Let's talk rear suspension
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 369
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From: Rochester, NY, USA
Let's talk rear suspension
I'm trying to decide what rear suspension I want to use. I would like to use air bags in the rear so I think that I'm stuck with either a 4 link or ladder bars.
Can anyone offer any advice?
What do you think about a mid 90's Thunderbird independent rear suspension. It almost looks like it will bolt right in. Has anyone ever heard of doing this?
Thanks for your help.
Can anyone offer any advice?
What do you think about a mid 90's Thunderbird independent rear suspension. It almost looks like it will bolt right in. Has anyone ever heard of doing this?
Thanks for your help.
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 314
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From: Medford, Oregon
ladder bars are a bolt on, similar to the nice and shiny traction bars, 4 link is a weld on and is available in several styles.
Style 1. 2 bars on each side in a stacked way with a panhard rod to eliminate side to side movement
Style 2 is a triangulated mounting, the lower bars are front to rear as is above while the top bars are on a diagonal to the center of the axle out in a V pattern. usually less to buy, more welding, but less side to side movement.
There are several companies that offer kits
www.ridetech.com has the both with air bags
Glackowitz
Style 1. 2 bars on each side in a stacked way with a panhard rod to eliminate side to side movement
Style 2 is a triangulated mounting, the lower bars are front to rear as is above while the top bars are on a diagonal to the center of the axle out in a V pattern. usually less to buy, more welding, but less side to side movement.
There are several companies that offer kits
www.ridetech.com has the both with air bags
Glackowitz
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 121
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From: California
I have the No Limit fat bar 4 link in my 56', its not bagged but I love the ride with the coilovers. The ride is so much smoother and nicer than the leaf springs, plus it sits a lot lower and levels out the truck ( MII susp as well). Also the weight transfer you get with a 4 link is an awesome feeling when you step on the gas at a stoplight.
old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,921
Likes: 1,052
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
ladder or 4 link
4 links look trick and are valuable at the track when dialin'-in the hookup on the rear end... but on the street once set...they are of little more use.
Ladder bars will give you the same ride, same initial adjustment with two less heim joints to wear out and be replaced... the coil over smooth ride is still there with less moving parts = less problems down the road..
for that reason (on the advise of a old time drag race car builder) I went with custom built ladder bars and a shortened rear end for some fatter meats...
here's what mine look like
http://www.clubfte.com/users/jniolon/history/rear1.jpg
john
Ladder bars will give you the same ride, same initial adjustment with two less heim joints to wear out and be replaced... the coil over smooth ride is still there with less moving parts = less problems down the road..
for that reason (on the advise of a old time drag race car builder) I went with custom built ladder bars and a shortened rear end for some fatter meats...
here's what mine look like
http://www.clubfte.com/users/jniolon/history/rear1.jpg
john
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 74
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From: Hastings NE
I was trying to find my source of reference, but no luck yet. Anyway, I read a really good article explaining the difference between 4-bar, 4-link, and ladder bar types. The one real problem with ladder bars for street use is that they tend to bind in un-even terrain, such as driveways. Ladder bars also do not keep the differential pinion angle constant like a 4-bar will. I plan on using a 4-link from Air-Ride Technologies on my '57.
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Junior User
Joined: Jul 2001
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I saw a guy at one of the Goodguy events in Pleasanton with a Thunderbird setup in his F100. It looked great and he was very happy with it. Sorry I don't have a name or number.
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Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Akron Ohio
There was a guy on here about a year ago, with a 56 that had that t bird setup. He said it was fairly easy to install and It looked trick. Try using the search button and reading some posts from awhile back. -4speed
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Senior User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 369
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From: Rochester, NY, USA
I'm toying with the idea of fabricating my own 4 link set up and I've got a question.
Most of the kits that you can purcase from places like No Limit and Heidts look like they mount on the outside of the frame rails. Does it create a problem if you mount them on the inside? I would think that you might get a little more sway than you would if they were mounted farther out, but is it significant?
From John's link above, it appears that his Ladder bars mount on the inside and I'm assuming that this is ok?
Thanks for your help
Most of the kits that you can purcase from places like No Limit and Heidts look like they mount on the outside of the frame rails. Does it create a problem if you mount them on the inside? I would think that you might get a little more sway than you would if they were mounted farther out, but is it significant?
