Ruffstuff 3-link?

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Is Caster control beyond, say +/-2" of ride height, important to the way that you use the vehicle?

If it is not, then why not simplify and go with radius arms? Can make one side (driver's is best in this case) a simple link rather than an 'A' arm type link if extreme articulation is a goal. Search "wristed arm" relative to Early Broncos if wanting more info.
 
There is no reason you cannot link a 60 series at all. I will be linking mine up next summer. 4 link rear, 3 link front.

Some of us more well versed on history boycott Trail Gear however there 4 link kit for Tacomas actually may work for a cruiser and is on the cheap. The frame rails are actually about the same width if you wanted to use the link mount crossover bracket etc....

Something to think about.

SOA is great and all but nothing performs like a nice linked suspension. We are shoving modern drivetrains into these old boats so why not bring the suspension to the table.
 
My 60 is a 3 link in the front. You can check my build for details. Many of the components are from Ruffstuff. I also used some ballistic fab stuff but honestly I would steer clear of ballistic fab.... I had nothing but problems with them. I HIGHLY recommend ruff stuff however. He is a straight up dude. Nice products and great shipping.
 
There is no reason you cannot link a 60 series at all. I will be linking mine up next summer. 4 link rear, 3 link front.

Some of us more well versed on history boycott Trail Gear however there 4 link kit for Tacomas actually may work for a cruiser and is on the cheap. The frame rails are actually about the same width if you wanted to use the link mount crossover bracket etc....

Something to think about.

SOA is great and all but nothing performs like a nice linked suspension. We are shoving modern drivetrains into these old boats so why not bring the suspension to the table.

About time we heard more like this. So many SOA threads....how about we see some linked threads.

My 83 Patrol is linked. 3-link in front and tri 4-link in the rear. I have Ballistic coilovers but do not think I will buy any more products from them. I am running 16" coilovers with 7075 aluminum links and 1.25" rod ends. I kept bending DOM links so went to the 7075 and have not had any problems since.

I was going to SOA the truck originally. But my buddy was like, why do you want to do that. He says; lets link it and chuck those leaf springs in the trash. I said OK and have been happy as can be ever since. BTW, you don't have to buy a "kit". Pretty simple to buy the parts from whomever and build it all to suit your truck and your needs.
 
Would you happen to have a list of everything needed to link? I live a sheltered leaf-sprung centered life, never really dabbled in coil sprung stuff.
 
shotgun12321 said:
Would you happen to have a list of everything needed to link? I live a sheltered leaf-sprung centered life, never really dabbled in coil sprung stuff.

that's a loaded question.... 10 different people would put a 3link together 10 different ways... I would hope anyway. EVERYTHING really needs to be considered. Axle, engine, usage, transmission, transfer case, exhaust, ride height, etc. A lot of home work really should be done before even picking up a welding torch. My best advice would be to read as many build threads as you can and THEN GO LOOK at some set up REAL WORLD rigs. I'd venture to say that most guys wont mind answering a few questions or at least let you take a close look if you ask the right questions.

Not trying to pimp Pirate 4x4 or anything but there some excellent threads on link builds and there is some good info tech section too (not the forum part). If you are not familiar with Pirate... be careful before you post over there. They can be ruthless.

Here is a few to get the ball rolling... some are better than others:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=230232&highlight=link+tube+size

and the grand daddy link:

http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=204893

Get comfortable with words like instant center, anti-dive, roll center, etc...
 
Thanks Zack. This is exactly why I'm waiting until I swap a V8 into it before I even think about buying suspension stuff...I'd hate to set up the suspension while running a 3FE only to swap in a different engine and have to do it all again.
 
shotgun12321 said:
Thanks Zack. This is exactly why I'm waiting until I swap a V8 into it before I even think about buying suspension stuff...I'd hate to set up the suspension while running a 3FE only to swap in a different engine and have to do it all again.

Very smart because you would undoubtedly would have to change the link mount locations. Also note that using the 3 link or 4 link calculator to produce good "on paper" numbers doesnt always apply to the real world and where things will fit.., especially on a full frame/full body build. I had to compromise in a few spots to make things work. I must have cut off and re-did my 3 link a half a dozen times to make it fit.

Dont hesitate to ask for pictures or help... I am not an expert by any means but I do have a considerable amount of time into my link set up and I am happy to share my experience.
 

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