3-Link questions

skippy

skippy

Pretend Fabricator
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Tooele
Ok we are 3-linking the front and rear of a toyota, But i have a quick question. In the front we ran the upperlink on the passenger side and the trac bar off the driver side of the frame to the passenger side of the axle.

When we link the rear do we want to run the trac bar the same way and have the upper link on the same side or do we reverse them i have never heard it really matters but i figured i would consult some much smarter people than myself

Thank you
 
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i know that TJ's and JK's come from the factory with the front track bar from driver's frame to passenger's axle, and the rear from passenger's frame to driver's axle. i know i read why this is some time ago, but i can't remember why. it made sense though. i'll do some searching and see what i can find.
 
If both front and rear panhard bars go the same way, you can get some weird body roll issues, or "wallowing" when going over bumps. On a trail rig it probably won't matter, but if you can, put the rear the opposite way.
 
Real question is why 3 link the rear? It's usually only done because of space issues with oil pans, exhaust, driveline, etc. Why take the risk of running only one upper link if you don't have to. There should be enough room on the rear of a vehicle to get all 4 links in there.
 
Badger said:
Real question is why 3 link the rear? It's usually only done because of space issues with oil pans, exhaust, driveline, etc. Why take the risk of running only one upper link if you don't have to. There should be enough room on the rear of a vehicle to get all 4 links in there.
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With a traditional 4 link, if one link fails you're screwed. With a 3 link (which is 4 links....), if one link fails you're screwed. There is no "safety" built into either version.

I do like a triangulated 4 link better than a 3 link/panhard setup in general though.
 
Badger said:
Real question is why 3 link the rear? It's usually only done because of space issues with oil pans, exhaust, driveline, etc. Why take the risk of running only one upper link if you don't have to. There should be enough room on the rear of a vehicle to get all 4 links in there.
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I Lean said:
With a traditional 4 link, if one link fails you're screwed. With a 3 link (which is 4 links....), if one link fails you're screwed. There is no "safety" built into either version.

I do like a triangulated 4 link better than a 3 link/panhard setup in general though.
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I feel the same away about the 4 link. But its my brothers toyota and in order to 4-link it he would have to move his fuel tank to the bed and he doesnt want to do that so Im working with what i was given.

So i am gonna run the track bar opposite direction. what about the upper link does it matter at all??? (Im gonna run it the only place it place it fits regardless. Just wondering for future builds and knowledge)
 
skippy said:
what about the upper link does it matter at all??? (Im gonna run it the only place it place it fits regardless. Just wondering for future builds and knowledge)
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More centered is more betterer, IF it fits.
 
Go to trail gear and look at their pictures copy theyre link mounting. The way they have their links and panhard mounted, are perfect for a rear three link. Their kits are actually pretty well built. And relatively cost effective.
 
We are getting ready to do a 3 link in the front of my uncles rig, but we will be 4 linking the rear.

Question though why not a 5 link? Still can fit around stuff,oil pans, etc., but seems like added insurance of an extra upper is anything fails. Maybe not as much flex or some binding or something? Maybe just unnecessary?

I can get you a great price on Heim joints and brackets when you need them.
 
mesha said:
We are getting ready to do a 3 link in the front of my uncles rig, but we will be 4 linking the rear.

Question though why not a 5 link? Still can fit around stuff,oil pans, etc., but seems like added insurance of an extra upper is anything fails. Maybe not as much flex or some binding or something? Maybe just unnecessary?

I can get you a great price on Heim joints and brackets when you need them.
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I was unaware you sold stuff like that. I ordered all the heims from ruff stuff and all the brackets through a few different places.
 
skippy said:
I was unaware you sold stuff like that. I ordered all the heims from ruff stuff and all the brackets through a few different places.
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Too bad. I could have saved you some money:). I get my heims from ruff stuff, but buy them in a huge pile so I can sell them a little cheaper.
 
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