lotus54 Posted 10 hours ago Report Share Posted 10 hours ago On my original 2014 Explorer (sold a couple years ago) I broke the suspension linkage a couple of times. I bought some Titanium ones and they were great (with lube fittings). But the company no longer makes them. I suspect they didn’t sell very many at all. Since I like learning things and have been working on Fusion (3D CAD) I have been designing a new linkage. I am basing off 2015 links (larger main link) but going to change to needle bearings in the middle of the link, with lubrication passages. The other ones would be a lot more difficult to change from the bushings, but I can still put lube passages. I have 3D printed the parts so I can test fit and make sure I got dimensions correct. Measuring/comparing to stock- I think I’m right on. The Ti ones I bought all the fittings to grease, I used to do so after every ride since there were no seals at all and the new grease would help push out contaminates. The needle berarings I found do have seals, so I will see about not doing it nearly as much if they really are effective. I can get them made out of any material I want- just a matter of cost. Once I have verified all is how I want, I will send the CAD files to a couple manufactures and get prices. I expect a good steel would be a LOT cheaper than titanium, and while heavier, most still quite a lot stronger than the stock aluminium parts. It has been a fun project so far- I will keep posting as it moves along. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
konrad Posted 39 minutes ago Report Share Posted 39 minutes ago Worthwhile project! To get some idea of titanium's cost, here is a company that sells titanium fasteners: https://www.probolt-usa.com/titanium/?page=3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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