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ZUKIWORLD Discussion Forum => Suzuki 4x4 Forum => Topic started by: nc_zuk on February 28, 2005, 12:16:40 AM

Title: 4-link in a day
Post by: nc_zuk on February 28, 2005, 12:16:40 AM
Well, my best friend Rawlings (Carolina Zuk) invited myself and my family down to to Morrehead City to enjoy a relaxing weekend. He said he had a small project for his zuk that he though I might be able to help with while we were there. So when I get there we head out to the garage and when I walk in the door I see this!

Those bungee cords will never do ::)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4158)

Here is the ticket! Upper Links are 37 1/2 long and lowers are 39 1/2 long

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4137)

We got up on saturday and got straight to work. We had a LOT to get done.

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4138)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4139)

This is the bracket we made for the front lower links 8)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4140)

Here it is tacked in place for mockup

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4141)

Next was the rear lower tabs

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4142)

Wow, who is that welding anyways?

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4143)

Front lower mount welded in place

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4144)

Lower link welded (we added another gusset to the other side later on)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4145)

Lower links mockedup. There was a lot more triangulation than we expected but thatb is a GOOD thing ;)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4146)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4147)

Next up, the upper link mounts. These are what we made 8) 8)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4148)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4149)

pics of both front brackets in place

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4150)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4151)

NOw to the rear uppers. We were short a tab so we had to make one. Only difference is the one we made is 1/4 thick ::)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4152)
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: nc_zuk on February 28, 2005, 12:18:19 AM
Rear upper tacked for mockup

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4166)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4167)

Now for the test!! How did it turn out?

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4168)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4169)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4170)

Next we cycled the links.They work sweet!! The pinion only changes 2 degrees throughout the range of motion. Almost perfect!!

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4160)

This pic shows 26 inches to the bottom of the rotor 8)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4161)

Full compression. Pinion is the same as when at ride height ;D

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4162)

Well, the rear bumper has to go but that's ok. The departure angle is 90 degrees now ;)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4163)

And now with springs

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4164)

(http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content?action=dlattach;topic=15527.0;attach=4165)

Well, there you have it!! a 4-link in a day. We worked our tails off. Every muscle in my body ached when I woke up today but it was worth it! There is still a good bit of work to be done to finish it up. Rawlings needs to fab up some way to capture the springs to the plates as wel as mount up some shocks. We were able to figure that part out but ran out of time. Rawlings really did his homework before deciding on his link lengths. They were perfect. Best part of the deal was that I got to spend a whole day with my best friend AND fab all day! Who could ask for more? I can't wait to see this thing on the trail at the Zu!!! It will be sweet!!
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: Natebert on February 28, 2005, 01:08:44 AM
Looks GREAT!
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: Bigzook on February 28, 2005, 01:12:05 AM
What springs are those? It looks like it'l be very flexy with them inboarded like that.
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: nc_zuk on February 28, 2005, 01:13:00 AM
They are stock TJ springs.
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: Zuki One on February 28, 2005, 02:39:57 AM
Lookin Sweet NC   I cant wait tell i can wheel in your area but when i do i will bring the Kick im tryn to do the same thing but to a 4DR! Lookin good!
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: supazuk on February 28, 2005, 04:35:37 AM
for a second I thought you cut up popsicle!
but looks good!
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: nc_zuk on February 28, 2005, 06:02:03 AM
Quote
for a second I thought you cut up popsicle!
but looks good!


I'm actually giving a lot of thought to doing this same setup on my rig and stretching it just a bit. Maybe later in the year when it's broken after Moab ::)
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: 1bigtracker on February 28, 2005, 09:42:03 AM
that looks very cool!  

Art, do you have any pics of the spring perches?  is it just a flat plate with a tab to capture the spring?

stu
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: TN_Tracker on February 28, 2005, 10:36:33 AM
Nice looking welds there Mr. Lilley. 8)
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: Mikerpm4x4 on February 28, 2005, 10:54:18 AM
Hats off man, Thats one of the nicest home brew 4 links Ive seen. The welds are tremendous too.  ;) Are you gonna be hooking up with the zukiworld crew at all in Moab? I dont remember you posting anything about it.


