Replacing lost FLCA rod ends

[1988montecarloss]

Bought some modified FLCA for my s13 awhile back that have rod ends where they mount to the car instead of the typical bushing but when they showed up in the mail the box was destroyed and the rod ends were missing (USPS big surprise) I think I found what I needed but want to double check before I order anything

Here's a pic of the thread on the end and a link to what I'm thinking of buying

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/AFCO-2...xUJhoCr_7w_wcB


how to take screenshots

[derass]

That thread could be anything really, but 3/4" looks about right. You could probably check with a bolt or tap too. But that's a big size and might be hard to find easy and cheap. Maybe a machinist could help you.

Also those spacers might not match the width of the slot in the subframe. You could try to force everything together with either a hammer or pry-bar, possibly have those turned down on a lathe, or have new ones machined up.

Don't know anything about that AFCO brand, but QA1 and Aurora are the big names I know for rod-ends.

[1988montecarloss]

Originally Posted by derass

That thread could be anything really, but 3/4" looks about right. You could probably check with a bolt or tap too. But that's a big size and might be hard to find easy and cheap. Maybe a machinist could help you.

Also those spacers might not match the width of the slot in the subframe. You could try to force everything together with either a hammer or pry-bar, possibly have those turned down on a lathe, or have new ones machined up.

Don't know anything about that AFCO brand, but QA1 and Aurora are the big names I know for rod-ends.

Yeah I've had trouble finding a way to measure a thread that size locally so figured I'd post in case there's a common thread people use but milling down the spacers or drilling them to fit a larger bolt isn't a big deal as long as they're not too small so I don't have to use washers or something

[Def]

All rod ends are UNF thread. That looks like a -12 rod end, and they're all interchangeable.

If this is on an S13, the bolt OD is 14 mm through the control arm, so you'd have to likely cut or extend the spacers some, and then drill out the spacers if they're not 14 mm. 9/16" is actually close enough, so not too hard to find a bit and do that if you're using say 1/2" ID spacers.


I would personally not use rod ends like those AFCOs in that location, as those small 2 pc rod ends are not the most durable. For something about the same cost or maybe cheaper, look at a QA1 XMR12. eBay is actually a decent place to get rod end spacers and the like. You can probably find something close to the width you need (I want to say it's around 45 mm or so, but measure), and maybe add a few washers to space.

[Def]

BTW, UNF for 3/4" is 16 threads per inch if you want to take them into Home Depot or the like and check the thread before you order. The other likely size (which looks too small based on your pic) is 5/8"-18.

[1988montecarloss]

Originally Posted by Def

All rod ends are UNF thread. That looks like a -12 rod end, and they're all interchangeable.

If this is on an S13, the bolt OD is 14 mm through the control arm, so you'd have to likely cut or extend the spacers some, and then drill out the spacers if they're not 14 mm. 9/16" is actually close enough, so not too hard to find a bit and do that if you're using say 1/2" ID spacers.


I would personally not use rod ends like those AFCOs in that location, as those small 2 pc rod ends are not the most durable. For something about the same cost or maybe cheaper, look at a QA1 XMR12. eBay is actually a decent place to get rod end spacers and the like. You can probably find something close to the width you need (I want to say it's around 45 mm or so, but measure), and maybe add a few washers to space.

this is a huge help man! think ive got it all sorted out now, will update the thread once i get the parts installed

[Def]

Looked at my build thread from 2014 when I did my FLCAs - I used EXMR10s. So EXMR12s would be the carbon steel version. XMR12's are the chromoly versions I think - pricier, and no real need for our cars and that location.

[1988montecarloss]

finally got all my rod ends in, everything fits together and ill just need to shave the spacers down a little bit to fit in the subframe, part #'s are qa1 exmr12 for the rod ends and afco 10277 for the spacers in the sides in case anyones wondering, also ordered some other spacers for my front ball joints/knuckes pictured below, the balljoint shank doesnt have a hole drilled for a cotter pin but the nut is a lock nut think itll be okay?






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