3 Link Questions

[TheBigBoy]

I have also built my own 3 link so we can agree to disagree but what geometry did you use? What were your anti squat percentages? What were your roll axis angles and roll center heights?

I cant remember numbers from so long ago. I'll have to see if I still have it on my comp. lower link arms where lengthened. Panhard mounts raised. Axle wrap seperation set for 35's.


Another thing not touched on. Is feed back to the driver. Linked suspension gives hardly any feedback.

 

[Douglas S]

I have also built my own 3 link so we can agree to disagree but what geometry did you use? What were your anti squat percentages? What were your roll axis angles and roll center heights?

x2, I am curious to see these figures as well

 

[TheBigBoy]

Pretty much the same as this. Apart from the seperation.

http://www.actionjackson.com/cruiser/mods/20060110.asp

 

[TheBigBoy]

I have also built my own 3 link so we can agree to disagree but what geometry did you use? What were your anti squat percentages? What were your roll axis angles and roll center heights?

Is your 3 link on the 80 series? If so, pics and numbers please.

 

[Douglas S]

Why do you think the 80 acts so differently from any other large, heavy 4x4?

 

[scottryana]

Nope not on my current truck, FJ55 bodied truck with 80 series axles, transmission, transfercase and a LX470 Supercharged V8.

Is your 3 link on the 80 series? If so, pics and numbers please.

 

[TheBigBoy]

Why do you think the 80 acts so differently from any other large, heavy 4x4?

They just do. It's everything adding up.

 

[TheBigBoy]

Nope not on my current truck, FJ55 bodied truck with 80 series axles, transmission, transfercase and a LX470 Supercharged V8.

There's a fair few 45 series running around here with 80 diffs and 3 link aswell. Try it on an 80 and see the results. No way in the world is it as good as stock. That's a BIG call.

 

[scottryana]

I don't know. It drove like a race car. I built each mount except the lower axle mount with 4.5" of adjustably. It took a few tries even after using a link calculator, to adjust the positions based on how it drove and like you describe you will get dive if your upper link isn't tall enough or your frame separation isn't enough. Basing link separation on tire size is going to be a failure because a lot of different types of trucks are going to have the same size tire, just because a sand rail and an armored SUV have the same size tires doesn't mean the suspension should be designed the same. That is why I asked about roll angle and roll center as well as the dive percentages.

I think there have been a few attempts at 3 links, but really there is no real research happening for 3 links on 80 series, like there is in the jeep aftermarket. Packaging it on the vehicle becomes difficult or the kit has to be done with a lot of cutting and welding so companies abandon it.

I agree with you on one point and that is that a 3 linked suspension is much harder on joints. But if there is more available movement in the joint it is going to wear out sooner, no different then if you double the horse power in your motor. I really like the large grease-able Johnny Joints, not as much angle as a heim, but less vibration noise, and wear.

There's a fair few 45 series running around here with 80 diffs and 3 link aswell. Try it on an 80 and see the results. No way in the world is it as good as stock. That's a BIG call.

 

[TheBigBoy]

Yep, I understand what you are saying. Just reassuring mine was not a hick backyard hack job. I tried all these because I wanted the best option. Took me 2 years to trial all of the above. Another year working with flipped. I cannot agree 3 link will be as good as stock or anywhere near it (on an 80). There's always give and take for suspension travel and onroad manners. Otherwise we would all be running 3 link. I've not build a 3 link for a jeep/45 series. But I have with an 80 series. IMHO.., bad to best.

3 link
5 link
X link (with lockout bolt)
Y link
Super flex
Flipped

 

[VCCruzr]

More Questions

Most of the 3 links I've seen done on an 80 have the 3rd link tower mounted on top of the pumpkin. Is the the preferred location or is mounting it on the DS equally as good? Which is better and why?

Thanks,

Derrick

 

[Douglas S]

Pretty much the same as this. Apart from the seperation.

http://www.actionjackson.com/cruiser/mods/20060110.asp

Very short upper and long lower = brake dive. That suspension is not designed properly.

 

[js93cruiser]

Mine drives perfect I've had it up to 85 and still felt solid. It's a pleasure to drive. Hey vcc if your ever in the sac area you can drive mine to see how you like it

 

[Wrench]

Too much work for very little gain. How much further down the trail will a 3 link go than a stock setup? I bet I can go anywhere a 3 link setup will go.

 

[js93cruiser]

I've wheeled with both. Offroad a link setup feels way more stable than the radius arms. As well as more predictable. In my opinion at least

 

[Wrench]

So it's all about what you feel in the seat. No hard data other than ramp numbers. A 3 link is just a ramp champ IMO. Christo said Ben Swain's 80 was so unstable on the trail.

 

[TheBigBoy]

Too much work for very little gain. How much further down the trail will a 3 link go than a stock setup? I bet I can go anywhere a 3 link setup will go.

You must be joking right???

 

[TheBigBoy]

I've wheeled with both. Offroad a link setup feels way more stable than the radius arms. As well as more predictable. In my opinion at least

It's not a standard radius arm set up.

 

[TheBigBoy]

Very short upper and long lower = brake dive. That suspension is not designed properly.

= a 5 link. (4 control arms, all equal length and parallel with correct seperation. + panhard).

 

[Wrench]

You must be joking right???

Did you see me laughing?