[2FAST4U]

I have watched my new FFR video, and read the latest FFR newsletter. I have tried (unsuccessfully) to understand how the 3-link works. From what I can see, the upper RCA are not used, but are replace by the single link that mounts to both the frame and the right side of the gear case.

There appears to be a panhard bar that runs from the right quad shock mount on the frame to the left rear coilover. Plus, there is a rod that ties the left and right together.

In the photo of the 3-link, there is another long black piece that I cannot figure out where it goes, or how it works.

Can anyone help me with this?

Thanks

Keith

[ September 13, 2002, 02:11 PM: Message edited by: 2FAST4U ]

 

[tbarcelo]

I have the Griggs GR-40 suspension on my '98 Mustang, and I believe the basics of that suspension and the 3-link are similar (see www.griggsracing.com for more detailed info). As I understand it, the panhard bar serves to locate the axle laterally. I'm pretty sure that the long thing is similar to my torque arm. I think this is used to control nose dive and squat. I wish I understood it better, but the Griggs site should be of some use.

-Trevor

 

[jcook]

The "long" assembly in your photo is the part that ties the left side of your panhard bar to the chassis. The panhard bar bolts to near the intesection of the three bars that make up the assembly. The longest member runs (from a low position on the left side of the car) diagonally to the right side of the car and mounts fairly high in the chassis.

I'll e-mail you photo's when I get home tonight.

-Jim

 

[2FAST4U]

From my attached photo, I can see where the right chassis mount is, and the mount to the left coilover. Does one side also mount to the left side of the frame near the quad shock mount?

And what about the black lower piece in the picture. Where does it attach? Does it replace the left lower RCA?

Thanks

Keith

[ September 13, 2002, 02:54 PM: Message edited by: 2FAST4U ]

 

[Rob]

http://factoryfive.com/table/ffrkits/roadster/3link/3linkinstall.html

 

[2FAST4U]

Thanks Rob. That's exactly what I was looking for.

Now, I nned to wait until my 9" rear gets here on the 30th, measure the axle tubes to see if they're any bigger than the 8.8" tubes. If they're the same, I can order a 3-link and help make this beast a better auto-x'r

Keith

 

[Tim Cronin]

The quadshock brackets are removed and the panhard bar mounts to the frame where the quadshock brackets were located.

The big black piece at the bottom of the picture is the new upper control arm that bolts/welds to the axle
TEC

 

[CobraDreaming]

Help me get it clear as well. With the 3 link the quad shocks are gone and the upper control is gone. Correct?

 

[2FAST4U]

From FFR's instruction (the link so graciously provided by Rob ), "yes". The upper RCA are no longer used.

From the instructions, the left side is mounted to the 2x3 vertical frame. Not sure what the purpose of that portion on the system is for. Torque arm maybe?

Keith

 

[Rob]

2Fast... - You crack me up.... Just trying to help!

Rgds

Rob

 

[Tim Cronin]

Waiting
The mustang upper control arms are not used. there is a FFR suplied upper control arm...the 3rd link. Quad shocks are not used
TEC

 

[2FAST4U]

Still don't understand the use of the arm that mounts from the 2x3 vertical frame to the left rear coilover. Is it some type of torque arm? Is there a pivot mechanism where it attaches to the rear axle?

Keith

[ September 13, 2002, 04:37 PM: Message edited by: 2FAST4U ]

 

[DragonSnake]

There's a lot of good info here too:

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

 

[DragonSnake]

2FAST:

The bracket shown in your picture is what the panhard bar mounts to. The other end mounts to the axle.

-Joe

 

[Tim Cronin]

Keith
The piece that attaches to the 4" tube (lined up with the vertical 2x3 is part of the panhard bar mount. Its part of that big unwieldy piece. It mounts in 3 places, the 2 quadshock bracket locations and the back of the 4" tube.
TEC

 

[2FAST4U]

Tim-

What is it's function? That is what I'm struggling with.

Keith

 

[Tim Cronin]

That whole apparatus is an elaborate looking mount for the left side of the panhard bar. The panhard bar runs left to right mounting on the right side competition bracket behind the axle and is adjustable to locate the axle left to right. Thats it!
TEC

 

[Robert Duncan]

To answer your real question; will it work with a 9", NO.

The axle tubes on a 9" are 3” in diameter; the tubes on an 8.8” are about 2.685”. The upper link mounting arm will not clamp on to the 9” axle tubes. In addition, the “pig” of a 9” is wider than the 8.8”, the arm will be pushed further off center and you will not be able to correctly mount the front of the upper link.

Why are you trying to use a 9”? You don’t need the strength, you don’t need the weight, you don’t need the expense, and you don’t need the hassle of re-engineering the control arm mount points.

[ September 13, 2002, 05:34 PM: Message edited by: Robert Duncan ]

 

[2FAST4U]

Thanks Tim and Dragon Snake. It finally makes sense.

Robert-

The 9" that I have on order is made to fit the FOX control arm mounts. Only the center section is 9".

Keith


[ September 13, 2002, 05:35 PM: Message edited by: 2FAST4U ]

 

[Ozona]

Keith:

The 9" bolt in housings are 9" housings through and through. The FFR 3 link won't work, neither will the Autoweld uppers.

You could easily make the 3 link work, but it will require a custom upper link mount. Everything else will work.

Regards,

Bill (Ozona)