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Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
http://auszookers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=14&t=16384		 Page 1 of 2
Author:  Jccck [ Mon Nov 01, 2010 3:56 am ]
Post subject:  Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
So after straightening my Steering Link for the third time in 2 months.. I decided it had to get beefed up.
Not sure if my lingo is right, but Drag Link is wheel to wheel, and Steering Link is Drag Link to Steering Box?

1. Anyway, i had my NT Drag Link from when i did my WT Diff Conversion
Luck would have it, it is just long enough in the hollow section to match the length of the WT Steering Link.. Just cut the ends off!

2. So then i used a slitting disk, cut it lengthways and split it in half
Then i put each side in the vice.. With the WT Steering Link in the middle.
Sandwiched the halves of the NT Drag Link around the WT Steering Link
Perfect fit! With a bit of persuasion

3. Had a 2mm gap on each side, did some stitch welding with the Stick to ensure it was solid

4. And bam.. Fit to car =P

Will post a pic when i get home
As far as the Drag Link goes, i found some 3mm thick pipe with the same ID as the Wt Drag Link's OD.. So i'm going to be doing the exact same for it too

Can't even tell it's not stock, aside from the beautiful weld i ran up each side :D
So yeah, if you've done a WT Conversion, or just have a spare NT/WT Drag Link lying around, this could be the DIY for you!
Author:  tanshi [ Mon Nov 01, 2010 4:02 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
steering box to passenger side is the drag link.

between the wheels is the tie rod
Author:  want33s [ Mon Nov 01, 2010 5:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
Probably looks a lot like this huh?

Image
Author:  appsie [ Mon Nov 01, 2010 5:13 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
what did you use when you done yours jase?
Author:  Jccck [ Mon Nov 01, 2010 5:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
want33s wrote:
Probably looks a lot like this huh?


Haha, it does indeed!
Mines even gloss black too..
Author:  want33s [ Mon Nov 01, 2010 5:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
I used 19mm ID medium wall tube (3mm) was $45 for a 6metre length.

I just stitched mine so it can be removed if needed by law or to fit to a replacement drag link in future.
Author:  Jccck [ Mon Nov 01, 2010 6:16 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
want33s wrote:
I used 19mm ID medium wall tube (3mm) was $45 for a 6metre length.

I just stitched mine so it can be removed if needed by law or to fit to a replacement drag link in future.


Yeah i divided the bar up into 5, and stitched the 3 even spaces
Looks pretty stock though
Author:  appsie [ Mon Nov 01, 2010 6:22 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
get some pics up :lol:
Author:  Jccck [ Mon Nov 01, 2010 6:48 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
appsie wrote:
get some pics up :lol:


Not even gonna bother, only phone pics.. And it looks IDENTICAL to Want33's one.. Even down to where the welds are lol
Author:  LAY80N [ Wed Nov 03, 2010 5:35 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
Sleving the rod is a good quick way to strengthen it. But it is 100% illegal if that is of any concern. No steering component can be modified via the use of heat and maintain roadworthy status. Personally i just made a new arm, chucked it in the lathe and threaded it to match the the rod ends and machined some flats in it so i could adjust its length :wink:


Lingo is
Tie rod - wheel to wheel.
Drag link - Steering box pitman arm to steering knuckle.


Layto....
Author:  steak_knife [ Wed Nov 03, 2010 5:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
LAY80N wrote:
Sleving the rod is a good quick way to strengthen it. But it is 100% illegal if that is of any concern. No steering component can be modified via the use of heat and maintain roadworthy status. Personally i just made a new arm, chucked it in the lathe and threaded it to match the the rod ends and machined some flats in it so i could adjust its length :wink:


Lingo is
Tie rod - wheel to wheel.
Drag link - Steering box pitman arm to steering knuckle.


Layto....


:P Yes... :P
Author:  Jccck [ Wed Nov 03, 2010 6:39 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
LAY80N wrote:
No steering component can be modified via the use of heat and maintain roadworthy status.


