Spindle and suspension system for recreational vehicles
Embodiments of the present invention describe a recreational vehicle spindle, including a spindle body having one or more sockets in the spindle body, and an upper attachment mechanism in contact with the spindle body and adapted to attach to a steering component. The spindle also includes a lower attachment mechanism in contact with the spindle body and adapted to attach to a ski or wheel. The one or more sockets are adapted to each receive a ball and stud forming one or more ball joints.
1. A method of making a recreational vehicle spindle, comprising:
forming a spindle body, the spindle body including an upper attachment mechanism configured to couple with a steering component and a lower attachment mechanism configured to couple with a ski or a wheel;
forming one or more sockets in the spindle body, each of the one or more sockets including an inner wall and an outer wall;
positioning a ball within each of the sockets; and
removably securing the ball within each socket.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein forming a spindle body comprises fabricating a spindle body.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein forming a spindle body comprises molding a spindle body.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein forming a spindle body and forming one or more sockets is substantially simultaneous.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein securing the ball comprises one or more of a pressure fit and friction fit.
6. The method of claim 1 , wherein securing the ball comprises forming material around the ball after contacting the socket with the ball.
7. The method claim 1 , further comprising the step of hardening the spindle body via a hardening process.
8. The method of claim 1 , wherein securing the ball within each socket comprises positioning the ball such that removal of the ball is accomplished without breaking a weld.
9. The method of claim 1 , wherein securing the ball within each socket comprises positioning the ball such that removal of the ball is accomplished without damaging the socket.