Logan Smith

thinking about going to a 4 link suspension in the rear of my cherokee because it is a daily and i sort of want to get rid of the leaf springs...what axles do you think would be best to do this on/what brand 4 link should i go for? Overall looking for a "super flexy" suspension system that still has road manners! i already have a 6.5 inch short arm thats going to a long arm in the front but only leaf springs and shocks in the rear.. Pics and suggestions would be awesome thanks

4.3L XJ

I understand where you want to go. The typical leaf spring kit for an XJ, especially at your lift height, is kind of stiff and inflexible. I got around that with a bastard pack made with Isuzu leaves. Having said that, a triangulated four link, while very flexible and great off road, can have a significant drawback on the highway. First is, most of them are made with heim joints. The links need to be tight so that they will not allow the axle to move back and forth because it lacks a track bar. These joints can wear and can start to have movement, allowing the rear to sway and then stop in a cornering situation. So, bottom line is that the joints need to be replaced fairly often. The second drawback is that with the four links taking up all the room between the frame rails, there is no room for an exhaust system there. I have seen one kit with a pipe crossing the frame and running up the outside of it. A friend of mine ended up with a straight pipe running up the tranny tunnel. He eventually fabbed up something with a tiny muffler crossways behind the axle. Personally, I am going with a three link when I do it this winter.

Logan Smith

sorry for the late reply man! thanks for the feedback btw! So do you think i should do the 3 link then?

4.3L XJ

Well, I am but I am fabricating my own stuff. I don't think there are any three link kits out there. But you could search for one

89eliminator

3 link rear, meaning wishbone upper?

if you buy quality rod ends, they will last quite a while. you may want to invest in a swaybar if road manners are not up to your standards.

4.3L XJ

I am in the process of building it now as funds allow.





It is a single top link that will go to a crossmember linked to the main transmission crossmember currently made out of 2X4X3/16" steel. The diff cover out of 3/8" steel will bolt into the top link mount.

Bugout4x4

Looks good man. Are going to Gimble that for twist? I am currently putting a similar design on paper for the Cherovan conversion project. Long arm front and three link rear supported on both ends with factory caravan coil struts loaded with longer refill cartridges and coils.

Wait? is that going to be four link?

4.3L XJ

No, there is a flex joint in the rear. The mount has a spacer, you can barely see it, that allows the flex joint extra travel. Also forgot to mention a rear track bar, also of heavy duty stuff for the rear axle.

Bugout4x4

I see it now. Looks good man, please keep us updated with this!

4.3L XJ

I will. The plan is to redo the Jeep this winter and then go to Moab. I have a D44 front in the works too. Swapped the tubes around and adapted WJ brakes to it and the rear. I have another diff cover welded up, but unfinished. However I have an interruption from my kid with his TJ getting a 5.2 V8. Once I get that out of the way, I will start a thread with all this

Bugout4x4

Not too long ago I was able to round up a ford LS 9" with the right width and wheel pattern to bolt in my future project. I am going to stay with the factory front diff because I realized years ago it really doesn't take much more than a "little pull" up there to get where you need to get as long as you have a good rear end.

4.3L XJ

I have been doing that too. But I am ready for running with the big dogs now, and was planning on going to 37s

Bugout4x4

You realize it is going to corner on the road like crap right? lol

Just joking man... I still need some road drive-ability in mine for long distance runs.

4.3L XJ

I have a trick or two up my sleeve for that

Bugout4x4

Looking forward to that Sir.