ok guys.....other than being ghettofied.....why don't more people used square boxtubing for control links.....my reasoning is cost....i can get 1.5" 3/16" wall box for $1.50/ft.....i can't find 1.5" round tube for less than double that with a comparable wall thickness....anybody have any true drawbacks to using square tube?.....i'm planning on a setup very close to what that forrest guy has goin in udner his truck. :D

I had the same idea. I have used 1.5"dia x.25" DOM for my other links but couldn't bring myself to dump that much into a budget-minded rid. I opted to go with FJ80 raduis arms for this one as I found one set free.:D I just need scrouge one more pair.

If I am not mistaken(my out for flaming:flipoff2: )The basic difference in the cross-sectional strength of round and square is as follows: round is stronger in torsion(twisting about centerline) than square tube while square tube is stronger when a bending force is applied.

So what would happen if you welded the Square tube into the Round, do you get all the bennifit and none of the weakness'???
:rolleyes: :flipoff2: :flipoff2: :rolleyes:

<JK>, but really, it is do-able, but I'll leave it up to you engineering students and such to do the math.
I really am curious, you could cut slots in the Round stock every so often for welding to the inner Square tube. at work we figure that 1" of fusion weld is equal to one 2 thickness spot for sheet metal welding. and 1" welds should not warp the tubing.

ok 'nuff of me trying (poorly), to be a Smart A$$. :D

i was thinking the same thing on the torsional vs. direct force strength.....but i am going to run johnny joints at both ends of the lower links(just got them in the mail today)....so i don't think torsion is going to be a problem....thanks for the input.....

Weight and cosmetics. Square tubing weighs more than round of comparable strength (the square corners don't add any usable strength, but add material). Most people like the looks of round vers square.....

If you can live with how it looks, don't worry about it....

they should make triangler tubing :flipoff2:

Doesn't this sort of go in the same category as solid tierods vs. tubed ones? Solid stuff bends much faster than tube as a tube will just dent, not bend. I disagree that square is stronger. Round is stronger, same as a dome is stronger than a square building. Any one see the VW comercials? round is better.:)

As far as cost goes, you need to check around a little more, that seems awfully high. I would give you that big ol' pile of scrap in my back yard.....but I'm not that nice:flipoff2: .

Originally posted by twistedmetal

As far as cost goes, you need to check around a little more, that seems awfully high. I would give you that big ol' pile of scrap in my back yard.....but I'm not that nice:flipoff2: .

the main reason i'm gettin shitty prices is b/c i can't order enough quantity to get the price down.....

Square in the same OD will be stronger for what you are asking it to , so just do it.

Looks dont matter here right? :D

Hmm, square is mechanical tubing not pipe, I think I may have an idea...

wish those JD-2 dies were cheaper for square tubing... I wonder if I bought some 2" plate if I could make some at school? A 180 die centered in the lathe would have the floor thumping pretty good!
Ken