Heims or JJ's/flex joints/balistic

Ricky Bobby · Jan 28, 2009

It's time to redo the rear 4 link in the buggy. Just wanted to get some different opinions on all the options that are out there. Advantages? Disadvantages? I'm leaning towards Summit Machine Flex joints (found a good deal on them...)

Also, where do you buy your tubing locally? I used to get it wholesale but no more...

2"x.500" DOM I'm thinking. Thanks! :awesomework:

Not Jobless · Jan 28, 2009

Currie Johnny Joints.

I have'm at each end of the 4 link in the rear that are over 8 years old and have no slop/wear.

They've also come down in price since I bought my 1st set.

crash2 · Jan 28, 2009

Jackazz said:
Currie Johnny Joints.

I have'm at each end of the 4 link in the rear that are over 8 years old and have no slop/wear.

They've also come down in price since I bought my 1st set.

Run those :awesomework:

Only down side to a JJ over a hiem---the space that a JJ takes up.

tomsbrokeagain · Jan 28, 2009

crash said:
Run those :awesomework:

Only down side to a JJ over a hiem---the space that a JJ takes up.

Why JJ over a Summit/rubicon express joint?

I've built some links with the Summit joints and have not had a problem:awesomework:

crash2 · Jan 28, 2009

tomsbrokeagain said:
Why JJ over a Summit/rubicon express joint?

I've built some links with the Summit joints and have not had a problem:awesomework:

Got a link to them tom?

I have seen the JJ's hold up very well--some other brands not so well...

I am not familure with the summit ones..

Not Jobless · Jan 28, 2009

Jeff has used the Rubicon Joints in the past...they held up for less than 6-8 months of weekly wheeling and constantly needed to be rebuilt.

The only thing I found at Summit are Heims (Summit brand) and the Currie JJ's.

tomsbrokeagain · Jan 28, 2009

crash said:
Got a link to them tom?

I have seen the JJ's hold up very well--some other brands not so well...

I am not familure with the summit ones..

Summit oneshttp://www.summitmachine.com/index.php?p=customParts&cp=fj

These joints are found from A LOT!! of different venders all same manufacturing.

tomsbrokeagain · Jan 28, 2009

I liked the design of Ballsitic myself--- no snap ring!
http://www.ballisticfabrication.com/263quot-Heavy-Duty-Ballistic-Joint_p_1226.html

Ballistic also offers quantity discounts.:awesomework:

tomsbrokeagain · Jan 28, 2009

Jackazz said:
Jeff has used the Rubicon Joints in the past...they held up for less than 6-8 months of weekly wheeling and constantly needed to be rebuilt.

The only thing I found at Summit are Heims (Summit brand) and the Currie JJ's.

What failed on his???

Bad design???

Not Jobless · Jan 28, 2009

tomsbrokeagain said:
What failed on his???

Bad design???

The bushing wore fast

Not Jobless · Jan 28, 2009

tomsbrokeagain said:
Summit oneshttp://www.summitmachine.com/index.php?p=customParts&cp=fj

These joints are found from A LOT!! of different venders all same manufacturing.

Ooops, was looking at Summit Racing :redneck:

I still wouldn't use anything but Currie.

They're all pretty much a Currie knock off anyway.

jeepmauler · Jan 28, 2009

Anything would be an improvment over heims,regardless of heim size.

CHOP SHOP · Jan 28, 2009

jeepmauler said:
Anything would be an improvment over heims,regardless of heim size.

x10 million

CHOP SHOP · Jan 28, 2009

Jackazz said:
The bushing wore fast

Im glad the JJs wear along time cuz they are bitch to press together!

tomsbrokeagain · Jan 28, 2009

jeepmauler said:
Anything would be an improvment over heims,regardless of heim size.

Now I am kinda curious other than not being ANY longevity in the PNW what is wrong with a heim.

I am planning and buying parts to build a buggy from scratch, and for what I want I am leaning towards heims. The reason for heims in this application is #1 size, #2 strength, #3 I don't want to risk having joints fall apart because of the joint itself being bashed on rocks. Also I don't plan on building said vehicle for the PNW.

That all being said flex joint over a heim, why?

Not Jobless · Jan 28, 2009

CHOP SHOP said:
Im glad the JJs wear along time cuz they are bitch to press together!

The snap-ring design of the curries are a slight draw back but I've manged to get them together using nothing more than a few sockets and the bench vise.

Not Jobless · Jan 28, 2009

tomsbrokeagain said:
Now I am kinda curious other than not being ANY longevity in the PNW what is wrong with a heim.

I am planning and buying parts to build a buggy from scratch, and for what I want I am leaning towards heims. The reason for heims in this application is #1 size, #2 strength, #3 I don't want to risk having joints fall apart because of the joint itself being bashed on rocks. Also I don't plan on building said vehicle for the PNW.

That all being said flex joint over a heim, why?

Heims wear faster, they develop slop. A good quality Heim is about the same expense as a good JJ but the JJ will out last the Heim.

The only advantage that a Heim has over a JJ is mounting real estate requirements when fabb'n. Some may argue strength but like I said previously, I've been wheelin a set for at least 8 years with no issues.

Who can say they have a set of Heims with 8 years of use that feel as good as new?

CHOP SHOP · Jan 28, 2009

Jackazz said:
Who can say they have a set of Heims with 8 years of use that feel as good as new?

Any good webwheeler:flipoff::haha::haha:

Bunk1 · Jan 28, 2009

I got forged jj's, 4 of them are a bitch to lube and they only lasted 2 years before i had to rebush them...My bad for not lubing them. the 2 rear lowers at the frame end have bent. Im a crappy driver and hit lots of stuff...

I got some 2 inch od 1/2 wall chromo that i can thread for you, And get heat treated. Not cheap but they will last the life of the rig.

Evolution heims havnt worn at all but i can easily lube em.