TC's 2nd Gen - Rear 4Link Swap (Buildup Thread)
#41
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Thread Starter
So, here's the parts list so far:
4 Link kit with Johnny joints
Axle truss
The crossmember material is 1.75" OD, .219" wall DOM
Mounting plate for crossmembers
LSPV go bye-bye
Current plan is to use my existing springs (Eibach) and shocks.
4 Link kit with Johnny joints
Axle truss
The crossmember material is 1.75" OD, .219" wall DOM
Mounting plate for crossmembers
LSPV go bye-bye
Current plan is to use my existing springs (Eibach) and shocks.
#42
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#43
I want to triangulate my rear 4 link some day. My dream is to be able to run baja with it. LT front and rear suspension. should be interesting.
One idea for the lower links is to make almost like a mock radius arm in the sense that i would mount at the bottom and go upwards to give you more clearance.
Kinda like this idea, except more substantial since it is a major suspension component.
One idea for the lower links is to make almost like a mock radius arm in the sense that i would mount at the bottom and go upwards to give you more clearance.
Kinda like this idea, except more substantial since it is a major suspension component.
Last edited by Matt16; 09-16-2008 at 09:45 PM.
#47
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Thread Starter
I am leaving all the coil buckets and shock locations, so I won't have to fab those (which I would with a leaf spring swap). The cutting and grinding of all the old mounts is actually less than doing a leaf swap since I don't have to remove the upper coil buckets. The crossmembers for the links are not much more work than welding in the front hangers. I don't have to worry about shackle angles and whatnot.
Lastly, a link setup will provide better control of the axle than leaves do - I will never have to worry about axle wrap or wheel hop.
It is looking like I will be able to do this for about $1000, so it is a little more expensive than leaves, but not too much.
#48
Have you thought about using a longer shock? These shock cones provide and extra 2-3" travel, through use of longer shocks. Providing your coils don't fall out the buckets.
Quote from Downey:
"No matter what brand or configuration your 4 Runner rear suspension is, there is the possibility you could gain additional suspension droop (extension) when using longer shocks. Longer shocks, however, have taller shock bodies (oil cans) that could clobber the upper shock mounting panels during suspension compression (bottoming-out). You can use a 2 hole saw to cut out the upper shock mounting panels, bolt-in these 1 tall shock mounting cones, then use longer shocks for additional travel.
EXAMPLE – Downey’s 1 lift 4 Runner rear coils use 9” travel shocks that open up to 23” long. These cones allow use of 10” travel shocks that open up to 25” long."
Quote from Downey:
"No matter what brand or configuration your 4 Runner rear suspension is, there is the possibility you could gain additional suspension droop (extension) when using longer shocks. Longer shocks, however, have taller shock bodies (oil cans) that could clobber the upper shock mounting panels during suspension compression (bottoming-out). You can use a 2 hole saw to cut out the upper shock mounting panels, bolt-in these 1 tall shock mounting cones, then use longer shocks for additional travel.
EXAMPLE – Downey’s 1 lift 4 Runner rear coils use 9” travel shocks that open up to 23” long. These cones allow use of 10” travel shocks that open up to 25” long."
#49
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at the same time, I would do my rear e-locker and all new seals and bearings all around. I mean 200 for the leaf springs, etc, less the bearings, seals, and differential.
#50
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Thread Starter
To do a leaf spring swap, you have to cut/grind flush ALL the link mounting brackets. Totally clean off the rear axle (it's a lot of stuff to cut off!). Weld in new hangers. Cut a hole and weld in the sleeve for the swing shackle. Weld leaf perches onto the axle. Install leaf springs. Hope ride height comes out OK.
#51
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Thread Starter
Have you thought about using a longer shock? These shock cones provide and extra 2-3" travel, through use of longer shocks. Providing your coils don't fall out the buckets.
