4 link vs 3 link

[Tayder88]

I’m building a rig and I’m at the point where I need some advice from everyone regarding what suspension I should go with. What is everyone experience with installing and running a 4 link suspension vs a 3 link traditional suspension? I’m looking for something that will be a great driver on the road but also tackle up to lvl 4 trails. Whats everyone experience?

 

[Broncobowsher]

Front or rear? Or both?
What is the rest of the build going to be made of?
More about the overall package and what would fit that. I don't know your local trail scaling system to know what a level 4 really is.

 

[Tayder88]

Looking at possibly doing both front and back with the Duff kit. Running 35” at the moment but possibly going to 37”.

 

[Yeller]

For packaging, drivability and function I prefer a 3 link w/ a track bar on the front and a 4 link w/o a track bar in the rear. Designed and built more of them than I can seam to count.

 

[Trigger]

I am currently installing Duff’s dual sport 4 link with the optional sway bar. I am in no way a fabrication genius. The process is massively tedious however I feel the end result will be worth the work. The biggest issue I have had, there is either not that many people taking on this 4 link project or those that do are way more adept at the install and don’t post on the process . I am also running the T-Rex arms up front. I can say that Duff has done a fantastic job on this setup. It will be impressive to anyone who takes a look under my Bronco. My Bronco project in taking so long I probably won’t be able to tell anyone if it’s a better ride or not. It’s been way too long since I’ve driven the poor thing.

 

[Digger556]

A 3-link is preferred for the front. Jeep and Dodge/Ram tried 4-link w/ track bar for years and have always suffered from excessive death wobble issues. 3-links are not immune, but definitely work better. Ram finally gave up and switch to radius arms over 4-link years ago.

A triangulated 4-link is fine for the rear, but I prefer a 4-link or 3-link that utilizes a track bar. This better allows you to divorce lateral and longitudinal bushing rates and produces better ride and NVH characteristics. (stiff lateral = crisp handling & soft longitudinal = less harshness over bumps, rocks, and potholes.)
My setup is a 3-link front (radius arms + trackbar) and a 3-link rear with torque arm (4-links?) This allowed me to optimize tuning of lateral, longitudinal, and torque reaction/anti-squat characteristics.

 

[Broncobowsher]

You need a track bar in the front if you run any sort of conventional steering linkage.