Steering linkage

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LarryConrad

Well-Known Member
Joined
Jan 20, 2007
Messages
2,773
My preferred method of rigging steering linkage is with pull pull cables on a hanger 9 aluminum Servo wheel. Due to the unavailability of the Servo wheels, I need to try something different with my two dragon builds. Im undecided between using Sullivan cables or solid push rods. What do you use on your tunnels and why?
 
All my .21 boats use the Hangar 9 pull/pull wheel with cables. Just keep an eye on fleebay for those made for Futaba. .45's and up use solid rods. Most likely going carbon fiber on the gasser when completed.
 
I use solid push rods like Jerry ..... back in the 80/90’s I used the Sullivan cables but I figured solid rods are way better!

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Jerry,

My first few tunnels used solid rods, joined with wheel collars to add additional adjustability. Grim turned me on to the pull pull setups and I preferred the clean simple installation. I have also had several boats rigged with the heavier Sullivan cables with the yellow outer sheaths. For my two Dragons I am wanting to try solid pushrods either of 1/8” stainless steel or some small diameter carbon fiber tubes with titanium threaded ends.
 
I had used GoldenRod flexible cables for years, pull pull. Easy to rig and adjust. Still have a few boats rigged this way. A number of years back after loosing a heat with the right side of the steering disconnected and I couldn't steer and finish. The "light came on" and I determined with solid rods the left side would have held enough to keep steering. I can't say either is better when they work. Rods can steer the motor with either side. More reliable, end of story.

Mic
 
yo.. seeing how youre up there in fishin land.... I use the berkely steel plastic coated cables ( they make 2 diameters) because... well you guys have all the toothy fish.... the crimps (I loop and double), either come with or separate I don't remember... but... in harmony with this using 440 dubro ( I lack the part or name thereof)... its threaded 440 ala install a clevis on it after drilling or soldering or both, and you don't need the **** pull pull wheel that's obsolete .... on the powerhead end... I use the same dubro part with the threads drilled, cable, crimps.... for a ball link part same as you.... reasoning for threaded parts is.... adjustment to keep the cables tensile as you make height or angle adjustments per tuning.... solid rods... get bent... and ive blown off.... a lot... I don't like rusty set screws with wheel collars.... granted... they keep the powerplant.... planted... cables... if youre not diligent on threaded upkeep will speed wobble... pick your poison theres more pros and cons.... its your boat.... good luck....
 
I use the 4-40 push rods on all my tunnels.

Dave
 
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4-40 rods all the way mate. I solder them at the clevis on the servo end as one of the last things in my builds
 
I use 5/32" dia spring steel piano wire for steering push rods in my .45 tunnel hull. The 4-40 threaded ends are soft soldered into the drilled ends of the 5/32" rods. Adjustment of each rod is done with the aluminum connecting block that has four locking set screws. Each 5/32" rod end, located inside the aluminum block, has a machined flat area for the two set screws to lock against. The system gives very positive, rigid steering control with two metal geared servos working together. The PTO steering arm, with lightening holes, is 3/16" thick.

Jim Allen

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I use 5/32" dia spring steel piano wire for steering push rods in my .45 tunnel hull. The 4-40 threaded ends are soft soldered into the drilled ends of the 5/32" rods. Adjustment of each rod is done with the aluminum connecting block that has four locking set screws. Each 5/32" rod end, located inside the aluminum block, has a machined flat area for the two set screws to lock against. The system gives very positive, rigid steering control with two metal geared servos working together. The PTO steering arm, with lightening holes, is 3/16" thick.

Jim Allen
Well, Jim's set up shows the difference between a machinist and a retired elementary school teacher when it comes to steering rod connectors.
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Very nice work.

JD
 
The 2 56 and 4 40 Dubro swivel ball links I use look like the links you have attached to your lower unit steering arm.
 
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