Four link calculator numbers?

[jekquistk5]

Anti squat becomes anti dive in the front.

 

[dangerdog]

WOW!.....55" long links??

You should take a look at the materials tab and see what kind of FS values you have....specifically for bending loads. A link that long is going to be really hard to build strong enough to not bend when it's got the full weight of the truck on it....and balanced on a rock.

-G

So what numbers should I be looking at in the materials tab. I also shortened up my links to 48" bottom and 44" top.

 

[Greg72]

So what numbers should I be looking at in the materials tab. I also shortened up my links to 48" bottom and 44" top.

You want to look at your FS values (factors of safety)

Dan and I originally set up the spreadsheets with a G value of 6, so any FS value greater than "1" would be acceptable. Basically, FS is a rating relative to that 6G force.

When you look at the FS values for "bending" and "buckling" etc, you want the values to be at least 1.0. With long links, it will be almost impossible to get a 1.0 (or larger) value for Bending. You'd have to increase the link diameter and wall thickness like crazy to change that value, and even that probably won't get you there.

As you shorten up the links, you'll see that the FS values for bending get better really fast.... And that means that you are less likely to ever bend a lower link on a rock when you are wheeling.

What you will also notice when you play with the calculator is that you can shorten up the links a TON and get similar results as long as you keep the link angles consistent with your first design. Those "trace" lines on the graphical view are helpful for that. If your link lands anywhere on that trace line (even if it's shorter than before) the AS% and other critical factors will stay the same.

-G