Ballistic vs. Johnny Joints

[AlexJet]

I posted this in 4Runner/Tacoma/FJ part, but thought that Land Cruiser guys may have some info too.

Have anyone used any of Currie Johnny Joints or Ballistic Fabrication Joints?
Which one is better? Which one would be preferable for suspension build? What about reliability and easy of maintenance, availability of parts?

2.5" Forged Johnny Joint --- $40

2.63" Forged Ballistic Joint --- $46

 

[gahi]

are the currie ones user rebuildable?

 

[AlexJet]

Yes, both are rebuildable.

 

[alexrex20]

only the Ballistic is adjustable. when the loosen up due to normal wear/tear, the Currie must replace the bushings. with the Ballistic, just tighten the lock nut.

 

[Nay]

These are generally long life parts if you keep them greased. You won't go wrong either way.

 

[murphy744]

I ran the JJ's when I had my TJ. I loved them. You cannot go wrong with anything Currie puts out.

 

[Skrewball]

have used the Johnny Joints quite a bit with no troubles.

never used the Ballistic joints.

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

What is the setup you are planning on doing?

 

[AlexJet]

What is the setup you are planning on doing?

Custom 3-Link on the back.


BTW, I've seen 2 different aproaches to the system. Which one is better? (Note that lower links are paralel to the frame rails)

1. The upper (3rd Link) is 70% of the length of the lower links.

2. The lower links are 80-85% of the lengthof the upper (3rd Link). Phisically it means that you have 3rd Link frame mount at about the same level as right lower link frame mount.

I'm reading many articles in Internet, but can't find the amnswer which aproach is better.
What are the benefits of each point of view vs. the other?

 

[dieselcruiserhead]

I did regular old heims from Ballistic (and lots of their laser cut parts) and I thought they were great. I was advised to avoid the hard parts for street driven rigs because it transmits a lot of the road noise and interference to the chassis and in turn the cab... So I ended up using these poly bushings and they are super high quality and probably the route I would go personally...

http://www.summitmachine.com/store/...nents/poly-bushings/poly-bushing-2/index.html

 

[Nay]

I did regular old heims from Ballistic (and lots of their laser cut parts) and I thought they were great. I was advised to avoid the hard parts for street driven rigs because it transmits a lot of the road noise and interference to the chassis and in turn the cab... So I ended up using these poly bushings and they are super high quality and probably the route I would go personally...

http://www.summitmachine.com/store/...nents/poly-bushings/poly-bushing-2/index.html

No way a poly bushing can take the type of articulation being designed into the rear 3 link. Poly can deflect (compress) fine, but it lacks the twist characteristics of even basic rubber.

 

[EXP-T100]

Go with ballistic

I used currie joints before and they are a pain in the ace. They now offer a tool for $80!! To put it together and take it apart now but if you don’t have that you need a press and some sockets. Mine were suppose to have 30* of twist so 15* up 15* down well I only could get 5* before ball center would hit the cage.

The ballistic joint comes with a lifetime warranty! And there tool is only $31. The cage is threaded, just twist on the spanner nut and put in the set screw. Its a lot more user friendly than currie's joint. Pay a little more you won’t regret it.

 

[playhard]

I have been running JJ's for several year on my traction bar. I do a lot of business with Sam's Off Road. They have been using them since the Currie's came out with them. If you have to rebuild them, you can put them back together by using 2 C clamps.

I have no experience with ballistic.

 

[AlexJet]

Just ordered Ballistic Joints, Bungs and Jam Nuts.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Hey Alex, not sure if you know of this page, but you might want to check it out. Lots of good info.

http://www.theofn.com/