3rd Link upper mount orientation

[ROKRWLR]

I've noticed that in a few 3 link brackets, (like the poly performance for instance) the frame end of the upper link is mounted sideways from what would seem correct. Bolt running up and down instead of left to right.

Anyone know why this would be desirable? Wouldn't that put the upper link into a bind at full droop???

I'm about to build my cross member and am curious if I should consider this orientation?

Thanks guys....

 

[Sponge Bob]

I am running the RockKrawler long arm conversion with the same bolt setup for the upper arm and no bind with 12" travel shocks.

 

[Phil]

Think about it. If you mount the bracket to the body, and run the bolt horizontal, where does the nut go? Inside the frame. If you mount the upper link on a standalone tower and run the bolt vertical, where does the nut go? Inside the tower.

I would try to run the bolt horizontal.

 

[xjjeeper19]

I am running the RockKrawler long arm conversion with the same bolt setup for the upper arm and no bind with 12" travel shocks.

I have the same setup too, but I am running a 4th link. At 6.5in of lift my uppers are level with the gound, and the joint is in the center of it's range. I have full travel both up and down with out binding. Here is a picture of it, but the pipe is in the way. I can try and get a better picture of it tomorrow.

Justin

 

[Goatman]

I've noticed that in a few 3 link brackets, (like the poly performance for instance) the frame end of the upper link is mounted sideways from what would seem correct. Bolt running up and down instead of left to right.

Anyone know why this would be desirable? Wouldn't that put the upper link into a bind at full droop???

I'm about to build my cross member and am curious if I should consider this orientation?

Thanks guys....

My front upper link on the buggy has the bolt mounted vertical on the frame side. I use less than half of the available movement in that joint. There's enough movement so the joint won't bind, so don't worry about that, just build it how you think it will work for you. Neither way is inherently better. I did it this way to avoid having to deal with the bolt running through the frame, so the mount was much easier to make and the arm easier to install.

 

[ROKRWLR]

Makes sense if the arm is relatively level that there won't be a bind.... Thanks for the pics Goatman & xjjeeper. I see Goatman has a limit strap, do you need one on the RK 3-link xjjeeper???

 

[vetteboy]

Makes sense if the arm is relatively level that there won't be a bind.... Thanks for the pics Goatman & xjjeeper. I see Goatman has a limit strap, do you need one on the RK 3-link xjjeeper???

It's generally a good idea. One thing that's different about a 3-link compared to the standard radius arm setup is there's no inherent bind to it, so it WILL flex until something stops it. Whether that's a joint maxing out, or a coil being stretched, or a shock being fully extended, or a limit strap - that's your call.

Decent shocks - Bilstein 5125s for example - say on them that you can use them at full extension for limiting. However they also say it needs to be a 'gentle' limit...basically you can't have the axle slamming down to full extension like it would if you're jumping the rig, but if you're just hanging a tire while flexing, that's generally OK.

Limit straps are cheap though, and they're good insurance.

 

[xjjeeper19]

Makes sense if the arm is relatively level that there won't be a bind.... Thanks for the pics Goatman & xjjeeper. I see Goatman has a limit strap, do you need one on the RK 3-link xjjeeper???

I need some before I go wheeling, if I raise it up on a hoist the coils come unseated, and drop about 5-6 inches. I also need to bump stop it.

 

[vetteboy]

I need some before I go wheeling, if I raise it up on a hoist the coils come unseated, and drop about 5-6 inches. I also need to bump stop it.

That's not really a problem, as long as nothing is binding and the coils won't fall out.

 

[whitneyj]

I'd be worried about the brake hoses at that point.

 

[Supermanxj]

I have the same setup too, but I am running a 4th link. At 6.5in of lift my uppers are level with the gound, and the joint is in the center of it's range. I have full travel both up and down with out binding. Here is a picture of it, but the pipe is in the way. I can try and get a better picture of it tomorrow.

Justin

More pics!! i wanna see that 4 link!!

 

[xjjeeper19]

More pics!! i wanna see that 4 link!!

that is the 4th link...the other side looks the same.

Justin

 

[redneckboarder]

xjeeper, did you reinforce your upper mounts? im gonna get the RK kit and im worried about the upper breaking. i will probly eventually add a link down the road.

 

[xjjeeper19]

xjeeper, did you reinforce your upper mounts? im gonna get the RK kit and im worried about the upper breaking. i will probly eventually add a link down the road.

What end? The frame side or the axle side?

 

[crazyjim]

What end? The frame side or the axle side?

Did you build that or buy it? WTF?

 

[xjjeeper19]

Did you build that or buy it? WTF?

That looks nothing like my work...mine would have fallen apart already. I bought it...

 

[crazyjim]

That looks nothing like my work...mine would have fallen apart already. I bought it...

:laugh: Stfu, I've seen your work.

I'm gonna have to take a closer look at it when I come down next.