Optima steering link (sc-89) substitute?
Optima steering link (sc-89) substitute?
Greetings,
My Optima is missing the right side steering link. Is there a substitute that I can use instead of the overpriced sc89 package? I realize that these things are pretty common but I'd like to stick with something that I don't have to modify and looks like the original.
Thanks
My Optima is missing the right side steering link. Is there a substitute that I can use instead of the overpriced sc89 package? I realize that these things are pretty common but I'd like to stick with something that I don't have to modify and looks like the original.
Thanks
- GoMachV
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Re: Optima steering link (sc-89) substitute?
Don't tell anyone but the rerelease scorpion tie rods are a perfect match
I just ordered a few off eBay. Look for the people parting out scorpions

Re: Optima steering link (sc-89) substitute?
Thanks for the great tip. Speaking of the scorpion, would the re re shock spring clamps fit on the optima shocks?GoMachV wrote:Don't tell anyone but the rerelease scorpion tie rods are a perfect matchI just ordered a few off eBay. Look for the people parting out scorpions
- GoMachV
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Re: Optima steering link (sc-89) substitute?
Yes, the red shock parts are a slightly different color but fit great! I used them on my Stinger
Re: Optima steering link (sc-89) substitute?
Thanks! Was the rest NIB? Looks very clean.GoMachV wrote:Yes, the red shock parts are a slightly different color but fit great! I used them on my Stinger
- GoMachV
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Re: Optima steering link (sc-89) substitute?
Yes built mostly from nip parts. The shocks were re anodized
http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39118
http://www.rc10talk.com/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=39118
- Coelacanth
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Re: Optima steering link (sc-89) substitute?
A pair of Lunsford titanium turnbuckles with the same approximate length could probably be had for cheaper than OEM replacements...and would be a much more durable upgrade, plus make adjustments easier.Grunger73 wrote:Greetings,
My Optima is missing the right side steering link. Is there a substitute that I can use instead of the overpriced sc89 package? I realize that these things are pretty common but I'd like to stick with something that I don't have to modify and looks like the original.
Thanks

Completed projects: CYANide Onroad Optima | Zebra Gold Optima | Barney Optima | OptiMutt RWD Mid
Gallery - Coel's Stalls: Marui Galaxy & Shogun Resto-Mods | FrankenBuff AYK Buffalo | 1987 Buick GNX RC12L3
Gallery - Coel's Stalls: Marui Galaxy & Shogun Resto-Mods | FrankenBuff AYK Buffalo | 1987 Buick GNX RC12L3
Re: Optima steering link (sc-89) substitute?
Thanks. I was contemplating going with the Lunsford turnbuckles as they do make life a lot easier but I think I would rather keep the stock look for now. My digital calliper doesn't have a battery at the moment but when I measured the left side rod with a ruler I got about 50mm. To make life simple , I'll just buy the Scorpion re re set since it's already been proven to be compatible. As for the shock clamps, I purchased an alloy set mad by dhawk-racing. The colour looks good on these. Has anyone used these before?Coelacanth wrote:A pair of Lunsford titanium turnbuckles with the same approximate length could probably be had for cheaper than OEM replacements...and would be a much more durable upgrade, plus make adjustments easier.Grunger73 wrote:Greetings,
My Optima is missing the right side steering link. Is there a substitute that I can use instead of the overpriced sc89 package? I realize that these things are pretty common but I'd like to stick with something that I don't have to modify and looks like the original.
ThanksI'd need to confirm but I believe the rod length is about 48 - 49 mm...or 1-15/16".
- Coelacanth
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Re: Optima steering link (sc-89) substitute?
If they're the alloy rings with a hole for a set screw in each, be careful with those. Unless you use nylon set screws, the steel ones will bite into your nice anodized surfaces and make lovely o-shaped pips. I've never been a fan of that design. pargu2000's alloy clamps are more expensive, but they have the same design as the original plastic clamps, using a screw to tighten together the opposite clamp-ends. The screws never touch the surface of the shock bodies.Grunger73 wrote:As for the shock clamps, I purchased an alloy set mad by dhawk-racing. The colour looks good on these. Has anyone used these before?
Completed projects: CYANide Onroad Optima | Zebra Gold Optima | Barney Optima | OptiMutt RWD Mid
Gallery - Coel's Stalls: Marui Galaxy & Shogun Resto-Mods | FrankenBuff AYK Buffalo | 1987 Buick GNX RC12L3
Gallery - Coel's Stalls: Marui Galaxy & Shogun Resto-Mods | FrankenBuff AYK Buffalo | 1987 Buick GNX RC12L3
- GoMachV
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Re: Optima steering link (sc-89) substitute?
Aluminum on aluminum will always tend to scratch up the body so try to make your decision once and lock it down
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