Front 3 Link question

4x4 and offroad topics only
Post Reply
User avatar
1BADCJ8
Posts: 663
Joined: Sat Mar 08, 2003 5:00 pm
Location: Silver City, NM
Contact:

Front 3 Link question

Post by 1BADCJ8 »

So I've searched through a number of closed threads, but didn't find what I'm looking for. Doesn't mean its not there!!!

So is it OK or done to rotate your front axle forward a bit when doing a front 3 link with coil-overs to have optimal pinion angle?
'82 CJ8, 360, Holy Sniper Injected, 999, 60f w/3Link & C-Ov'rs, 14Br 4-link rear coils & shocks, Micky Sticky 43's, 9 inch wheel base stretch!
http://www.coloradoscramble.com/dans-scrambler.html
User avatar
Aaron
Posts: 1754
Joined: Mon May 27, 2002 11:00 am
Location: Broomfield
Contact:

Post by Aaron »

1BADCJ8 wrote:So I've searched through a number of closed threads, but didn't find what I'm looking for. Doesn't mean its not there!!!

So is it OK or done to rotate your front axle forward a bit when doing a front 3 link with coil-overs to have optimal pinion angle?
Sure. Just need to make sure you do not screw up your caster angle. If you rotate it too much, the cutting and rotating the knuckles will be needed.
User avatar
1BADCJ8
Posts: 663
Joined: Sat Mar 08, 2003 5:00 pm
Location: Silver City, NM
Contact:

Post by 1BADCJ8 »

Aaron wrote:Sure. Just need to make sure you do not screw up your caster angle. If you rotate it too much, the cutting and rotating the knuckles will be needed.
Right! Tis what I thought but wanted to ask, and no it isn't going to be to far forward, just enough to help with the pinion angle for better down flex on that side...

Thank you!
'82 CJ8, 360, Holy Sniper Injected, 999, 60f w/3Link & C-Ov'rs, 14Br 4-link rear coils & shocks, Micky Sticky 43's, 9 inch wheel base stretch!
http://www.coloradoscramble.com/dans-scrambler.html
User avatar
1BADCJ8
Posts: 663
Joined: Sat Mar 08, 2003 5:00 pm
Location: Silver City, NM
Contact:

Post by 1BADCJ8 »

A couple other questions for everyone... How far in did you mount your upper control arm (at the axle) mount from your coil-over center?
AND
Is your track bar as long as your drag link? I have, of course, read that it should be the same length - But I've seen many pictures where it is Longer???

So whether you did it your self or had yours done please chime in...
'82 CJ8, 360, Holy Sniper Injected, 999, 60f w/3Link & C-Ov'rs, 14Br 4-link rear coils & shocks, Micky Sticky 43's, 9 inch wheel base stretch!
http://www.coloradoscramble.com/dans-scrambler.html
User avatar
GotMOAB?
Posts: 228
Joined: Mon Jun 20, 2005 5:07 pm
Location: Loveland

Post by GotMOAB? »

Like Aaron mentioned you can rotate the axle forward to help with pinion angle but even a few degrees can have a very severe effect on steering and handling. Is this going to be a street driven rig or strictly off road? Strictly off-road it’s not such a big issue but I have seen and fixed some straight up scary handling street driven rigs simply by fixing the caster.

Pirate4x4 has a 3 and 4 link calculator you can download. It’s a pretty simple excel file that helps visualize what the suspension will do and how it will change by moving mounts in and out and higher and lower. I suggest plugging in the numbers from your rig into that calculator and playing with it to get an understanding of what changes by link placement. Ideally, your trac bar and drag link should be close to the same lengths and ideally as flat as possible.
- Professional web wheeler
Post Reply