Aluminum Link Deflection

matth_85 · May 4, 2015

So, after cleaning the buggy from Harlan I noticed a bit of an issue up front.

The upper is hitting the yoke, must happen when it is getting beat on...

I wondered what the deflection of aluminum links and if they could be allowing it to roll enough to do this? I will post some pictures later for reference.

Heres the deal. I noticed it hit it when I was at MMORV and I broke the front driveshaft. Well, after that I saw there was a cracked weld on the truss where it is welded to the cast. I repaired it and gusseted it to the ram mount. Well, it's polished it clean now and took about a 1/4" sized chunk out of the link.

Has anyone had any issue with aluminum uppers flexing enough to do this? I know the aluminum has a good bit of flex... I will probably sleeve that link with DOM if that is the issue. If it's not I really dont know what else it can be...

Cole · May 4, 2015

6061 or 7075?

matth_85 · May 4, 2015

That's a great question. And I don't have a good answer. I didn't build it, I traded for it. I'd assume the cheaper material because that's what it would be if it was me building it. Haha.
Pitchers for reference.

matlock · May 4, 2015

Don't think its flexing there, looks like damage is from when the driveshaft broke

matth_85 · May 4, 2015

Na. It wasn't as bad before and the shaft broke at the slip.

matlock · May 4, 2015

I would look for a cracked or broken link mount or truss/cross member allowing it to deflect when stuffed.
Are you running hiems or another type joint allowing excessive side movement?
How about bump stops? Still in good condition?

matth_85 · May 5, 2015

1-1/4 heims. Air bumps seem to be fine.

Wes in TN · May 5, 2015

Are the matching contact marks on the driveshaft/yoke? Pinion bearings have any play? That looks like one time damage to me, not repetitive contact between moving parts. There would have to be a lot of slop somewhere for the pinion to move up 2.5".

BUG-E J · May 5, 2015

Looks just like my 7075 links that came from EOR. From the looks of the amount of up travel I would say there is no way your pinion is hitting that. If it was there would be noticeable marks on the pinion. If you don't believe us rub some wheel bearing grease on the link and go jump the **** out of it. See if any transfers to the front axle or gets rubbed off the link. :dunno:

bjeep · May 5, 2015

Could be as the axle droops out the pinion rolls up and hits it. :dunno:

matth_85 · May 5, 2015

The pinion is absolutely hitting and it's def not a one time deal.

matth_85 · May 5, 2015

And there are marks on the pinion. I think bjeep may be onto something...

bjeep · May 5, 2015

matth_85 said:
The pinion is absolutely hitting and it's def not a one time deal.

Limit straps? Maybe the straps have stretched? Change the link locations?
Sounds like you know what the problem is. :dunno:

redneckengineered · May 5, 2015

No way your links are deflecting that much. Get a forklift or cherry picker and flex everything out to the max. Only way to be sure.

Wes in TN · May 5, 2015

Pictures from the build with the front end at or near full droop and full bump. If you have a problem it looks like it's at bump not droop. The carrier bearing has been moved slightly since the original build but I don't think it was moved enough to create contact with the driveshaft. Can you have someone drive it in FWD so you can watch the front end to see if things are moving?

matth_85 · May 5, 2015

Thanks wed. That's my plan today.

matth_85 · May 5, 2015

Wes**

throttlejunkie · May 5, 2015

Mine was completely clear until I stuff one side all the way up, and drop the other side, then it does what bjeep says. It rubs, well did, had to move my carrier bearing mount up.

snoball · May 5, 2015

Mine does the same thing. I don't care how much you flex it out with a forklift, rock, whatever, it has pretty good clearance..... wheel hard and it rubs.