Quote from Downey:
"No matter what brand or configuration your 4 Runner rear suspension is, there is the possibility you could gain additional suspension droop (extension) when using longer shocks. Longer shocks, however, have taller shock bodies (oil cans) that could clobber the upper shock mounting panels during suspension compression (bottoming-out). You can use a 2 hole saw to cut out the upper shock mounting panels, bolt-in these 1 tall shock mounting cones, then use longer shocks for additional travel.
EXAMPLE – Downey’s 1 lift 4 Runner rear coils use 9” travel shocks that open up to 23” long. These cones allow use of 10” travel shocks that open up to 25” long."
Quote from Downey:
"No matter what brand or configuration your 4 Runner rear suspension is, there is the possibility you could gain additional suspension droop (extension) when using longer shocks. Longer shocks, however, have taller shock bodies (oil cans) that could clobber the upper shock mounting panels during suspension compression (bottoming-out). You can use a 2 hole saw to cut out the upper shock mounting panels, bolt-in these 1 tall shock mounting cones, then use longer shocks for additional travel.
EXAMPLE – Downey’s 1 lift 4 Runner rear coils use 9” travel shocks that open up to 23” long. These cones allow use of 10” travel shocks that open up to 25” long."
#52
Contributing Member
To do a leaf spring swap, you have to cut/grind flush ALL the link mounting brackets. Totally clean off the rear axle (it's a lot of stuff to cut off!). Weld in new hangers. Cut a hole and weld in the sleeve for the swing shackle. Weld leaf perches onto the axle. Install leaf springs. Hope ride height comes out OK.
Leaves are simpler as there is no geometry involved, but they are primitive in operation compared to links and can cause headaches such as axle wrap. I guess no solution is perfect, thus the endless threads on suspension theory and design.
Ultimately, I think what you are doing is the way to go TC. I am looking forward to your progress. Will be nice to see an improved factory link system instead of starting from scratch. I'd like to give a try at creating a linked system for a vehicle one day.
#54
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Once again I find myself on the fence...... Doh!
TC I can see your point, with the grinding etc and better ride
Elvota- You make a good point too, I like the simplicity of leaves as well.
So the million dollar question is: when is the "triangulated 4 link kit" going into production?
TC I can see your point, with the grinding etc and better ride
Elvota- You make a good point too, I like the simplicity of leaves as well.
So the million dollar question is: when is the "triangulated 4 link kit" going into production?
#55
You'd have to figure out a coil that could deal with that much travel. Perhaps a cruiser coil configured with the upper bucket (the proper term is escaping me) mounted higher up. That way, the spring would still exert force at full extension- which is kind of the point of the spring.
#56
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Thread Starter
My shocks are definitely what limited my droop travel. I might be able to fit a longer one in there, but would be nervous about bottoming it out and blowing the valves. These cups would give enough "safety factor" to open up the shock selection quite a bit.
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You'd have to figure out a coil that could deal with that much travel. Perhaps a cruiser coil configured with the upper bucket (the proper term is escaping me) mounted higher up. That way, the spring would still exert force at full extension- which is kind of the point of the spring.
#60
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Update!
Ask and ye shall receive!
Johnny joints are HUGE!
The gear from Poly Performance
Troy welding on the Ruff Stuff Axle Gusset
We took out the 3rd member so we can have a look at the setup in there (Pinion bearing might need some love) So Pete is grinding on the axle housing.
Pete brought over his nifty shop table and chop saw!
The axle positioned under the truck. Link mounts have been tack welded.
Pete and Troy doing string theory....
Ask and ye shall receive!
Johnny joints are HUGE!
The gear from Poly Performance
Troy welding on the Ruff Stuff Axle Gusset
We took out the 3rd member so we can have a look at the setup in there (Pinion bearing might need some love) So Pete is grinding on the axle housing.
Pete brought over his nifty shop table and chop saw!
The axle positioned under the truck. Link mounts have been tack welded.
Pete and Troy doing string theory....