RideTech Triangulated 4 link, upper bars?

[Gitter Dun]

If you have to build it anyway, I would use the offset link.

Why offset link?

[Rod]

Why offset link?

yea, What he^^^^^said?

[feeble]

Most of what I have read indicates that an offset upper 3rd link helps equalize rear tire loading under acceleration.

[Rod]

I just figured that it was a packaging issue and that's why its offset (easier to put a longer upper rod off to the side and keep it lower than the center drive-shaft hump and over the differential) any threads or data around the equalization theory, and how do we determine location for that link?
Great stuff guys lets keep going

[MIKE67]

Rod, take a look at Bill Shope's tech pages for a three link calculator. He is dealing mostly with drag racing but it is applicable to this discussion. He has lots of good info on other suspension layouts so take a look around.

http://www.shopeshop.org/tim.19.htm

[Bryce]

ok ok ok so I should lean towards the 3 link, next tough question for everyone!!

centered 3 link or offset 3 link

Attachment 61879

Centered 3-link with a chassis mounted watts pivot. At least that is what I did.

[Rod]

thanks for jumping in Bryce I need all the suggestions i can get

[Gitter Dun]

I agree. I would prefer to center link on top of diff. Although obviously there will be some packaging issues it certainly can be done. I'm thinking I if it were me I'd run some DSE style subframe connectors and tie front of the link into a fabbed cross member that welded into the subframe connectors and sheetmetal.

[Rod]

I agree. I would prefer to center link on top of diff. Although obviously there will be some packaging issues it certainly can be done. I'm thinking I if it were me I'd run some DSE style subframe connectors and tie front of the link into a fabbed cross member that welded into the subframe connectors and sheetmetal.

shhhh!! keep it down Gae
if my girlfriend see's youre idea I will be fabbing that idea also...its her car!!


thats actually a sweet idea I was going to bridge the center link/links to the frame to add support, Im still trying to decide the tops, the bottom is almost done! and the watts is almost done

[fishn4four]

I love forums! It never ceases to amaze me the talent and knowledge of the people on this forum! So first off...Thank you! All of you!

I recently purchased a 1970 Trans am that has been setup for pro street. The rear suspension is a ford 9" with traction bars welded to the rear end and coil over shocks. It was setup for drag racing and now I want to convert it to handle the curves. After reading through several threads about suspension setups, I think the easiest/cheapest and BEST performing solution would be to convert my ladder bar setup into a 3 link or maybe torque arm. Here is what I was thinking and you guys tell me if you think it will work.

Cut the ladder bars apart and use just the lower part, removing the forward and rear heim joints and replace them with Johnny joints or the bushing type connectors.

Next weld a cross brace in between frame rails and a bracket to the top of the 9" to connect the "3rd link" from the rear axle to the car. (Should that connection use heim joints on both ends?) or order the universal torque arm from chassis works and mount it below the differential?

Last... install watts link and sway bar to control roll.



What do you guys think about the existing mounting points of the ladder bars? That should work right?