Heims vs Bushings 5 link

[sreidmx]

What's the general consensus for the heim vs bushing argument? I have the bushings but could easily heim all my control arms in my 4 link/trackbar setup. I read somewhere the 4 link binds in articulation and all I can visualize is like a radius arm because there are 4 points attached..

So what is the disadvantage of using a heim on all the joints? Or is a Bushing required?

 

[ktmoutfront]

All of mine are heims. The adjustability is really nice. Zero bind. Very fuild movement. I have delron bushings in the drag link only.

One other thing to consider is that heims transfer all of the suspension noise into the frame. But you're not building a Cadillac.

 

[sreidmx]

Was yours all heimed when it had the radius arms?

 

[ktmoutfront]

Nope. Urethane bushings. Worked fine on terrain when the axle stayed close to level with the truck. First time I articulated it, it broke a frame mount. Had to back it out for 10 miles.

Went 3 link and panhard. Never looked back.

 

[blazinzuk]

So I have used bushings in a 3 link before. We used stock jk arm ends. It flexes good. He also replaces every bushing about once a year. Fortunately he has almost everything he needs to convert to full heims. Poly bushings are stiff. They also tear and tweak and flex into malformation way easier than you would think.

If possible I would use heims everywhere. If that's not in the cards right now then use heims one end and just build so you can replace the bushings with heims. I weld threaded rod onto bushings and use a bushing that will use the same size bolt and has the same width as the heim. Unscrew replace easy

 

[sreidmx]

Im close enough to just buy the rest of the heims.. right now I have 6 7/8x3/4 stuff so buying another two is not a deal breaker.

 

[jekquistk5]

Johnny joints are another option.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Don't the johny joints translate some vibes as well?

 

[ktmoutfront]

Johny joints = uber strength, flex and rebuildable.

 

[jekquistk5]

Don't the johny joints translate some vibes as well?

Some but not as much as heims... No clickly clickly.. Or you could do emf joints and have joints that will survive a nuclear war.

 

[Stomis]

Johnny joints really are the answer. They work really well. Articulate w/o stressing anything out, have the misalignment built into them etc etc.

 

[blazinzuk]

Summit machine joints are options too

 

[sreidmx]

Well that's nice and all but I got all my Heims from ruff stuff

 

[sreidmx]

Maybee when the Heims wear out I'll try Johnny joints ..

 

[Babaganoosh]

I have heims on my steering links but have Johnny joints on the suspension links. I'm praying I dint get a ton of vibes.

 

[sreidmx]

When is yours gonna be drivable? How much is left to do?

 

[Babaganoosh]

Maybe in a few weeks.

 

[sreidmx]

Sweet full report on this front suspension. I need to live vicariously through you.

 

[Babaganoosh]

Absolutely, I will by smiling greatly.

 

[Stephen]

heims in a 4 link will bind most of the time. Rigid ends will only work if all 4 links are equal length and truly parallel.