N20jeep

a RADIUS setup works just fine. And is simple to build

Xj88

I figure he could have built a 3 link just as easy.

Venom

If built properly (braced and boxed), 3/16" should be more than enough to handle just about anything you could possibly throw at this. The tubing for the lower arms is .3750" If that bends, then Im seriously doing something wrong. I am of the belief that sometimes "more" IS too much. All that extra steel is extra weight, and the 4.0l is having to pull itup trails, and over obstacles. All my experience comes from almost 18 years in off-road fabrication, and I can tell you from years of fabrication on desert trucks and buggies, that proper design is key.

The reason I went with a 3-link setup, is simplicity, and keeping cost down for now. The front and rear axles will eventually be replaced, and then I will more than likely run a true 4 link set up.

Venom

Why would I do that?
Wheres the benefit of that over the 3-link (radius)?

bmikes

Sorry to be a noob here.. But can someone explain the difference between 3 link, 4 link, and radius suspensions? I'm still learning..

N20jeep

climbing performance, on throttle climbing stability 1 extra frame mounting point, ZERO binding.

But, even with that... Radius will be fine for 95% of wheelers

Xj88

Exactly.

Venom

That response was about the shackles in the rear.

On the front LCA's, I ran a Rustys 2.5" Johnny joint with a 1.25" threaded shaft at the cross member, and bushing at the axle.
Uppers are heimed on one end attach to the factory mounts on the axle.

Xj88

Radius setup: upper arms are attached to the lowers.
4 link: 4 separate arms with individual mounting points (stock setup is essentially a short arm 4 link)
3 link: same as a 4 link minus 1 link

Xj88

I'm running factory axle mounts on my lowers too.
Didn't see a reason to mod a lp30..
When I swap axles I'll beef the mounts

bmikes

That was simple! Thanks man!

bmikes

And also venom, very nice work! I hope to one day have a shop that has a CNC plasma, and at least a manual mill and lathe. Right now I have a millermatic 250, portable plasma, air compressor, horizontal bandsaw, and a few other shop tools. I'm only 18, so I think I'm doing alright!

Xj88

Indeed.
Several pics of my 3 link in my build thread. A few companies are selling 4 links now.. most off the shelf kits are radius setups..
Rock krawler, full traction, and rustys all build 4 links..
As well as others like b lee off road, fst..

Venom

Thats right!
And for the wheeling I will be doing, this set up is actually overkill.
I want more of an expedition rig than a serious rock crawler. (Although,
that may change down the road)

I already am contemplating on a 4-link setup, when I do my axle swap.

Xj88

Keep the radius till you feel like itd holding.you back.
No sense in rebuilding a decent to begin with setup