JPOR: Using Heim joints with spacers to increase travel (of the joint)

[samfans <samfans@xxxxxxxxx>]

OK - I'm not neurotic, it's just that I don't have any parts to "play
with" to get it all sorted out, and I have to order from so far away,
that I need to try and get it all sorted out in my head first.

1)  When using the sleeves to reduce the bore, do the sleeves length
match the "width" of the bore in the ball.  That is, does any of the
sleeve protrude beyod the ball?  if so, how do you prevent the ball
"sliding" on the sleeve, as any clamping force will be applied to the
sleeve, and the ball will be free to "float" on the sleeve?  How tight
an inteference fit is there between sleeve OD and bore of the ball?

2) When using the tapered or conical "spacers" on either side of the
Heim joint to increase travel, what is the mating arrangement between
the spacer and the ball?  By that I mean, if the ball has a bore of 3/4"
(assume no sleeve is used for now), do you get a conical spacer with a
bore of 3/4" also?  if so, it seems it would be a pretty precarious
mating between the ball and top of spacer, no?  If not, would you use a
spacer with a bore of 5/8" so that the inside of the balls bore actually
slips over the top of the conical spacer?  If so, must you find conical
spacers with just the right taper such that when you use one above the
ball and one below, they actually meet and touch inside the bore of the
ball?

3) Does method 2 them necessarily preclude the use of method 1?

4) why am I so cunfused?

Bill