It is currently Fri Mar 29, 2024 5:23 am




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 13 posts ] 
Author Message
 Post subject: Centerlink install instructions
PostPosted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 9:59 am 
Offline
Club Vice President
User avatar

Joined: Wed Oct 06, 2010 8:28 pm
Posts: 5410
Location: West Hartford, CT
While having my fluids changed & truck on the hoist.... Found out that the steering has a whole lot of play. Did know a steering upgrade was in order, I guess it's time. Also looks like the front driver bearing needs to be replaced, the wheel wobbles when you grab it & try to move for inside & out. My grease repack last winter probably wasn't good enough.

1. Thinking of Grassroots centerlink, but it talks about drilling the pitman arm - how difficult is this install for some with maybe a 4-5 out of 10 mechanical skill?

2. Hear the SLR system required no drilling but I think they are out of business now

3. Does anyone have centerlink install instructions with pics? Pics help me ID stuff... Being stupid and all!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Centerlink install instructions
PostPosted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 11:17 am 
Offline
Supporting Member

Joined: Thu Aug 02, 2012 1:37 pm
Posts: 498
i dont think theres any point in buying an aftermarket center link and spending all that money, unless you replace the whole steering system. you should just stick with OEM replacement.

_________________
Build - viewtopic.php?f=71&t=6724


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Centerlink install instructions
PostPosted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 11:55 am 
Offline
Club Vice President
User avatar

Joined: Wed Oct 06, 2010 8:28 pm
Posts: 5410
Location: West Hartford, CT
With something like Total Chaos kit? Any other steering systems recommended?

My options are open at this point, thx.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Centerlink install instructions
PostPosted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 12:48 pm 
Offline
Supporting Member

Joined: Thu Aug 02, 2012 1:37 pm
Posts: 498
total chaos is tough as hell probably best steering out there for 1st gens, you should give them a call tho cause this stuff might be on back order. im running calmini and its also a beast steering but if i had the money and had to choose between this two Total Chaos is the way to go.

and as to replacement both are very easy just take your time, go step by step and have the right tools

_________________
Build - viewtopic.php?f=71&t=6724


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Centerlink install instructions
PostPosted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 3:38 pm 
Offline
Supporting Member

Joined: Thu Aug 02, 2012 1:37 pm
Posts: 498
on the other side if u never plan to run a bigger tire like 33, u dont need an upgraded steering. just replace the center link get a good IAB, and some beefed up tie rod links

_________________
Build - viewtopic.php?f=71&t=6724


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Centerlink install instructions
PostPosted: Sat Aug 03, 2013 9:59 pm 
Offline
Global Moderator
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2006 1:18 pm
Posts: 11640
Location: Brooklyn, NY
OK, let’s talk about the “Steering linkage” on our 1st Gen Xterra; the “center link” or “Relay Rod”, the “Pitman Arm”, the “Idler Arm” and two “Tie-rod Assemblies”. As we talk keep in mind that all of these parts are “wear” parts and will need to be replaced at some time.

The harder you are (the more you wheel) on these parts the faster they wear.

Changing the “Center Link” (CL) is as easy/hard as changing your Tie-rod Assemblies; four nuts off of four ball joints. Pop them out the same as you would your tie rod ends. Loosen the nuts on the inner tie rod ends to the end of the threads and whack them with a hammer. When it releases, take the nut off and move the Tie-rod Assembly to the side. Then loosen the nuts connecting the CL to the pitman and idler arms to the end of the threads and whack them with a hammer. The CL should fall into you hand.
Put the new one in reverse, torque to spec and install new cotter pins.

From ST-27 of the FSM;
Image

You can still get SLR stuff from Spencer through Mike (svendog) on this board or Jason (BlueX on ClubX)

I have an SLR set up. From what I’ve been told the “Grassroots” center-link is very similar if not the same as the SLR center-link.
SLR is a re-built OEM center-link. The ball joints are taken out and the ends of the center-link are machined to accept two spherical bearings at each end; four bearings like this;

Image

in all and a split ring on the top of each side to hold them in place. Sorry I have no picture of mine out of the truck. The SLR steering kit includes a reinforced and drilled out Pitman Arm;

Image

…and a reinforced and drilled out Idler Arm;

Image

As far as I know Grassroots does not supply the modified Pitman/Idler arms. I assume that is why they talk about drilling them out; you just drill your OEM ones. This really isn’t that difficult as long as you have a drill press and a jig to hold the piece in place while you drill. I’ve heard of guys drilling these out with a hand drill but I wouldn’t. This self modified arm would not be reinforced as the SLR rebuilt ones. I have never heard of a non-modified one failing but again, I have the SLR ones.

SLR then uses shoulder bolts that run through the bearings to connect the center-link to the Arms (see pictures above).

The Calmini kit uses all new parts, not rebuilt OEM ones. Some folks love it some hate it. I think the main problem is the lack of support and customer service from Calmini rather that the kit itself. I know that the size bushing that is used in their idler arm has varied over the years causing problems when trying to rebuild them.

