GTSLOW
Rock Crawler
Just curious if anyone's ever ran brass links?
I haven't and I'm not sure why you'd want to. If you want links made from soft metal there's plenty of aluminum rods and links to go around.
Aluminum has the best strength to weight maybe but it is much softer than stainless or titanium so instead of sliding over rocks they scrape and gouge which isn't good.I have wanted to make brass links, think they would look good.
but when I think about strength vs. weight, it is hard to beat aluminum.
also prefer aluminum over stainless steel. I can add weight to the knuckles if more
weight is called for. titanium would be good except for the cost.
3/16 " rod 10-32 die and tap, revo rod ends, some elbow grease, voila - links.
bottom line - it is worth doing for looks, just do not expect them not to bend.
I think there are better places to add weight, but interesting concept.Additional weight under the chassis.
I think there are better places to add weight, but interesting concept.
Even 3/16 and 1/4 brass rod is easily bendable by hand. Doesn't make sense in a strength vs. weight comparison as they will not keep their shape under any real use. Your first big tumble will alter your link geometry.
You could sleeve stainless steel threaded rod with brass for the looks, but if your after weight, the difference between stainless and brass is really negligible in these quantities. Your best bet is to cut/thread solid stainless rod or cover stainless threaded rod with thick walled stainless tube.