250+ looks, nobody with something they want to post. Reading the 'GWRRA going away' you might be right about this being a shrinking group of folks!
See what next week brings...
Was under the trike for some quality time today.
It has (2) 5/8 RH rod ends with .625 openings on the front of the ladder bars.
It has (4) 1/2 RH rod ends with .500 openings on the rear of the ladder bars.
(1) RH and (1) LH 1/2 rod ends with .500 openings on the track bar.
(2) RH and (2) LH 3/8 rod ends with .375 openings on the ladder bar locating links.
Figuring out some things just from reading all the descriptions. There are two types of nylon inserts. One is injection molded, the other is slotted. The slotted ones have CrMo bodies, and weight ratings. The injected ones have no weight rating posted.
The current ones that came with the trike appear to be steel ball, steel body. I dont see a brass race in them.
I found 5/8" and 1/2" rod ends with Zerk (grease) fittings. No 3/8" with zerks, maybe they are too small for that.
Oddly enough, there is no load rating on the 5/8. There is on the 1/2", 7139#. The originals had a load rating of 6928#.
They do NOT have a LH thread greaseable 1/2" listed, it would be part MSML-8Z. Question for the manufacturer.
So as far as the larger ladder bar rod ends, I could move to greaseable ends, seal them, and *hopefully* have lifetime ends with a shot of moly grease every now and then for maintenance. Use nylon or PTFE 3/8 rod ends and seal them too.
BUT... lets go with non greaseable, PTFE or CrMo/slotted nylon options.
Original 3/8 rod ends have a load limit of 5521#.
CrMo/slot nylon 9771# ($16).
PTFE 5310#($13).
1/2" rod ends. Original load is 6928#.
CrMo/slotted nylon is 16,223# (RH $14, LH $24)
PTFE is 9494#, (RH$13. LH$19)
5/8 rod ends. Original load is 10454#
CrMo/slotted nylon is 19751# ($22)
PTFE is 10350# ($16)
So there IS a slight load limit penalty going from stock to PTFE. 100#, nothing I would lose sleep over.
Using the poly isolated rod ends on the track bar:
The isolated rod ends will not work on the upper (frame) end of things. There isnt enough room to slip a 1.4" collar on. I will have to decide if I want to spend ~$80 for one of each just to have the parts should I want to have them on hand if I do choose to go with a polyurethane bushed track bar. Or possibly get (2) RH thread, and use one on the axle end of the track bar, with a PTFE or CrMo/nylon on the upper end where it is tight clearance. Might add enough flex to the system to slow the wear and/or noise.
Having both the track rod AND the 'centering rods/diagonal link' setup does induce a bind during travel. One of the 3/8 rod ends on the ladder bar locating links has worn. That's new. I wonder if taking out the play from the track bar is causing more stress on the 3/8 ends. I have had a couple chassis guys look at the setup, and they all have said its odd to have BOTH systems on one setup, because there WILL be binding in the system. They have also ALL said they have no trike experience, and if thats the way it came.... KEEP IT. So... no answers there. Unless Richard or another Motortrike rep is still around, and can drop some wisdom.
Hopefully PTFE bushings everywhere will allow enough flex to allow for the 'dual locating' design. The noise in the track bar does lessen as you put more air into the air bags. The rattle is my usual indicator that I should to raise the rear bag pressure. I wouldnt mind a softer, slightly lower ride, hopefully with the new PTFE rod ends I can get that without the excessive noise.
Knowing me... probably will order one or two isolated rod ends just in case. Better to have extra parts than solutions needing parts.
So... going to chat with the Rod End manufacturers tomorrow, and see if the PTFE rod ends will fit my needs. If not, see if the CrMo/nylon would be desirable. And check on the 1/2" LH thread greaseable rod end. Popping grease into 8 zerks is not maintenance free, but certainly better than having to take things apart to clean and hand grease them. If the factory feels the PTFE would not give a long life on the ladder bars, the greaseable option is a close second. I would be inclined to use the PTFE on the track and 'ladder locator' bars in this case.
Thats about it for todays progress. Feel free to chime in!