LocostUSA.com

Just wanted to pass this along to the group.

I ordered some rod ends from this place late last week, they arrived today & I thought they had good prices and selection: http://www.qscomponents.com/

Which ones did you get?

I bought the budget 1/2" ones for my outboard suspension links on the rear suspension, and some of the 3/8" ones for the rear toe adjustment.

I'm not sure how long the budget model will hold up, but the 1/2" ones were rated at over 12,000 pounds of radial force, so I'm sure they're waaayy overrated for the Locost.

The only thing I noticed is it seems like they charge a flat $8.10 for s/h, so it would be worthwhile to order everything you need at once.

Hah! I can explain how they came up with $8.10 'cause we do the exact same thing when we sell rod ends and brackets at Kinetic: ship them via US Post Office Priority Mail in a $8.10 flat rate box. It's a box that'll hold a hundred rod ends, I'll bet (and I'll bet the post office wasn't thinking many folks would use them that way). Clear evidence that great minds think alike.

Though I guess we don't think <that> much alike, since I note we stock entirely different sizes. Are those folks circle track racers, perchance?
Jack <www.kineticvehicles.com>

One little piece of advice I would like to add in here regarding the load rating.

Although I only used these for a set of swaybar end links (first on a MINI, and then onto my WRX), I used aluminum versions, figuring they would still be more than strong enough. Well, they snapped in the aluminum 'body' of the link. I am assuming that the load rating is the bearing portion only.
Bottom line, go with the cheaper (although not quite as sexy) steel joints.



BTW, I got mine from McMaster-Carr. Great option for shipping to Canada, as they will ship Purolator Courier, who do not charge duties, tax or handling fees for items under $2000. UPS will charge an arm and a leg, even for the smallest part.

Steve

Mcmaster carr is a very good place to get parts. They generally ship the same day. Great return policy. And LOTS of selection.

Something else I came across at Aircraft Spruce.

Neoprene seals for rod ends.

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/appages/sealsit.php

Steve

I used those on my custom end links. I for the price ya can't beat them for a little assurance.

The Firecat guy like these:

http://www.midwestcontrol.com/buy.php?item=621

STAINLESS STEEL ROD ENDS

Fully polished, investment cast, stainless steel rod end. 5⁄8" RH shank, 1⁄2" hole, complete with nylon bushings and steel sleeve. Straight, 7° or 11° available.


$14.95
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/p/1584,,_ ... -08051-STR

http://WWW.SPEEDWAYMOTORS.COM
Chet posted the Catherham part but I couldn't find the thread, thought I would post here.

Just wasted a little of my morning doing price comparison. McMaster&Carr had the widest selection of rod end sizes and also, on every piece, they were from $1 to $4 cheaper. If you are trying to find the weld in threaded tube, use their search for "threaded tube end".

Thanks! I've used Mcmaster for years and had no idea they had those.

I just browsed this site again and they've added some useful stuff at good prices... like DOM tubing and weld in bungs that fit.

http://www.qscomponents.com