Twisty joints

[CRaSHnBuRN]

Has anyone here heard of "twisty joints"? Basically some sort of twisting mechanism built into a link, so that you can run bushings at both ends without excessive binding. Most of the time the twisty is built out of all thread or something similar, though there are some high dollar joints using this principle being put out by people like sunray. Here is an example of a homemade one used by Bgreen on pirate (big bastardized chevy truggy from alaska)

http://www.akfabshop.com/alaskaoffroad/images/Tech/Front_Suspension/Threaded_End.JPG

The reason I ask is I scored a bunch of 1.5" B7 all thread from work, and I'm thinking about using it to link my rig. I know flex joints would probably be preferable, but its hard to argue with cheap and free. I figure worse case they don't work and I replace them with normal joints down the road if necessary. This is the design I have in my head right now.

http://tamor.us/members-rigs/albums/Build-up/twist.sized.jpg

The all thread (teal) will be placed into some 1.75x.120 DOM (light grey) to help support it along its length. I will then sleeve that into the links (dark grey). The dark green will be the nuts (about 1.5" tall) which will be welded to the tube. I plan on adding some zerk fittings, and will protect the small amount of thread exposed with some O-ring fittings to help keep dirt out. Is there anything I should add or change that might make it work better?

[DRAGOONRANCH]

That should work pretty good and x2 on the zerks.

[robertf03]

gimmicky

aside from weighing more and fixing a problem that doesn't exist, I see those threads galling and ripping out over time.

[Doug Krebs]

gimmicky

aside from weighing more and fixing a problem that doesn't exist, I see those threads galling and ripping out over time.

I agree with flem on the galling. I'd use antiseize instead of grease.

[agjohn02]

I agree with flem on the galling. I'd use antiseize instead of grease.

dont use stainless

[DRAGOONRANCH]

Can you do away w/ the nut on the bushing side and just weld the allthread to the bushing?

[robertf03]

dont use stainless

maybe not galling like that, but I think the thread backlash would be enough to jam the thread in there and do some damage.

[DRAGOONRANCH]

If the allthread is deep enough in the pipe, it shouldn't be able to move much at all.

[agjohn02]

looks like he's got a jamb nut for one side. maybe if you had a couple of inches of thread, but i dont like the idea of just a nut. actually, i dont like the idea at all. johnny joint and a bushing...done.

[eight]

I agree with the flem, except for the galling, would replace with threads wearing out. You need square cut threads for such an application. But its pointless anyway.