Now I know that I'm probably going to get some sarcastic remarks about why would I want to etc, but what are the negatives to using rose-joints For things like Track-rod ends or Roll-bar Drop links? I have heard that they will wear quicker on road cars as they are not made for the abuse (for instance yes they would take more punishment on a rally car, but are probably renewed every rally).
The obvious advantages would be that they would tighten up the suspension and offer in most applications more adjustability, but would the cost out weigh the disadvantages?
Sensible discussion prefered.

 

Tighten up? Rock solid would be a better description

 

as is always the case with a road car,, its always a compromise,
for me it would depend on what type of road car im using,,, Something i drive everyday and do a good few miles in, then i would stay clear, but in a car that i drove one a month on a sunday blast, yes i could put up with the increase in NVH.

 

To be honest my Escos is entirely metal to metal, the only bush on the suspension anywhere is the rear diff mount. I don't think it really makes it too harsh at all, and the handling is razor sharp.

 

Expensive for proper rose joints, wouldn't even dream of buying cheap!

 

Not looking to buy cheap, Just want sharper handling, with more adjustability, but the major thing is, If I buy say new drop links from the motor factors, they are a tenner for the pair, but they last 10 months tops and they are going before that, ford want over £90 for the pair, but you can get good quality rose-joints for the same as the ford stuff, then as long as they can handle the day in day out, economically it becomes more viable at the same time as removing the play in the standard equipment.

Would you say it has been worth while? and how long has your set up been like this?

 

Use this company for all of our rod ends at work:

http://www.johnhandleybearings.com/resb.htm

Excellent service and competitive prices. The rod ends we use go on test equipment but they do have a brand aimed at motorsport (RESB).

 

For your escort mate?

If so, the only ones I'd do are the bottom arm joints, stopped any torque steer I had and felt so much better, bit harsher but nothing drastic.

Your anti roll bar drop links are pretty pointless, the roll bar is tiny and dosnt effect much anyway.

It does mate the car a bit harsher but nothing major, and the cost for a joint that would last longer would not be worth while changing too IMHO

 

Yeah Jim, for my black Escort, I went polybushed lower arms a couple of months back, seem ok, but alot of people reckon that they will rip out sooner or later so might have to go back to Ford for those, but fed up of the other bits wearing quicker cos the rest of the suspension is uprated. Can you send me details of what you have done to the lower arm joint? not worried about the car feeling harsher to be fair.

 

If you fit them to a road car I would fit the rubber boots and grease pack them, to help avoid ware and also stops crap getting into them. McGill Motorsport are one of the best places to get them from.

 

+1 !!!!

 

Or just use rose joints with grease nipples in them and every so often go round them with a grease gun!