Mike
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: nc_zuk on February 28, 2005, 11:35:32 AM
Quote
that looks very cool!  

Art, do you have any pics of the spring perches?  is it just a flat plate with a tab to capture the spring?

stu

The spring capturing design is yet to be determined. We have an idea, just gotta try it out. I'm sure there will be pics when it is done.
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: nc_zuk on February 28, 2005, 11:38:40 AM
Quote
Hats off man, Thats one of the nicest home brew 4 links Ive seen. The welds are tremendous too.  ;) Are you gonna be hooking up with the zukiworld crew at all in Moab? I dont remember you posting anything about it.


Mike


Thanks for the kind words. Ya make me blush ;D

Man, I wish we could make it to EJS but it is too soon. We are organizing a Moab trip in June that will last 12 days ;D It's called the "Zuwharrie Road Show: Zu West!" There are around 15 rigs committed so far from all over the us. YOu can read about the trip here ;)

http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic,13634.0.html
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: 1bigtracker on February 28, 2005, 12:26:47 PM
Quote


We are organizing a Moab trip in June that will last 12 days ;D It's called the "Zuwharrie Road Show: Zu West!" There are around 15 rigs committed so far from all over the us. YOu can read about the trip here ;)

[url]http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic,13634.0.html[/url]

Hey Art,  if you guys even wana do "Zu East" give me a ring, i'm in ;)

stu
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: Mikerpm4x4 on February 28, 2005, 12:50:48 PM
Quote


Thanks for the kind words. Ya make me blush ;D

Man, I wish we could make it to EJS but it is too soon. We are organizing a Moab trip in June that will last 12 days ;D It's called the "Zuwharrie Road Show: Zu West!" There are around 15 rigs committed so far from all over the us. YOu can read about the trip here ;)

[url]http://bbs.zuwharrie.com/content/topic,13634.0.html[/url]


:(I was kinda hoping we could hook up in Moab. :'(

Mike
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: Speedracer7c on February 28, 2005, 12:54:43 PM
Man those are some KILLER welds. :o...I wish i could weld like that. Thumbs up man!
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: nc_zuk on February 28, 2005, 01:08:26 PM
Quote


:(I was kinda hoping we could hook up in Moab. :'(

Mike



Yea, would have been a blast for sure!! I would even swap ya vehicles for a trail or 10 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: HotRod on February 28, 2005, 01:52:40 PM
Quote

Hey Art,  if you guys even wana do "Zu East" give me a ring, i'm in ;)

stu

Dang! I wanted to say that, this way I could keep my Yota axles. ;) ;D
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: nc_zuk on February 28, 2005, 09:58:17 PM
We do have a Zu East......... It's called Zuwharrie and it is April 8-10!!!!

http://www.zukiworld.com/cgi/yabb/YaBB.pl?board=adventure;action=display;num=1107641430;start=0#4
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: Mikerpm4x4 on March 01, 2005, 04:40:51 PM
Quote



Yea, would have been a blast for sure!! I would even swap ya vehicles for a trail or 10 ;D ;D ;D

That would be interesting...I probabally wouldnt know how to drive with a straight axle in the front! I havent driven a straight axled wheeler since 99! :P

Mike
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: Jerseyzuks on March 02, 2005, 05:00:08 AM
Quote

Hey Art,  if you guys even wana do "Zu East" give me a ring, i'm in ;)

stu



We do!  Twice a year (Spring & Fall).  The event is held in Troy NC.  Check out www.zuwharrie.com for details
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: 1bigtracker on March 02, 2005, 06:57:07 AM
Quote



We do!  Twice a year (Spring & Fall).  The event is held in Troy NC.  Check out www.zuwharrie.com for details

yea, i plan on being there as soon as i build a rig to play on the rocks with.  my tracker is way too high geared to do anything with on rocks.

stu
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: nc_zuk on March 05, 2005, 01:24:09 AM
Quote

yea, i plan on being there as soon as i build a rig to play on the rocks with.  my tracker is way too high geared to do anything with on rocks.

stu


So come and hang out!! the Zu is more about the people than the trails.  ;)
Title: Re: 4-link in a day
Post by: madvitara on March 05, 2005, 04:55:02 AM
Welds like that are easy u just need to have practised every weekend for most of your adult life ::)