Scout is finally getting a rear 4 link

[ChestonScout]

I finally broke down and cut my leaf springs off the back. I really liked how the leafs performed but with as soft and flexxy as they were I kept bending them and ruining them. When I went to Fordyce I broke both centering pins on them on a super steep ledge i was trying to climb and I was done. I started collecting parts as soon as I got home.

Everything is just mocked up here but it should work nicely. After the pics i tore it all back apart and started finish welding it all in.

Im using a 3" lift XJ front coil. Lower links are 2 1/2x3/8 wall. XL flex joints on one end and 1 1/4 heims on the other. The uppers are 1 3/4x1/4 wall with L flex joints and 1 1/4 heims. The flex joints are from Summit machine.

Randy's off road (TTC 08 Flaming Cheeto) sold me the Rockwell link mount and after clearancing it for my brake caliper, it worked perfect!

So far Im into this 4 link 350 bucks. I got a smokin deal on the tube and heim joints and I had the coils already. The only thing I have left to buy is some rubber bump stops that are about 10 bucks. The leafs I was using are 300 bucks plus bushings so Im about the same price as I would have been to just replace the bent leaves. Hopefully the link will perform better.

Im hoping to have it on a trail this weekend but we will see I guess

anyway....here is a couple pics

 

[4554x4]

cool!

It just keeps on getting bigger and badder all the time! I dig the center of the rotor with the IH emblem!

 

[sixb]

Looks great Cheston as always. Also where are you getting 10 bump stops, I could use some longer ones for my project but the ones I found are 65.00 for a pair.

 

[ChestonScout]

My plan for bump stops is fairly simple. Im going to get the cone looking ones that are about 2 1/2" long. I will mount them on a tube cut to length and mount them inside the coils. They are going to look a little falic but they will work

 

[casper customs]

looks good better get up here to dial it in and get used to it

 

[sixb]

Out of curiosity what is the cable looking link between youy drive shaft and the upper link in this picture for?
I really like your Scout everything is very beefy

 

[ChestonScout]

Out of curiosity what is the cable looking link between youy drive shaft and the upper link in this picture for?
I really like your Scout everything is very beefy

Are you looking at the stainless steel brake line heading to the caliper on the pinion brake?

 

[sixb]

No in between the drive shaft and the gold colored upper link there is a clevis welded to the same plate the driveshaft is attached to with a heavy gauge cable looking thing coming off it.

 

[ChestonScout]

gotcha.....that is actually the ram for the rear steer. Your seeing the hyraulic line going into it

 

[sixb]

Oh rear steer, that's right sure wish you and your brother lived closer then maybe my k5 would be running

 

[LT.]

Oh rear steer, that's right sure wish you and your brother lived closer then maybe my k5 would be running

Yeah, I wish he and his brother lived closer to me as well. Maybe I would not STILL have a truck that has no new parts on it.

LT.

 

[spaggyroe]

They are going to look a little falic but they will work

Looks great Cheston!
I'm excited to see how it performs when it's done.

 

[turbosniper1]

It's about time you get some pictures of this posted up here!!! I have been waiting anxiously to see this since I have to live vicariously through you!!! Looks good and beefy, keep up the good work and let's see some flex shots when you get a chance! Maybe I can get my truck fixed and I can bring up my ramp so you can try it out!!!
Later brother!
Matt

 

[DaveB]

Just out of curiousity, when your axle articulates what will keep your springs from coming off the axle? It looks like the top of the spring may be tied down but I don't see anything for the bottom of the springs other than the bump stops. Will you be adding limitting straps to stop it from going too far ?

 

[rockreligious]

Just out of curiousity, when your axle articulates what will keep your springs from coming off the axle? It looks like the top of the spring may be tied down but I don't see anything for the bottom of the springs other than the bump stops. Will you be adding limitting straps to stop it from going too far ?

I would guess limiting straps, and then not anchoring the coils to anything on the bottom. I did a similiar thing on my first 4 link, didnt attach springs on one end then used cone shaped bump tube on inside of coil to guide coil back onto perch. allows for more droop.

 

[rockreligious]

looks like to coil is attached on both ends.

 

[ChestonScout]

yup. coil is attached on both ends. The top is bolted down with a plate. The bottom has 2 loops that the coil twists into to hold it down.


even with that tho Im going to need limit straps. A Rockwell and a big ol 47 on a HEAVY wheel will pull that coil into a nice straight piece of metal

 

[ChestonScout]

Got it together enough to flex it today. It seems to be working well. I didnt drive it much but it felt a lot different than the leafs.

The rear steer is instant now. It felt like it had a kind of lag with the leafs but now its solid. It felt as stable or more so around the corners. I dont have shocks on it yet and it didnt have near the body roll I was expecting. It also didnt bounce as much as I expected not having shocks either.

I think I will be very happy with it when its done.

Of course this isnt even close to lifting a wheel but it gives you an idea. BTW.....dont try this with anything less than a Big Bubba trailer.....he he he


it might not stuff as high as it did before but still plenty

 

[864runner]

SWEET!! That looks awesome Ches. Better get those limiting straps on there before you straighten out those springs LOL

 

[Bart]

You will be amazed at the ride quality improvement over leafs. Nice job.