I'd quite like to know peoples opinions on using these as the lower ball joint on a front suspension set up. I was thinking of using them along with a internally threaded taper adapter to fit my hubs, but I don't know if I like having the full suspension loads going through one M12 bolt, bearing in mind my project is a bit beefier than most.

[Edited on 4/5/10 by Badger_McLetcher]

Not a good idea.

For starters, you'd be putting a 12mm bolt under serious bending loads.

And, although the radial load is stated as 6100+lbs, it is recommended that only 10% of that be used as the load you would be putting on it. That's a max side load of about 600lb. That's in static condition as well.

Just not enough safety factor, to me, anyway.

Better to use a larger spherical, in a custom made housing, like the racecars do.

Cheers,
Nev.

Not a good idea.

For starters, you'd be putting a 12mm bolt under serious bending loads.

And, although the radial load is stated as 6100+lbs, it is recommended that only 10% of that be used as the load you would be putting on it. That's a max side load of about 600lb. That's in static condition as well.

Just not enough safety factor, to me, anyway.

Better to use a larger spherical, in a custom made housing, like the racecars do.

Cheers,
Nev.

ALWAYS use a male threaded ball joint on suspension.

Cheers guys, I'd pretty much figured the same but wanted to know I wasn't being too conservative!
The hunt for the articulation systems continues!