WOD Chromoly Four-Link Rod End Kit – 7/8"-14 Shank, 3/4" Bore to 5/8" Bolt
FL7858
The WOD Chromoly Four-Link Rod End Kit combines the strength of a 7/8"-14 shank rod end with stainless steel high-angle spacers that reduce the 3/4" rod end bore for use with 5/8" mounting hardware. This makes it an excellent solution for builders who want increased rod end strength without replacing suspension brackets already designed around 5/8" bolts.
Each kit includes eight chromoly rod ends, matching jam nuts, and sixteen stainless steel misalignment spacers—everything needed to service all eight mounting points on one complete front or rear four-link suspension. Four left-hand-thread and four right-hand-thread rod ends allow link length to be adjusted by rotating the suspension link without removing it from the vehicle.
These are the same style of high-strength rod ends Wide Open Design relies on in rock crawlers, trail rigs, custom buggies, race vehicles, and linked suspension systems subjected to real off-road abuse.
Includes:
- (8) 7/8"-14 Chromoly Rod Ends with 3/4" Bore
- (4) Left-Hand-Thread Rod Ends
- (4) Right-Hand-Thread Rod Ends
- (8) Matching Jam Nuts
- (16) Stainless Steel High-Angle Misalignment Spacers for 5/8" Bolts
Note: The rod ends have a 3/4" bore. The included misalignment spacers reduce the installed bolt size to 5/8". Suspension links, threaded bungs, mounting tabs, bolts, and chassis brackets are sold separately.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Wide Open Design |
| Product Type | Four-Link Rod End Kit |
| Rod End Material | Chromoly Steel |
| Thread Size | 7/8"-14 |
| Rod End Bore | 3/4" |
| Installed Bolt Size | 5/8" |
| Spacer Type | High-Angle Misalignment Spacer |
| Spacer Material | Stainless Steel |
| Thread Direction | Left-Hand and Right-Hand |
| Left-Hand Rod Ends | 4 |
| Right-Hand Rod Ends | 4 |
| Total Rod Ends | 8 |
| Total Misalignment Spacers | 16 |
| Radial Static Load Rating | 43,486 lbs |
| Application | Front or Rear Four-Link Suspension |
Four-Link Rod End Kit Comparison
| Shank Size | Rod End Bore | Installed Bolt Size | Radial Static Load |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/4" | 3/4" | 3/4" | 28,081 lbs |
| 7/8" | 3/4" | 3/4" | 43,486 lbs |
| 7/8" | 3/4" | 5/8" | 43,486 lbs |
| 1-1/4" | 1" | 3/4" | 76,200 lbs |
| 1-1/4" | 1" | 1" | 76,200 lbs |
Radial static load ratings describe the stated capacity of the rod end under a static radial test. They do not represent the safe working load of the complete suspension system. Final capacity depends on link material, thread engagement, mounting hardware, brackets, welding, suspension geometry, side loading, fatigue, and vehicle use.
Fitment
Universal Fitment
Common Applications:
- Front four-link suspension systems
- Rear four-link suspension systems
- Rock crawlers and rock bouncers
- Trail rigs
- Ultra4 and off-road race vehicles
- Custom tube chassis buggies
- 7075 aluminum suspension links
- Heavy-wall steel suspension links
- Industrial linkage applications using compatible hardware
Fitment Notes:
- Designed for suspension links using 7/8"-14 threaded bungs or compatible threaded link material.
- Rod ends have a 3/4" bore and use the included spacers to accept 5/8" mounting bolts.
- Verify finished spacer width against the inside width of the suspension brackets before installation.
- Use one left-hand and one right-hand rod end on opposite ends of each link to allow adjustment without removing the link.
- Maintain sufficient thread engagement inside each suspension link or threaded bung.
- Tighten all jam nuts after final suspension alignment.
- Cycle the suspension through full compression, droop, and side-to-side articulation to check for binding.
- Verify that the rod end body, spacers, and shank do not contact the mounting tabs throughout suspension travel.
- Mounting bolts, links, threaded bungs, tabs, and brackets are not included.
FAQ
Why use a 7/8" rod end with a 5/8" mounting bolt?
This combination allows builders to take advantage of the stronger 7/8"-14 shank while retaining suspension tabs and brackets designed around 5/8" hardware. It is useful when upgrading link strength without rebuilding every chassis and axle-side mounting point.
Does this rod end have a 5/8" bore?
No. The rod end has a 3/4" bore. The included stainless steel misalignment spacers fit inside that bore and reduce the installed bolt size to 5/8".
What do high-angle misalignment spacers do?
High-angle spacers reduce the bore to the required bolt size while narrowing the joint's mounting width and creating additional clearance around the rod end body. This allows the joint to rotate farther before contacting the suspension tabs.
Why use left-hand and right-hand threads?
Installing opposite thread directions at each end of a suspension link allows the link length to be adjusted by rotating the link body. This makes it easier to set wheelbase, axle position, pinion angle, caster, and suspension alignment.
Is the 5/8" bolt the limiting component?
The complete joint is only as strong as its weakest component. Although the 7/8" rod end has a higher stated radial static load rating, the 5/8" bolt, mounting tabs, spacers, welds, and suspension link must also be sized for the expected loads.
What is radial static load?
Radial static load is the amount of load applied perpendicular to the rod end bore during a static test. It does not account for repeated impacts, fatigue, bending loads, side loading, loose hardware, or poor suspension geometry.
How much thread engagement is required?
The rod end must retain substantial thread engagement inside the threaded bung or suspension link at the final adjustment length. Avoid operating the joint near the end of its threads, where the shank is more vulnerable to bending and thread damage.
Why are jam nuts important?
Jam nuts lock the rod end against the suspension link or threaded bung. If a jam nut loosens, the rod end can move within the threads, changing alignment and increasing wear or damage to the shank, bung, and link.
Can these rod ends be used with 7075 aluminum links?
Yes. They can be used with properly designed 7075 aluminum suspension links or heavy-wall steel links machined or fitted with compatible 7/8"-14 threads.
How do I prevent binding?
Mock up the complete suspension and cycle it through full compression, droop, steering movement, and side-to-side articulation. The rod end must retain adequate angular movement without contacting the tabs or placing the shank in bending.