This brings us to the reason to buy an aftermarket center-link rather than replacing OEM with OEM. Yes the aftermarket is a bit stronger but like I said, all of these parts are “wear” parts and need to be replaced at some time. The reason to buy an aftermarket center-link is that it can be rebuilt when it begins to wear.

As you “beef up” parts of your steering the others become the weakest link in your “linkage”. This is why, as Damian has said, unless you are going to replace the whole system it might not make sense.

Total Chaos steering comes with a pitman and idler arm. You need to use Total Chaos Tie-rod Assemblies with their kit as their CL will not accept our OEM ones. This seems to me both a blessing and a curse. Their Tie-rod Assemblies use Heim Joints in place of the ball joint type ends on our OEM Tie-Rod-Ends. They are stronger but can only be replaced with another “Total Chaos Tie-rod Assembly”. Total Chaos also makes extended and reinforced lower control arms that can be used with coil-overs eliminating the OEM torsion bars! The complete Total Chaos set up is awesome and would be great but a bit expensive and not quite what works best for what I use my truck for. For that kind of money I’d just SAS my junk.

So after all that what would I do? If ya plan to wheel that bitch I’d get in touch with Spencer through Mike and buy his kit. Second choice would be a Calmini kit.
I can put ether in for you in a few hours but I think you could do it on your own. You’d need an alignment right after…

I’d replace with an OEM and get an idler arm brace (I have a modified Total Chaos one that is pictured above and that I think is the best) as Damian suggested before I bought a Grassroots.

Did I help or make it worse? :?

_________________
Bklyn.X
ImageImage
"...burning commentary of bullshit masquerading as insight."


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Centerlink install instructions
PostPosted: Sun Aug 04, 2013 11:32 am 
Offline
Forum User

Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2007 1:48 pm
Posts: 570
Location: Northern New Jersey
When had my first gen, I upgraded to a Hoo-Ha centerlink (forerunner of grassroots?). It was well built. I also upgraded the idler arm with Bandit 4x4 bushings, and had an ilder arm brace for years. The pitman arm was OEM.

While I only rand 32's, I did wear out the OEM centerlink pretty quick once I put in the front locker. Trying to turn the wheels while locked put a good bit of stress on the centerlink. The Hoo-Ha held up well, until the truck got totaled.

k_enn


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Centerlink install instructions
PostPosted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 4:16 pm 
Offline
Club Vice President
User avatar

Joined: Wed Oct 06, 2010 8:28 pm
Posts: 5410
Location: West Hartford, CT
Thanks Tom, Ken & Damien. I do have an idler arm brace & Bandit bushings, everything else is stock. I'm thinking a full steering kit is the best way to go, specially since I'll like to get 33's at some point.

I'm going to get in touch with Mike (Svendog) to see if SLR is still a possibility.


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Centerlink install instructions
PostPosted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 5:27 pm 
Offline
Global Moderator
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2006 1:18 pm
Posts: 11640
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Cool. If ya can't get Mike and need/want me to reach out to Jason let me know.

_________________
Bklyn.X
ImageImage
"...burning commentary of bullshit masquerading as insight."


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Centerlink install instructions
PostPosted: Mon Aug 05, 2013 6:34 pm 
Offline
Club Vice President
User avatar

Joined: Wed Oct 06, 2010 8:28 pm
Posts: 5410
Location: West Hartford, CT
Thanks Tom, will do.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Centerlink install instructions
PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 11:04 am 
Offline
Global Moderator
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2006 1:18 pm
Posts: 11640
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Bump for Eric Romeo.
I can PM you Spencer's email if you want it.

_________________
Bklyn.X
ImageImage
"...burning commentary of bullshit masquerading as insight."


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Centerlink install instructions
PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 8:16 pm 
Offline
Forum User
User avatar

Joined: Fri Sep 01, 2006 11:13 am
Posts: 1998
Location: DE, CT, NY
Bklyn.X wrote:
Bump for Eric Romeo.
I can PM you Spencer's email if you want it.


Thank you for the information. I think im going to stick with the OEM stuff for now and might upgrade to SLR later. I just ordered all new steering components so i should be good for a while after i put them in.

Thanks :thumbup:

_________________
My Xterra On Cardomain.com


Top
 Profile  
 
 Post subject: Re: Centerlink install instructions
PostPosted: Thu Jul 24, 2014 8:20 pm 
Offline
Global Moderator
User avatar

Joined: Sun Jan 15, 2006 1:18 pm
Posts: 11640
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Cool


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

_________________
Bklyn.X
ImageImage
"...burning commentary of bullshit masquerading as insight."


Top
 Profile  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 13 posts ] 

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 6 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
cron
Theme designed by stylerbb.net & programy © 2008
Powered by phpBB © 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007 phpBB Group
[ Time : 0.456s | 13 Queries | GZIP : Off ]
All times are UTC - 5 hours