I have never actually worn a CL out to the point that it bound the tie rods up and broke one. Mine now is just moderately loose. It probably can move about 1/2" up and down, so it is not totally trashed. I think for the money I am going to try his solution, and buy the Calmini system if this does not prove strong enough.

Just to add. A 5/8 grade 8 bolt has a tensil strength of 185,000 psi. I have torn my set up apart several times and the bolt is not bent what so ever. I haven't checked the Rockwell hardness on the stock center link pin but it's like butter compared to a grade 8 bolt.

I'm quite sure that the idler arm will bend before the bolt does. I am also testing a steel backed teflon bushing set up in the idler arm which looks very promising.

I'll be at GOX on Friday and Moab on Saturday if any of you are going and want to check it out.


"Life isn't about gas mileage"

Thanks for that addition, TK1. And that's a good tip for anyone considering this - use the proper Grade 8 hardware!


1998 Frontier 4x4 seriously built
2002 Xterra 4x4 still stock