I just got a 4.5 Rusty's lift. I opted for adjustable upper and lower control arms. I wanted to get the front end put together today. However, when I started looking at the "Rusty's Off-Road Forged rod ends", i got all confused. They are equipt with flex joints that have an adjustable pre-load. What is the correct pre-load? All four end come assembled without any specific pre-load, and none of the pre-load set pins come installed. The directions just say to set the pre-load, not what it should be. And, there isn't any info on the web site. I know this is a question best answered by Rusty, however i was hoping to install them today.

Any help with this would be greatly appreciated.

 

from what i understand on their website the preload adjusts the pressure on the flex joint so make sure that there isnt any play or binding when the flex joints swivels if its to tight or to loose you wil have to adjust it accordingly im not sure how you adjust them but thats what i gathered from reading their page hope that helps some

 

One side of the forging is threaded. A plate screws into the housing, retaining the ball. A set screw holds the plate in place.

What I plan to do - Screw the plates in until a can't move the ball by hand. Tighten them so they can be moved with the bolt through the hole. Keep the movement snug and smooth. I'm referencing what I know to be the movement of new, non-adjustable rod ends.

 

thats exactly what you want nice and snug with no binding