What if you were to put a piece of C channel upside down between the frame rails and then somehow attach some rollers to the top of the CL like this.


Use some sort of sealed bearing for the rollers. Could this work?

Nope. The idler and pitman move through an arc, so the centerlink moves fore and aft in relationship to the frame, not just side to side.

So now, with this thing in place, the centerlink is essentially up against the frame. Wouldn't tie-rods break more easily now ?

Flex in the steering system is there by design. Removing all of it is a bad thing.

O.K. How about making the C-channel move back and forth also, maybe with some sort of set up like they do with roler coasters i.e. a wheel on bottom and wheel on top to keep it from falling off?

It might have a few moving parts but it would eliminate the friction.

Wouldn't it just be easier to replace the steering (Calmini/SLR) rather than using the "Mr. Fussion"/ Flux Capacitor method?

Isn't the idea to have fewer parts to break and replace?

Sure it is, I was just thowing ideas around. Creative thinking is still allowed around here isn't it or have we all been reduced to name calling and sarcasm.

...Snicker...

Then you're back to square one, but now have two things that move and will end up wearing. You've also added a great deal of complexity and cost.

CALMINI's design is the correct solution (simple, cheap, mechanically sound), let the centerlink do one job, and one job only, keep the arms in phase.

Ok, I'll start with XOC- you call it a band-aid. Well take another look at the idlerarm brace what would you call that? By your definition I would call that a band-aid to but most of us use it. I'm not looking to reinvent the steering because it works fine when all the parts are new. I'm just trying to keep it all new and after five wheeling trips everything is still straight. I have now problem with the other solutions, I just can't throw down a grand at one time like a lot of peaple. I'm just giving everyone an option.
axle59- I also thought about your idea. One problem, the rotation can only be controlled at the tierod unless you mount something to the centerlink where ever the roller hits. Now your still talking $$$.
From my observation it's not just the tierod hitting the frame that breaks them. The joint on the tierod has a slot it moves in. It is only suppose to move back and forth. Once the centerlink twists up the ball joint is passed it's range of movement. And it snaps. That is why I think it was DesertRat that was also able to break the EOE adjusters.
If I missed an other real questions I'm sorry. There was to much bull about other things

Ian/Carlton I could give a rats ass what either of you think, it works plain and simple...truth hurts doesn't it.

Marty I will be in touch on some refinements I and a few others at ECXC discussed and came up with which I think you will like...nothing major just to simplify the installation and there will be a forth point of attachment for those who might worry about a u-bolt loosening and this will eliminate any possibility of it ever shifting(not that I am worried now).

The picture is actually of my truck, no I don't have a brace and I am not really worried about the idler arm with this Guidance System in place.

A double-shear mount that does not interfere with the factory design in any way.

Jamming a piece of plastic between the frame and steering components though, and calling it a steering solution, is the absolute pinnacle of low budget, garage based, crap design.

You could save $150 and just shove a 2x4 piece of wood in there and get the same effect.

What truth ? It's a dangerous contraption.

Have you tested it for 6 months ? 25,000+ miles ?
How does the delrin wear evenly considering most driving is done in a straight line ?
When the delrin has a groove worn in it from driving in a straight line, how will it handle ?
After complaining that the frame tolerances from Nissan are so bad, how can this fit into all Xterras without being too tight or too loose ?
How does the delrin hold up to dirt and rocks trapped between it and the frame scratching the surface ?
Why isn't there a wiper on either side to prevent contamination ?
What about ice freezing it solid in the winter ?
What about a chunk of ice building up around it causing your steering to lock ?
What about a rock falling into the countersunk holes, jamming against the frame ?

Ian's last post raises lots of good questions. I like informative stuff like that.

I might even listen to him if his first response wasn't to just laugh and ridicule.

Well sorry I'm 7,000 miles and one month short. The pads are easily replaced but mine have almost on wear so far.

How much is the new pad ? Delrin isn't cheap (about $100 sq/ft at 1" thickness), and the pad seems to be 75 percent of the device.

If it needs to be replaced every 10,000 miles or so, is it better than a new centerlink ?

What does 'almost no wear' mean ?
Is it worn or not ? Is it grooved ? Is there a valley in it ?

Anyway, I'm done with this topic.
One photograph answered every question I had. You all can decide what's best for you.

I'll stick with parts from experienced manufacturers.

You miss understood, I have had it on for 18,000 miles and 5 months.
As for the pads they aren't made from delrin but HDPE and will be around $25 for replacement.
No grooves, no valleys, just a little discolor from rubbing.

You drive 120 miles a day ?

Sometimes more. I work construction and don't stay home to many weekends. Four trip to the Rubicon at over 500 miles each trip. Sundays trip to Hollister Hills was 350 miles, etc.,etc.
Since I got into construction I have averaged over 40,000 a year for the past 8 years. Luckily I love to drive.

Hmmm...now THAT'S some SERIOUS mileage and testing.

Is that the kind of testing that you did on the stainless steel.. I mean chrome molly.. I mean.. What are those things made of?

Sorry...I know it's off the topic, but are there any pics? I'm not asking you to prove anything. I just want to see pictures of an xterra on the Rubicon!!!

Last time when I got to walk the Rubicon, I thought it would be impossible for an Xterra (even 3 + 3) to go through without getting tons of damages, etc., and maybe there would be a few more years before someone actually takes an Xterra there. But, you've been there already!?!

dood...getting tired of sifting through yer BS while trying to learn stuff....
Just so happens that every thread I'm interested in you pop-in & start shit-slinging & it's getting old fast

Go here.... http://www.xterraownersclub.com/cgi-local/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=27;t=000634

XSal: You're right on the trail,but the right after the staging area, the first granite area has plenty of ledges boulders and other things to play on without worrying about having to helicopter yourself out. Sorry for the confusion. I mainly go there to fish, mountain bike, and camp. But how can you resist playing? Gearings the only reason I haven't trying.
I've tried to post pics, but Webtv has not allowed my to and I somehow screw-up computers everytime I touch one.
I'll keep trying though.