How the fuck do they think it was made in the first place?
The ends weren't glued on.. And i garuntee this one would outdo a stocko for a strength test

Meh, if they ping me for it ill whack 'em with a stock draglink because it will bend and leave them unharmed
Author:  appsie [ Wed Nov 03, 2010 9:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
you really dont like people getting on here and trying to offer you advice do ya man.weather its flares,steering or tyres some people are trying to point you in the right direction and MAYBE just keep you out of trouble

Layto has a bit of knowledge tucked up his sleeve im sure.Not doubting your welds in any way tho as ive seen stock zuk welds :? :lol:
Author:  royce [ Wed Nov 03, 2010 9:56 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
Jccck wrote:
LAY80N wrote:
No steering component can be modified via the use of heat and maintain roadworthy status.


How the fuck do they think it was made in the first place?
The ends weren't glued on.. And i garuntee this one would outdo a stocko for a strength test

Meh, if they ping me for it ill whack 'em with a stock draglink because it will bend and leave them unharmed


They didnt MODIFY IT to MANUFACTURE IT you retard, go take your ADD pills and jsut fuck of ive had enough of you again
Author:  Jccck [ Wed Nov 03, 2010 10:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
I love advice.. Im just shocked to see it's illegal.. God some laws are rediculous
And they modified a perfectly good piece of pipe to make it into a drag link.. Royce.

And what about stock Zook welds?
Doesn't always have to be pretty to be strong..
Author:  appsie [ Wed Nov 03, 2010 5:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
i meant theres some yuck welds under there from stock that is all and that im sure what you have done COULD hold up
Author:  ball [ Wed Nov 03, 2010 8:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
Jccck wrote:
I love advice.. Im just shocked to see it's illegal.. God some laws are rediculous
And they modified a perfectly good piece of pipe to make it into a drag link.. Royce.

And what about stock Zook welds?
Doesn't always have to be pretty to be strong..


But what grade of steel and heat treatment was done during original manufacture.

I would bet that the suzuki engineers had a bit more of an idea about that that you.

The laws about heating or modifying steering components are there for a reason. It is to stop numbnuts from doing shit they have no clue about and killing themselves or others with shit modifications.
Author:  ZookiMonsta [ Wed Nov 03, 2010 10:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
Jccck wrote:
LAY80N wrote:
No steering component can be modified via the use of heat and maintain roadworthy status.


How the fuck do they think it was made in the first place?
The ends weren't glued on.. And i garuntee this one would outdo a stocko for a strength test

Meh, if they ping me for it ill whack 'em with a stock draglink because it will bend and leave them unharmed


Mate you need to take a step back... LAY80N isn't baggin your work, just giving you general information
that may save your ass some dollars. Sure use it, but don't be suprised when they (police) take it off the road because
they deem it unsafe.
Author:  Jccck [ Wed Nov 03, 2010 10:50 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
ZookiMonsta wrote:
Jccck wrote:
LAY80N wrote:
No steering component can be modified via the use of heat and maintain roadworthy status.


How the fuck do they think it was made in the first place?
The ends weren't glued on.. And i garuntee this one would outdo a stocko for a strength test

Meh, if they ping me for it ill whack 'em with a stock draglink because it will bend and leave them unharmed


Mate you need to take a step back... LAY80N isn't baggin your work, just giving you general information
that may save your ass some dollars. Sure use it, but don't be suprised when they (police) take it off the road because
they deem it unsafe.


Not bagging Lay8on at on all.. I know he knows alot :D
If anything that F word was directed at the RTA.
I said they.. Not you..

I can understand the not welding steering componets bit.. Not like i was gonna cut and extend the thing.. That's just stupid
I just sleeved it.. Had to be careful of heat input so i didn't melt the balljoint grease.. And i didn't.
Author:  tanshi [ Wed Nov 03, 2010 11:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
whether you can believe it or not, they are the ones who make the rules, and they are the ones who are going to rub their grubby little hands together with glee when they catch you on the road and throw the book at you.
Author:  Jccck [ Wed Nov 03, 2010 11:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
tanshi wrote:
whether you can believe it or not, they are the ones who make the rules, and they are the ones who are going to rub their grubby little hands together with glee when they catch you on the road and throw the book at you.


Want33s has done it, i've done it.. I'm sure there's worse things you could do to a car.
There's more mods than could be listed that improve upon factory design, yet are considered illegal.
Such is life

Imo it's no more dangerous than Buzooka streaking through Hobarts main street.
Sure it's illegal, but it ain't going to hurt anyone.
Well maybe their eyes.. Besides im in NSW :D
Author:  tanshi [ Wed Nov 03, 2010 11:43 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
tanty much? were just suggesting that the RTA may not look favorably on the mod jeesus!
Author:  Jccck [ Wed Nov 03, 2010 11:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
tanshi wrote:
tanty much? were just suggesting that the RTA may not look favorably on the mod jeesus!


