I am putting a long arm setup on the front of my XJ. I am building my own links. I am torn on material type for the LCAs. Should I use 2x2x1/4" square tube, or 2x1/4" DOM? I am building it up for rock crawling. I can source both materials locally for similar money.

 

Hands down, round bar.

 

Round bar wasn't an option I offered, do you mean 2x1/4" DOM tube? Or do you actually mean solid stock? Why do you feel that way? Superior strength? Slides on rocks easier? I am leaning heavily towards 2x1/4" DOM tube, but interested to hear input from others.

 

Why are you "leaning heavily" towards round tube?

Do you need to bend them or are you keeping the links straight?

Square tube is 70% stronger in bending than round. With LCAs acting as skids, if you don't have to bend it, square tube is the way to go...

 

Square tubing has greater a greater strength to weight ratio in bending compared to round if looking at the moment of inertias alone (only considering geometry). Getting into material properties is another thing. The round DOM tube will have greater yield strength than whatever low alloy the square comes in, and also will not have the stress riser (or manufacturing complications) of an internal seam.

Doing some quick math looking at moment of inertias, square tubing is 43% stronger than round in bending, while only 16% heavier. 23% greater strength/weight. Again, not considering material characteristics.

I'd go DOM personally. More for reasons of packaging and manufacturability than anything.

 

Meant round tube. Not a solid bar. 2x2.25" hollow.

 

I assumed you meant tube, but I have seen solid bar links.

My leaning towards round tube is not based on much of value, it is just what I have seen more of. I do not intend on bending the links. My tires have rubbed the LCAs for 10 years now, haven't missed that little bit of turning radius.

I appreciate the input thus far. It will be early October before I build the front long arm setup. Gathering parts now. Still open to any input.