Hello, anybody every make a homemade shift rod linkage? Can you just buy the proper strength steel rod, cut it to length and thread the ends? I am a contractor, so I have the tools to do it, I would just need to buy the steel rod.

Anybody know the strength or gauge of steel rod Polaris use?

My linkage is bent and the prices for new or used ones seem crazy.

2002 Polaris Scrambler 500cc 4X4

 

22 bucks here. Cheaper,quicker than trying to scrounge up the parts to make one. Item#10. Dirt Cheap Yamaha, Honda, Arctic Cat & Polaris OEM Parts & Accessories – Cycle Parts Warehouse

 

OPT, true one the models built before 8/01. But unfortunately I have the other linkage 1821206 , built after 8/01. $38 seems kinda of steep for 5/16 steel rod thread on each end.

PS I have read many other threads on this forum and your know is great. Thank you for all that you share. I greatly appreciate.

 

Can't say how well it would work, but they sell aluminum rods at home depot. Maybe steel too, but not sure on that. Cut it to length and thread it.

I know the aluminum stuff bends pretty easily on the smaller diameters.

 

Scootergptx, I agree with your thoughts about the aluminum and steel rods from the big box stores. I would go to a commercial supply store that would sell harden steel rods like, Fastenal. I have already looked and I can buy a harden 2' Stella rod for about $8-10.

 

I replaced my low range linkage with a piece of Skidoo steering linkage. The low range length is about 16", so I was able to adjust it to the right length and put the proper size bolts through the heim joints. I put a thin strip of rubber around the bolt to take up the little bit of slop between the heim joint & the relatively small bolts that fit in the gear selector & pivoty thingie.

I bought it used on ebay for $8 shipped. Considering the stock replacement linkage is about $40 and the heim joints another $20-30, it was a bargain.