Nah, LAY8ON said that, and so did Appsie
Rest of you just chucked a hissy because it's illegal
I DIDN'T KNOW OKAY
And now that i know, i don't care anyway :D
Author:  atari4x4 [ Thu Nov 04, 2010 12:12 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
I think you'll find that Want33s trailers his zook everywhere.
Author:  JrZook [ Thu Nov 04, 2010 1:25 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
atari4x4 wrote:
I think you'll find that Want33s trailers his zook everywhere.


Apparently in some other thread it was noted that the Jccck/sierra/honda/flare-less/abortion mobile was used 99% of the time on tracks only...
Author:  tanshi [ Thu Nov 04, 2010 1:26 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
Im just glad the POS is in NSW
Author:  ZookiMonsta [ Thu Nov 04, 2010 2:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
tanshi wrote:
Im just glad the POS is in NSW


x2684516587658453 :roll:
Author:  Jccck [ Thu Nov 04, 2010 11:47 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
JrZook wrote:
atari4x4 wrote:
I think you'll find that Want33s trailers his zook everywhere.


Apparently in some other thread it was noted that the Jccck/sierra/honda/flare-less/abortion mobile was used 99% of the time on tracks only...


It has flares, they're just in the shed waiting to go on.. Lol
And yes, roads are for chumps. :D

And i'm glad it's in NSW too
It'd be a bit hard to drive if it wasn't in the same area as me, let alone the same state
Author:  Fatzook [ Thu Nov 04, 2010 2:23 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
Well just to add to this Tech thread :roll:

Jcccck: THE reason that welding to steering components is illegal is as follows.

EVERY time that a weld is made, it has an effect on the materials it penetrates. The heat that is applied during the weld can do different things to the parent metal depending on what welding process, technique or even grade of steel has been used. This heat is responsible for "stressing" the steel. If no further processes are carried out after the welding has been done, the metal around the welds will remain in a "stressed' state. Depending on the forces being applied to the welded component, this can actually increase its ability to bend or snap. There are ways to calculate theses stresses that are well beyond me, but help to determine what process needs to be used to "relieve" the metal after welding. (Heat treament, Cryo etc). So by welding to your steering arm you may infact be weakening it.

I'm not saying you have weakened it, just that there is more to consider than just material bulk.

So the basis for the RTA, DOT etc not allowing steering components to be welded is well justified, as there is more to it than just slapping some steel on it and hitting it with some weld.

Pete
Author:  Jccck [ Thu Nov 04, 2010 11:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Steering Link / Drag Link Reinforcement!
Fatzook wrote:
Well just to add to this Tech thread :roll:

Jcccck: THE reason that welding to steering components is illegal is as follows.

EVERY time that a weld is made, it has an effect on the materials it penetrates. The heat that is applied during the weld can do different things to the parent metal depending on what welding process, technique or even grade of steel has been used. This heat is responsible for "stressing" the steel. If no further processes are carried out after the welding has been done, the metal around the welds will remain in a "stressed' state. Depending on the forces being applied to the welded component, this can actually increase its ability to bend or snap. There are ways to calculate theses stresses that are well beyond me, but help to determine what process needs to be used to "relieve" the metal after welding. (Heat treament, Cryo etc). So by welding to your steering arm you may infact be weakening it.

I'm not saying you have weakened it, just that there is more to consider than just material bulk.

So the basis for the RTA, DOT etc not allowing steering components to be welded is well justified, as there is more to it than just slapping some steel on it and hitting it with some weld.

Pete


I fully understand that side of it.. I am quite good with my chemistry and metalurgy
But the strength added by the sleeve far outweighs any potential weakening caused by the welds..
Which is why i think.. Sure, it may be illegal.. But it is NOT dangerous.
I'm pretty confident with my welding, and for the intended application of this "Drag Link" i can't ever ever see it failing.

Honestly i'd be more worried about people with WT Conversions or new Spring Perches.. Having poorly welded them on.
Does noone care about weld quality anymore?
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