Ok, decided to build my own 4 link setup, I would like to use Heim Joints instead of the rubber bushing style ends, is there any reason to or not use the heim joints vs. the rubbers? I did do a search and didnt find anything.
No biggie, the rubber bushing based setups are done that way to eliminate vibration transfer and allow for tweaking without breaking.
Heims wear out often if not lubed religiously. My friends late model gets new heims every season because they start to get sloppy.
Not a problem but street driving will loosen the joints at an alarming rate. Just be sure to check them often so the wear doesn't get into dangerous territory. With the cost of REAL (read heavy duty) heims so high you'll soon learn the reason for going to the rubber/poly lined joints. Also use a thick washer that had an OD larger than the ball on the outboard side of any joint that is not in double shear joint so it will take a total failure to loose the control of any mounting points. Frank
Heims will also transfer all road noise/vibration the the frame and body and be very noisy. Check out Currie Johnny Joints, They work just like heims but have replaceable urethane linings.
Cheep heim joints have a tendency to pop out the the socket. If you do go with heim joint put washers on each side. Buy a good heim joint ... Avoid the speedway ones, buy a top line QA1 ...
Heims make for a jarring ride. Instead of rubber bushings, maybe use urethane bushings. Sounds like it would be a good compromise between heims and rubber bushings.
On the rear locator "A" frame that I use on my roadster I have both, a big 3/4 inch NMB teflon lined "Heim" joint in the front which give me lots of flexability and alignment and I use the plastic bushings were the "A" fram connects to the rear axle. I agree with every one about rod ends just give to much road shock to the suspension for street use and they do wear out pretty fast. Rex
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