Planning my new frame...need some help

[Krusn64]

So I've been messing around on the computer trying to plan out my back half frame build...i have no experience with 4 link but i want to install a triangulated 4 link, so if someone could maybe take these pics into paint or something and draw some lines about where the link bars should go that would be a great help...i know that when it comes down to installing the bars my dad will know what to do but I'm trying to plan this as best as i can and he hates looking at the computer trying to figure out what I am doing lol.

[kizer]

I have no idea of what to do, but that rendering is pretty darn cool.

[ripdog28]

If you are running bags or anything with a serious drop just run parallel. come off the outside of the frame off the driveshaft hoop and straight to the axle.

[vin63]

Looks like you're headed in the right directon taking the time to plan things out. Sometimes it's easier using someone's (Art Morrison, TCI, etc.) triangulated four link kit with the frame rails since most of the engineering is done for you. Here is a photo from Art Morrison of their triangulated four-link rear clip to give you some additional visual reference. Good luck and post some photos of your progress.

[PrerunnerRob]

I'm actually trying to figure this out now. I'm doing a triangulated 4-link, here is what I have learned about set up:
Set frame at ride height-mine is 4" from the ground
set axle at ride height-15" on center
take lower link bars, find a suitable mounting point on frame, and level link.
measure the distance from the center of the axle end link to the lower axle radius. This will give you the height of a tab required to mount the lower link to the axle.
use online 4 link caculator to figure the optimum point for the upper links, and hope it works with your frame. This is where I am right now, but there are quite a few factors that can change the handling of your truck. What are you trying to achieve?

[scotts62]

Nice!!

From your drwing there you could run the link bars on the outside of the frame and make/buy a wishbone and brace up the drivshaft loop and run it to that... just a thought anyways.

[Krusn64]

Originally Posted by PrerunnerRob

I'm actually trying to figure this out now. I'm doing a triangulated 4-link, here is what I have learned about set up:
Set frame at ride height-mine is 4" from the ground
set axle at ride height-15" on center
take lower link bars, find a suitable mounting point on frame, and level link.
measure the distance from the center of the axle end link to the lower axle radius. This will give you the height of a tab required to mount the lower link to the axle.
use online 4 link caculator to figure the optimum point for the upper links, and hope it works with your frame. This is where I am right now, but there are quite a few factors that can change the handling of your truck. What are you trying to achieve?

hmm...hurry up and finish yours so i just can copy you lol...i was planning on my ride height being 4-5"...i added the lower link bars at ride height in my rendering, im not sure if they are in a good spot but they are level and outside of the frame...i still need to check out that 4 link calculator to figure out the upper link bars...

[Krusn64]

what are the pros/cons of having the upper links meet at the center of the driveshaft hoop vs at the center of the axle housing? are there any ride quality improvements that either direction has to offer??

[joe231]

cool, are you using google sketchup?

[Krusn64]

Originally Posted by joe231

cool, are you using google sketchup?

yep...it works better than i thought it would it just took some getting used to coming from using solidworks and autocad. im only using the 8 hour trial version which is now expired but i havent found anything it wont let me do yet

[joe231]

yeah I like sketchup, pretty easy to use
i got the free version a couple years ago, they charge for it now?

[vin63]

Originally Posted by Krusn64

what are the pros/cons of having the upper links meet at the center of the driveshaft hoop vs at the center of the axle housing? are there any ride quality improvements that either direction has to offer??

If it were me, I would land the forward mount of the upper bars to the frame since the driveshaft loop will not have enough rigidity to suport the forces the rearend will place on the bars.

[kizer]

Unless I'm wrong you probably don't want to really weld to the housing because its cast. You'd be better off welding on the axle tubes them selves.

[Captainfab]

Originally Posted by kizer

Unless I'm wrong you probably don't want to really weld to the housing because its cast. You'd be better off welding on the axle tubes them selves.

If you're using the 12 bolt, then just bridge over the center section from axle tube to axle tube.....it's done quite often on 4x4's. Of course if you're running a 9 inch it isn't an issue.

I agree with Vin63, run the uppers from center of the diff out to the frame at the front.

BTW I like your 'fish plate' gussets on the frame joints......looks good.

[the kid]

[Krusn64]

thanks guys...i will be running a (BADWORD lol) 9 INCH and i knew you can't weld to the cast on the 12 bolts...i will reinforce the driveshaft hoop if i end up connecting the top links (hadn't thought about that yet)