Radius Rod Measurement

[BigBlueVan]

Hi All,

Refitting some new radius rods and have hit a stumbling block.

I took measurements as per the Bentley guide of the thread length from the back nut to end of thread.. however the new radius rods I have clearly have a much longer thread length making my noted measurement useless .
(E D I T: To expand on this the overall length of the rod is the same but the threads cut onto the shaft cover more of the overall shaft length.)

I should have also taken the measurement from the back nut to where the rod enters the lower control arm.
(Later type screw in rod)

Does anyone have a typical value of this to get me somewhere near for now. I'm expecting between 320-350mm.

Thanks, Chris.

[Aidan]

8 -12mm free thread at the front ? NB this was noted on Syncros recently when working on my van, but I'd expect 2wd to be similar, and with original rods and original nuts, but if the length of yours is the same, just the amount of thread is different, then you could go with this till you can check the caster angle, cheap gauge on Ebay less than a tenner, most garages don't seem to understand caster set up

[ZsZ]

You need to do an alignment anyways IMO so make them equal to be able to drive a few miles to the shop.
(Or do it yourself as the repair manual describes with a digital protractor instead of the special tool)

[dcworm57]

So I have my suspension stripped out ready to refurb and fit Brickwerks high lift kit. So I have radius rods out , the front radius rod mounts are well worn so I’m going to weld some plates over to sort them out . While I have the rods out on the bench they look very slightly bent towards the front mounting end , are thy supposed to have a slight bent in or should they be dead straight ??

1989 westy 2WD 

thanks for help , any other suggestions ideas while I’m this far in ?

[Aidan]

Pretty sure the late rods are straight, ask Brickwerks, they sell them

[R0B]

My late 1991 rods are straight.

[ZsZ]

They should be straight

[dcworm57]

What’s the best method to remove these ?

[Aidan]

if they ain't broke then don't

[dcworm57]

They are very slightly bent , threads are shot where the sleeve goes , maybe I will get away with it if the new sleeve goes in the exact same place . Clean the threads up with a die nut and stick with them then ?

[R0B]

If you are going to remove them anyway. I would replace them. I'm trying to imagine how they ended up bent.

[colinthefox]

What’s the best method to remove these ?

If they are the kind with the large hex at the back end you will need a 27mm open ended spanner, but there's a bit more to it. I used a 1+1/16 AF vintage tractor spanner which is a real beast of an open ender, and a jack to rotate it, after applying  lots of diesel over several days.

If that fails, then a large stillson wrench might work, but will probably ruin the radius rod.

[dcworm57]

If you are going to remove them anyway. I would replace them. I'm trying to imagine how they ended up bent.

Yes I’m also wondering how they ended up slightly bent , If I remove them they will be getting replaced. 
cheers 
 

[R0B]

I wonder if some clueless previous owner has used them to jack up the van?