Tail rod linkage

[Helifino]

Has anyone replaced the stock Z / L bend linkage rod on the tail of a 450 XL with a stock linkage rod and ball link? Are there any modifications needed to make it work? If not and it's that easy, why doesn't align design it that way?
I started to set mine up that way but it looks like there might be some slight interference with the servo arm.

[tdswan]

It's a piece of cake. In your spare parts bag should be all of the parts you need to do it. Just a short straight threaded link, a ball link end and a ball screwed onto the servo horn. Much nicer setup!

[Helifino]

Thanks, I agree. I just thought that was too easy, there must be a catch!

[Motions]

I actually did away with the whole tail linkage and made my own. I have a lot of people doing this now. I use a piece of 3mm carbon rod stock and cut it to length. Then epoxy a short theaded link and ball link into each end. The rod is very beefy and you can eliminate the need for the tail rod support on the horizonal fin mount. In my opinion, the z-bend is a big no no.

[DoubleD]

Do you have a picture, motions?

[Motions]

Here's some pics.

http://heli-shots.com/SANY0002.JPG
http://heli-shots.com/SANY0003.JPG
http://heli-shots.com/SANY0004.JPG

[Helifino]

I've replaced the z bend with a ball link on the tail servo. My question is, should I not put the tail rod through the tail boom brace bracket. It seems to stick(see below) a little when installed in the bracket and I was thinking of cutting the holder off so the rod would move more freely. Would that create a whole other set of problems?

If giving left or right rudder, the paddles do not return to the same spot.

Any thoughts? The rod is as straight as I can visually get it. A little lube on the tail shaft maybe?

[Helifino]

Well, tried tri-flow on shaft,didn't help. I'll see what happens when I fire up motor, maybe cf will take care of it...maybe not.

Ball links ok.. not too tight.. not too loose.