Ive found some 3link builds that used all new arms and mounts on the axle and frame. I was looking at it today and thinking of bulding heim jointed lower links that fit in the stock radious arm mounts axle to frame and then just fabbing up the upper link and mount. Has this been done and if not should it? thanks
fj80 3 link questions (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter joedierte
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It would work but IMO the angles / length of arm wouldn't be ideal.
Land Speeder
InstaH8R
Whatchu mean? I don't like where they are on the frame rail and axle. Meaning they're hanging down too far for my taste.
I look at mine everytime i crawl under the rig, because i know it will come eventually...
Well they would be angled down more than I would like for one. I also think they would be too short if you use the factory frame mount. It would work, it just wouldn't be ideal... At least that is according to the numbers on a 3-link calculator. I was thinking of doing the same thing but the more I look at it, ActionJackson had the ideal setup IMO: Shawn Jackson's Land Cruiser Page - Truck Modifications
- Thread starter
- #5
I know it might not be as much flex as action jacksons but I think it would be alot more than the radious arms and I dont think they would be that low because your not using the front bracket on the axle just the rear, wich is above the bottom of the axle tube. Im too lazy to do math, Im more of a trial and error kind of fabber
Let us know how it turns out... Is this a trail only rig?
- Thread starter
- #7
I drive it around town to the lake and local trails but no freeway. Im going to try and build some links with cheap heims and just see how it works and then build up from there if it works
Sounds like a waste of time. This is the hard core corner, Breakage on hard core trails SUCKS..
Do it right the first time with quality design, and parts, Or Leave it alone!!
For what its worth, this rig has radius arms with Stock FJ80 Bushings and it finished 13th place this year at the hammers.
Do it right the first time with quality design, and parts, Or Leave it alone!!
For what its worth, this rig has radius arms with Stock FJ80 Bushings and it finished 13th place this year at the hammers.
Sounds like a waste of time. This is the hard core corner, Breakage on hard core trails SUCKS..
Do it right the first time with quality design, and parts, Or Leave it alone!!
For what its worth, this rig has radius arms with Stock FJ80 Bushings and it finished 13th place this year at the hammers.
That rig also weighs about 1/2 of what the 80 weighs and has a $5K shock package, BUT I agree do it right the first time. Awesome pic
- Thread starter
- #10
Why would experimental fabrication mean its gonna break? I dont weld with a battery. Where do you think alot of the normal things done today like 63" Chevys come from, a F#%%^ing computer. IM glad a $75K buggy in a picture still has radious arms, but Im not going to KOH and I dont have a buggy. If you only use off the shelf parts dont reply to threads involveing creativity. 
Chill.... They're just saying why bother if you're going to do it with cheap heims and end up redoing it later - not saying you need a 3D model to do it - and just pointing out that the radius arm set up has potential w/o ditching it and going 3-link, especially, a half arsed 3-link. It's the cheap heims that are going to break under a 6,000lb truck, not that it's experimential fab.
Land Speeder
InstaH8R
Got anymore fotos of that rig. I can't see the arms there. Did they modify the mounts at all? I would like to move my arms up as much as possible and if that means re-using parts... then win for me, that's how i fab.
I use the "poor-man's 3-link" method now, and love the flex, even thinking of cutting off the 4th bushing since it hangs down and bends the mount with every flex. The only reason I'd go to a newer arm to to get them higher and out of the way.... but gotta do a hi-steer before that can happen...
Land Speeder
InstaH8R
I love what you're saying, i want it to do the same thing. I think straight arms have never been done if the tie rod is still present behind the axle, which is why the radius arms are bent and wrap around the tie rod.
i actually want my frame mounts to be up beside the frame, not hanging down below it.
- Thread starter
- #14
thats what I was thinking just better not best. Im not pissed I just come here for advice instead of pirate and dont need pirate people chiming in. I am in the process of this using johnny joints and will post pics when done thanks
Reading some of the poor man 3-link / hitch pin mod stuff someone suggested when reinforcing the axle brackets that you could widen it and put spacers in so it doesn't get caught up.
Currious, flipped arms are popular down under, but I've never heard of anyone doing a flipped arm poor mans 3 link.
Land Speeder
InstaH8R
Yes! Don't think I hadn't thought it!
"Pirate people"... That's funny!
I know you came in here for advice, so I gave you mine. Sorry if it wasn't what you wanted to hear. A well designed 3-link needs to have certain things for the geometry to work: x" of seperations, the upper arm 70% in length of the lowers, etc. All I was saying is I have measured and you will not get optimal geometry with using the stock mounts. Will it "work"? Sure! It will keep your axle under the rig, if that's what you mean.
Anyway, good luck and let us know how it works when you are done.
"Pirate people"... That's funny!
I know you came in here for advice, so I gave you mine. Sorry if it wasn't what you wanted to hear. A well designed 3-link needs to have certain things for the geometry to work: x" of seperations, the upper arm 70% in length of the lowers, etc. All I was saying is I have measured and you will not get optimal geometry with using the stock mounts. Will it "work"? Sure! It will keep your axle under the rig, if that's what you mean.
Anyway, good luck and let us know how it works when you are done.
Course, you could use the stock mounts, cut out the front of the fender and extend the wheel base
- Thread starter
- #19
I have cut both lower arms after the first bolt holes, dosnt look like they will bolt up flipped over but now I have to try, Ill let you know if it clears. Im building an upper link and mounting system like Action Jacksons right now. It looks like when all finished it will be strong, safe and flex enough for me. I have the rear all freed up and it really twists and Ive seen how much better the front gets with just a bolt pulled so I think this will end up being a economical fairly easy mod. Thanks for all the feedback coils are a new world to me
flipping them you have to flip the mounting brackets to the top of the axle too. Search on "flipped arm", should find something on it. More common down under.
