[PiMan]

Does anyone have a couple of clear photos, or may better a cut-away illustration, of the 3 Link setup? I'd like to understand what it is and how it works, but haven't gotten that yet....

You could either post it here or email it to me.

Thanks.

 

[DragonSnake]

The best pictures I've seen are at FFR's 3 Link Installation page.

How it works:
It removes the standard upper control arms. The stock upper arms are angled in a "V" shape which gives the axle lateral stability at the expense of full-range of travel without binding.

The 3 Link removes those upper arms and replaces them with a single upper arm that points straight forward. (parallel to the driveshaft). This allows the axle to move up and down freely without binding.

However, you have no lateral support to keep the axle under the car. That's where the panhard bar comes in. I mounts to one end of the axle, runs across the car (parallel to the axle) and mounts to a new frame mount on the other side.

This way the axle can move up and down freely, and also have side-to-side stability.

-Joe

[ May 01, 2002, 03:45 PM: Message edited by: DragonSnake ]

 

[PiMan]

Thanks, I understand it now.

Does the 3 Link system result in a better ride for regular street use? I have the quad shock setup, with adjustable, Heim jointed uppers, and it rides like a box of rocks (not that I expect Caddy smooth, mind you...).

 

[Bill]

You might want to the read the FFR FAQ on 3-link:

http://www.ffcars.com/FAQ/3link.html

Here's what it says:

Look at the drawing below and image the axle moving up and down. The stock lower control arms allow the axle to move up and down freely. The new upper control link allows the axle to move up and down, while controlling the axle rotation position. In other words, it controls the pinion angle. This improves the traction because the pinion angle is very important. Wheel hop can virtually be eliminated by playing the with pinion angle. The upper control arm length can be adjusted like a tie rod.

The elimination of the stock upper control arm prevents the rear suspension from binding under side-to-side load. But to control side-to-side movement, the Panhard bar is added. One end of the Panhard bar mounts to the right side of the axle and the other end is mounted to the left side of the cars frame. The bar allows up and down movement, but prevents side-to-side movement. The Panhard bar can be adjusted like a tie rod, so you can position the axle perfectly center to the car. If you shorten the bar, it pulls the axle to the right. If you lengthen it, it moves the axle to the left.