Hey guys so I have done a bunch of reaserch and have found very little on the 3 vs 4 link. I know that the 3 link is only connected by two lower control arm links and 1 upper control arm link. Then people say that 4 link long arm kits are hard to do install in the xj. I would assume 4 link has two upper and lower control arms, but i couldn't find clear answer. Basically what I am asking is that is the three link really good as far as on road and off road toughness? And is a four link much better? And some people say that some kits dont have a true 4 link or true three link. How could that possibly be, if its connected by 4 points is connected, right? And what do people mean when things are just radius arms vs. 3 links. And when people say you can fab your own three link?? does anyone have a build link to that because that just confuses me. I am just pretty confused and if anyone can straighten it out for me I would appreciate it.

 

I have heard of a panhard bar that im confused about....

 

since people do both passenger side and driver side 3 links, a 4 link is possible. not necessary for everyone though. on an xj it would basically be for the added strength

the "impossible" you are reading of is referring to double triangulated 4 links. without relocating your engine, there is no room (or at least I don't think this has been done yet). double triangulated would eliminate the need for a panhard bar (track bar)

a 3 link will work great. radius arms will work great. building your own kit can be great too. for me, I would just bolt on whatever kit you can afford if you're sticking with the stock front axle. you're not going to be able to learn all this stuff in one day

 

parallel 4 links aren't hard to do in an xj. 3 links are a little easier because of less packaging issues, and the fact the there is zero binding during articulation. 4 link does offer a little more strength and security though because of the extra link and mounting points.

I prefer a 3 link because I can mount the upper in the passenger side and leave the driver side open for only my driveshaft. as for driveability, a 3 link will handle just as well on the road as any other long arm out there as long as you use solid joints.


Panhard/track bars are used on all non triangulated link setups to locate the side to side axle under the Jeep. So just about 99.999 percent of linked jeeps will be running a front panhard bar. Because to get rid of it you will need to triangulate the front links and use a full hydraulic steering setup because a standard mechanical steering setup will bind.


Basically when you hear radius setup(which is what most xj longarm systems are. They are referring to 2 lower control arms that have an upper connected to the lower control arm instead of the frame. And uses a panhard bar.

3 Link is 3 links with 3 frame and 3 axle attaching points. With a panhard.

4 link is 4 links 4 axle and 4 frame attaching points with a panhard.

And a triangulated 4 link is having 4 axle and 4 frame mounting points, but having 2 (or 4) of the links triangulated to control side to side movement. No panhard is used

 

Not a "true" 3 link but I like the IRO set up