I think the size and pitch you listed is correct. There was only 1 choice in that metric size that was hardened at my local tractor supply.

 

Sorry. mispoke there...There were maxed out without the spacer. Putting a 1/2" of spacer on each end straightened them out, but I can not reach hole #2 on both sides, even with the spacers.

 

Thanks for following up. So a couple thoughts came to mind here so please bare with me as I think out loud.

For starters I too have the Perrin PSRS which as you are well aware of repositions the LCA some. I cant comment off the top of my head what affect it'll have whether it's for better or worse in terms of end link location.

Also, I am running a stock FSB however I have modified it to move the mounting point inward. I also just picked up Ciro Design Racing FSB brackets. Same idea as the Cusco ones however they offer more adjustability but I'm told a spacer is required for the stiffest setting. For that reason I decided now would be a good time to piece together some endlinks so I can pick and choose what bolts I need to use depending on how long they will need to be with the use of a spacer.

Anyway back to the topic at hand. As far as the rod ends are concerned, I guess it doesnt matter whether they are imperial or metric. What's more important is the inner bore where the bolt goes through. When comparing 3/8 to 10mm the 3/8 is slightly smaller in diameter by .5mm. So I think that will limit me to stay consistent whether its with using imperial or metric pieces. I would prefer to use metric for obvious reasons but if all else fails I will just do them in standard sizing.

Im a little concerned that you found the imperial pieces to offer more articulation. Do you happen to know which size metric ones you were comparing them to?

 

To be honest, I was kindof surprised to see that the PSRS could have move the LCA far enough outboard to have this much of a difference on endlink. It may not be the culprit.

I cant even imagine what kind of spacer Id have to run to get it more stiff than the cusco brackets, especially since I cant get to hole #2 with a 1/2" on both sides.

What is "acceptable" for spacer thickness w/ grade 8 hardware? Ive definitely seen bigger spacers on here than Id be comfortable running. I think Ive just accepted the fact that I just wont have the stiffer adjustments that I was looking for. Hopefully my rear bar on soft wont be too much for the front on "soft" (its stiffest setting).

 

I just held both bolt heads up to each other and noticed that the metric ones were larger. So I assumed it wouldnt help the already limited articulation.

I do agree that the rod end and bolt should match, but I was just going to put the metric stuff in the imperial rod ends. Maybe the head of the rod ends are different for this reason...?

 

Well I think I am going to attempt to piece it together with metric hardware and hope for the best. I'm trying to get away with matching the added stiffness from my Perrin RSB on full soft to my stock FSB with the combination of the adjustable bracket as well as the relocated mounting point on the actual bar.

I didnt even think about the PSRS and what affect that would have. It certainly sucked getting the LCA bolted back on. But hey it added an extra degree of caster so I can't complain.

Did you end up using 2" bolts or were they longer for the ones which you used spacers with?

 

Have you seen this posted by EGBeater? https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/7598925-post35.html

I like how he rounded out the inside's of the bolt heads? He also used spacers on both sides which I found to be interesting.

The one thing that he neglected to use was rod end retaining rings. I wonder if that is limiting him on some articulation? Did you happen to use them?

 

I felt like the 2" ones were too long and got some that were 1 3/4" (im pretty sure they were not 1 1/2"...), not planning to use spacers. I wound up using the 2" where I had spacers and the shorter ones where I didnt.

I did use 1 retaining washer per rod end. If you had one on both sides of the rod end, you dont have to worry about the bolt head. Looks like he accomplishes the same with a small spacer, then the bigger one before the bolt head. Basically accomplishing the same thing as the retaining washer.


2nd pic here is mine. This is before I put any spacers in and Ive also since shortened the links. Need to get a better shot from the front, but you can sort of see how close the bolt head is the the rod end. I may just do what EG did to his....

https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/11168668-post55.html

 

Hmmm, good to know. I think I am going to order 8 retaining washers which may enable additional articulation.

Is there anything specific or unique about the actual bolts you are using other than the fact that they are grade 8? I was hoping to order everything from one source but the fact that I want to use metric hardware seems to be limiting me as the rod ends from Pegasus are about 10 bucks more expensive each relative to McMaster-Carr which adds up quickly.

So in the interest of saving some $ with shipping costs, Im wondering if I can purchase the bolts, locking nuts and jam nuts from a local hardware store of a Lowes/ Home Depot and just get the Rod ends and retaining washers online?

 

Im sure you could. The washers I got from mcmaster are much smaller (good for articulation right next to the rod end) than the ones I could find at the store. I did however replace the small ones with large flat washers from the store where I could.

 

Maybe a silly question but what role/purpose do the washers serve? Say I were to purchase 8 of those special retaining washers in the interest of allowing extra articulation, would they essentially replace/ deem the other washers pointless?

 

In the spots that you use the retaining washers....I think the answer is yes. I did not use washers next to the retainers.

I used the smaller ones in between the bolt heads and the rod ends. And I used the fat ones on the other side of the bar and other side of the bracket.

But Im not a structural guy... I will say that quite a few folks in our club have voiced concern over my current setup. They'd probably have a heart attack if they saw EG's spacers.
Im not concerned.

 

Good to know. Well the plan is to purchase the rod ends and special retaining washers online and source the rest of the parts locally. The question as to bolt lengths remains unknown still but I guess I will have to see what works.

Why are people concerned with your setup? Even if you were to snap an endlink its not like its technically a structural piece which by failing would put you in a dangerous position.

 

2" long will work with 1/2" of spacer and ONE retainer. Id add 1/2" for another retainer + whatever for more spacer.

They are just being overcritical engineers with cabin fever at the end of silly season. Like I said, Im not concerned.

 

Well, I appreciate you assisting me through my countless questions. Once I get it sorted out I will be sure to follow up with what I ended up purchasing and what my feedback would be.

Oh and I take it the ones who were giving you s**t were simply annoyed that you beat them?