A word about strength from Ruffstuff.......

[Gravel Maker]

I have been noticing a lot of skimping going on in the manufacture of parts and I would like to point out some of the things that set Ruffstuff apart from the competition.......

A real standout is Bushing size and the tube size holding those bushings. At Ruffstuff we use 1 Bushing and 1 Bushing Sleeve (Shell) for every application for a couple of reasons. We use a 2" X .25" wall Dom Shell for the obvious reasons, reasons like why would you weld something stronger to it only to have the shell fail? We use a standardized 1.5" OD with a .25" shoulder bushing because a larger bushing will last longer and allow a touch more flex. We also use the standardized bushing because you can find them anywhere and not be committed to a hard to find alternative. Both of these cost us more than what we see others using but if you want strength you want these and we price them like the others do so you don't pay extra for the extra strength.

The second thing, and most obvious thing is Bending. Many, many companies talk about their capabilities but they still make weld together brackets for more than we charge for stronger, bent brackets. Ok, I know some of you are pretty proud of your welding skills but its pretty simple, if it is welded it is weaker than if it is still the original piece and didn't need welding. Welding will Always cause a weak area no matter how good of a welder you are, Always. Ask any skilled welder. Another thing about welded pieces, if they weld them it is more expensive for you, if you weld them it is more time for you and bending just isn't expensive. In most cases bending is actually cheaper than welding. Do the math.

The last thing I would like to visit here is complexity of Fabrication brackets being made. WOW, they sure look cool when they have everything combined in 1 bracket but in reality how many times will it work for you? If you have a completely stock rig they will fit what they were designed for but if you had a stock rig you wouldn't be using them. I have also noticed the actual Upper Frame link locations being used on most 3 link systems, where did the seperation go, both vertically and lengthwise? Enough said.

The parts you use to Fabricate your rig are the backbone of the rig, don't skimp where it counts, breakdowns because a bracket failed just aren't acceptable.

[clarkstoncracker]

FYI, pretty impressed with the diff cover. Just got the front axle one installed today. It lined up perfect, and I also received extra drain bolts and gaskets, along with two spare diff cover bolts. Thanks for the fast shipment! I do think I doubled the weight of my front axle though . I bet I won't dent that cover.

I ordered mine with the drain hole, as well as countersunk bolts. With the gl4x4 discount, it was under $100.00 shipped to my door.

[Gravel Maker]

Some welds are unavoidable and completely understandable, we are talking BRACKETS where we constantly see piece together units that are welded rather than bent, if it can be bent it should be bent, period! Thats simply metal working common sense.......

Thanks for posting the pic Cracker and thanks for hosting a great site!

[Gravel Maker]

Because my esteemed competitor seems to believe everything I say is directed against him. Well this is not and if you read it I do say how some welding is always unavoidable. And in the case of differential covers we are in complete agreement because we make them the same way, the only way that makes sense. However, we make over 200 things that are not Diff Covers.

This is directed towards addressing the increasing complexity of bracketry when it simply has no need to be that way. Also, I have tried to address the slippage of standards when doing a common 3 or 4 link front suspension to make it easier to make. Removing the seperation of the upper and lower links dosen't make it handle or work better, it makes it easier to make and is the easy way out.

My thoughts on bushed sleeves simply point out that when you buy bushed sleeves you don't buy on price, you buy on strength and ability to service them for a fair price. You would never want to make the sleeve weaker than the tube that is attached to and the bushings nearly unreplaceable.

And finally Bending steel, bending is the right way to go when you have the choice. Bends will always be stronger than welds if they are possible without damaging the integrity of the material being bent. We never bend to an extreme, we bend to an appropriate level, if it needs more than that we will of course start with 2 pieces and weld but if it can be bent it should be bent.

That was what I wanted to say and I think I said it the first time too!