giving the toe in. Thats why pullers use a strap over the center link around the crossmember. I am not sure if the tie rod ends flex or just snap so the sleeve would help there.

True but the braces keep it from rotating upwards, so in my mind something else still has to be flexing, even if it dosent fix anything it will ensure that it never break or bend IMO!

I remember reading about guys bending stock centerlinks, this is my only option left to try as i will not give up any of my turning radius!

Pics are now in my Garage!!!!!!

Looks good making any more?:grd:

I dont know, well see how it performs when ever i get it to the track next week!!! I did not do any of the welding or cutting i just took the centerlink to a local metal fabshop, and told them my idea of what i wanted done and this is what i got, less paint of course!!!!! If it dosent work all i'm out is 50 bucks and three hours labor!!!!!

Hurry up and get to the track, so we know how it works.

Looks stout and looks to me like you have a good Idea, I just don't want to get the SD center link b/c I use my truck everyday!


I dont know, well see how it performs when ever i get it to the track next week!!! I did not do any of the welding or cutting i just took the centerlink to a local metal fabshop, and told them my idea of what i wanted done and this is what i got, less paint of course!!!!! If it dosent work all i'm out is 50 bucks and three hours labor!!!!!

The offset in the OEM center link is, I think, 2-1/2" and the pitman and idler are about 5-3/8". So the Cognitos though they help support the pivot are not helping the moment arm that the steering box and idler pivot have to resist. (about 7-3/4" with the offset)

Using a Tomac style brace, the idler and pitman have only to support the 5-3/8" and flex less while the brace takes up most, if not all the twisting moment. A better solution IMO.

That still leaves the squeezing of the "C" in the center link. Those deluxe braces of Caleb's look like they may be on the right track. ;)

When I installed SD's centerlink, I didn't notice losing any turning radius. I sometimes have to get into tight spots during construction with a trailer. I haven't noticed any ill effects while using it as a daily driver.

I'm not saying one is better than the other, I'm just expressing my thoughts.:)

I'm running 40's on 22's right now and its gone to ****. I can afford to lose any more.


When I installed SD's centerlink, I didn't notice losing any turning radius. I sometimes have to get into tight spots during construction with a trailer. I haven't noticed any ill effects while using it as a daily driver.

I'm not saying one is better than the other, I'm just expressing my thoughts.:)

Any updates???

Hows it holding up?


Any updates???

I'll jump in and comment here, It works good so far when sled pulling. Caleb has yet to hit the quarter mile yet with it. More testing coming this week/weekend, if it keeps working I am going to get one made for my truck also.

....I will not give up any of my turning radius!


Sissy ):h


Neither of the motorsports you're involved in requires turning, and you have a regular cab!!!

Sissy ):h


Neither of the motorsports you're involved in requires turning, and you have a regular cab!!!


No but my long skinny drive way with my 22' hores trailer dose, my last truck was a 98 ex cab dually and it sucked cause i had to back in all the way from the road!!!!!! now with the short truck i can just do a litle three piont turn and im headed the other way:) !

Thanx Adam, Yes to date with a couple of sled pulls on it it seems fine with absoulty now tow in at all but i stll think the track will be the test. i should make it tomarrow night but thats if the rain goes away !

I didnt for get about posting results just havent been to the trac in over a month:(


Later
Caleb

Well i made it to the track on wed night, I ran 2 new best runs at 13.27 & 13.20, and after watching the vids, i did not have any noticeable wheel tow in, but on the same note i was only 60'ing in the high 1.8's but even still the truck felt smooth on the launches. MAybe on a quicker 60' time it would be enough to tow the wheels in but for now it seems to be working well.