I recently purchased a triangulated 4-link kit for my 1951 F-1. Now this kit came nicely built with all the hardware and bushings. My question is how did you mount your lower bars? And if your running a parallel kit you can also chime in. I'm wondering because it would make things a lot easier if the lower bars mounted outside the frame rails. I'm not sure how its supposed to be done exactly. I've seen set ups both inboard and outboard. What are the pro's and con's to both options?

 

The lowers outboard and parallel to the frame rails will work fine. I've seen kits that utilize the original rear spring front hanger for the forward bar mount. Most OEM vehicles have the upper bars close to the center section on the rear end and angled out toward the frame rails.

 

That was how I originally planned on setting it up but after researching how others did theres I see a lot of different styles and bar placement. I plan on running a set of air bags and have noticed most guys have there upper links mounted center on the cross member and out on the axle tubes? Is there a reason for that or am I over analyzing things?

 

Hey Trey i went the other way with mine centered on the diff housing and out at the front to the Chassis rails which i plated in

 

It depends on the type of rear axle you have and where you have the center bars. The differentials with the nodular iron housings you can't weld to the center section without a truss. Others like the 9" have a steel housing which is easily welded.

 

I mounted mine wide at the axle and narrow at the frame. I had to make a cross member to do this. I mounted mine directly under the frame so that i didnt have to modify the rear running board bracket or the existing cross member. This is with the welder series kit.

Edit here is the picture

 

I would assume for a set of bars already purchased, in specific lengths, you need to install them the way they were designed to get the correct geometry. Have you asked the vendor? Were there any layout drawings?

 

No drawings or instructions with the kit. I can call them and ask but after some measurements taken today I realized I'm in a pickle ether way. Inboard I need to redo my crosmember if outboard I have to move the rear running board mount.

 

Thats exactly why i mounted mine under the frame.

 

I would mount mine under but I plan on using a set of air bags. The link bars being under the frame I think will limit the travel and become a low point on the frame when the bags are deflated.

 

Where did you buy your kit from? Since the bottom bars are supposed to be parallel to the ground at ride height, if you use a supplied mount on the axle the front of the bar will be at the same height no matter if you mount inside outside or under your frame

 

(http://www.johnnylawmotors.com/catalog/1974-1978-mustang-and-pinto/rear-suspension/rear-four-link-kits/VPATTK4/heavy-duty-triangulated-universal-four-link-kit-with-shock-hardware)
This is the kit I ordered.

 

Did you download the instructions from that page? What do they say?

 

Youll have to play around with where it will fit best. like i said the front of the bar will be at the same height no matter what, itll be a question on if there will be clearance to the frame under full travel if you mount it underneath the frame.



Dont know if thats enough travel for what you want to do, but it bottoms out at the axle tube before the bar hit the frame. Like you said youll have to modify either the cross member or running board bracket if you go one of those ways.

 

It says to mount inboard but it also says they can be shortened if needed. I can take 5 inches out of the lower bars and they will clear the factory croess member.
If I shorten the lower bars do I need to also shorten the uppers?
In order to get the lower bars parallel with the world at ride hight I think my best option is like yours. Shorter lower links will make them even more of an angle at ride hight.