Hotchkis Center Link

[indymachinist]

I posted in the suspension forum about this but didn’t get much action so I am cross posting it here as it applies to these trucks. I think I’m probably going to order one of these.

Has anyone actually used one of the Hotchkis steering center links to control bump steer? I see it gets mentioned from time to time but only that it is available. I haven’t seen any input about how it works or if anyone thinks its worth it.

This is the part I am talking about. Hotchkis 34390

https://www.hotchkis.net/product/new...ion-new-34390/

[RustyPile]

I'm not sure how that center link will correct bump steer.. Most bump steer issues are introduced when the truck is drastically lowered. At designed ride height, proper steering/suspension designs have the tie rod running parallel and equal length with the lower control arm.. Also the outer tie rod/steering arm intersection is horizontally parallel to the lower ball joint.

When our trucks are drastically lowered, the tangent of the upper ball joint is relocated.. The bump steer is caused by a camber change and toe angle as the spindle articulates through it's travel.. Has nothing to do with centerlink..

[KQQL IT]

Originally Posted by RustyPile

I'm not sure how that center link will correct bump steer.. Most bump steer issues are introduced when the truck is drastically lowered. At designed ride height, proper steering/suspension designs have the tie rod running parallel and equal length with the lower control arm.. Also the outer tie rod/steering arm intersection is horizontally parallel to the lower ball joint.

When our trucks are drastically lowered, the tangent of the upper ball joint is relocated.. The bump steer is caused by a camber change and toe angle as the spindle articulates through it's travel.. ..

Has nothing to do with centerlink

But it's all connected.
Both arms and tie rod angles have to intersect or you'll have bump steer. Even completely stock height will bump steer at full droop

[indymachinist]

From what I can gather the hotchkis piece moves the inner tie rod pick up points up. That should help bring tie rod angles closer to stock on a dropped truck.

What I can’t find is how much height change is built into the bar, or any installed photos.

[Rust_never_sleeps]

That part is described as a direct factory replacement, so seems like it's for stock height suspension. The Specifications tab is blank, so....

[Rust_never_sleeps]

....though it might be the part that's included in their 4/6 drop kit, so :shrug:

https://www.hotchkis.net/product/tvs...sm=20#overview

[Rust_never_sleeps]

"4′ Drop Front, 6′ Drop Rear" so you'll want to bring a shovel to get in the door ;-)