One of the key components often overlooked in off-road suspension is the rod ends. These joints take an extreme amount of abuse under the vehicle, but some applications require different amounts of mobility.

FK Rod Ends is one of the authorities in the industry on polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) rod ends. PTFE is a strong, tough, waxy, non-flammable coating that resists debris sticking to it. FK Rod Ends uses different PTFE fitments for the off-road markets which were looking for a bearing that could withstand the high impact loads, and still perform as desired.

There is no visual difference on the rod ends, but the different fitments can be felt when moving the ball. They can be seen from left to right (F1, F2, F3).

“The rod ends that we do with PTFE liners come in three different fitments; F1, F2, and F3,” Jay Langley explained. “In a less technical terminology, with an F1 fit you will need a bar to move the ball within the housing, an F2 fit you will be able to move the ball with your fingers but has some resistance, and an F3 fit will move freely.”

PTFE liners have many advantages which include eliminating the clearance or play between the ball and race as well as it wipes away any contaminants that may try and get into the bearing surface. For more information on FK Rod Ends be sure to visit their website and stay tuned for more from the 2017 SEMA Show.