From John's link above, it appears that his Ladder bars mount on the inside and I'm assuming that this is ok?
Thanks for your help
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Svooom
You might PM Purple55. He fabbed his and it looks very nice. It may be a 3 link though. I forget. Greg has a ton of stock car experience and knows what he's doing. He's brags he's had his butt kicked by many of the top name Nascar drivers of today. Elliott, Allison etc.
You might PM Purple55. He fabbed his and it looks very nice. It may be a 3 link though. I forget. Greg has a ton of stock car experience and knows what he's doing. He's brags he's had his butt kicked by many of the top name Nascar drivers of today. Elliott, Allison etc.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 486
Likes: 66
From: South Carolina
Thanks (?) 'fenders.
Svooom, check the pics in my gallery for ideas.I went with the 3 link because I was so familiar with it.Shocks/springs as close to the tire as possible for better ride and handling.Very much adjusability built in.
Svooom, check the pics in my gallery for ideas.I went with the 3 link because I was so familiar with it.Shocks/springs as close to the tire as possible for better ride and handling.Very much adjusability built in.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Purple
Yes, that was a compliment. Or as close as a guy like you deserves.
Do you have a PIC in your gallery with the sheetmetal off? I thought you did before. Or am I remembering the snapshots you had at the 'nats?
Although I love the trick look of 4 link, I stayed away from a four link because the geometry seems to violate common sense in terms of ride quality only. I know they launch straighter like a ladder bar setup. But I am not experiencing any launch problems with my current drivetrain. The 302 prolly just needs some new spark plugs or sumthin' eh?
Does a 3 link allow the rear wheels to move more independently than a 4 link? As in suspension not fighting the path the wheels need to go on rougher roads. Sorry if my question isn't clear. I'm just not communicating well today.
BTW, just noticed your Borla "speakers" labeling in the gallery. You had me going for a minute. You funny guy LOL.
Yes, that was a compliment. Or as close as a guy like you deserves.
Do you have a PIC in your gallery with the sheetmetal off? I thought you did before. Or am I remembering the snapshots you had at the 'nats?
Although I love the trick look of 4 link, I stayed away from a four link because the geometry seems to violate common sense in terms of ride quality only. I know they launch straighter like a ladder bar setup. But I am not experiencing any launch problems with my current drivetrain. The 302 prolly just needs some new spark plugs or sumthin' eh?
Does a 3 link allow the rear wheels to move more independently than a 4 link? As in suspension not fighting the path the wheels need to go on rougher roads. Sorry if my question isn't clear. I'm just not communicating well today.
BTW, just noticed your Borla "speakers" labeling in the gallery. You had me going for a minute. You funny guy LOL.
Tuned
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 486
Likes: 66
From: South Carolina
'fenders
Haven't taken any pics from my gallery so must have been at the bar/restaurant.
As far as the basic design/geometry of 4 link vs 3 link, its probably more a matter of personal preference than anything.Its just that most 4 link street versions I've seen are set up more for the drag racing than the handling or ride quality.
The "Borla" thing has been in my gallery for about 9 months now.A little slow,are we?Iowa thing?
Speaking of Iowa,I'm gonna be up in your neck of the woods Weds.Flyin to Wis.Truckin from there to S.D. to do some ice fishin with dad and brothers.Aint been too cold,has it?
Greg
P.S.
Don't get me started on your 302! It probably needs 4 more spark plugs.They're 4 cylinders,aren't they.
Haven't taken any pics from my gallery so must have been at the bar/restaurant.
As far as the basic design/geometry of 4 link vs 3 link, its probably more a matter of personal preference than anything.Its just that most 4 link street versions I've seen are set up more for the drag racing than the handling or ride quality.
The "Borla" thing has been in my gallery for about 9 months now.A little slow,are we?Iowa thing?
Speaking of Iowa,I'm gonna be up in your neck of the woods Weds.Flyin to Wis.Truckin from there to S.D. to do some ice fishin with dad and brothers.Aint been too cold,has it?
Greg
P.S.
Don't get me started on your 302! It probably needs 4 more spark plugs.They're 4 cylinders,aren't they.
Post Fiend
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,328
Likes: 124
From: Iowa
Greg
Same here on the 4 links and ladder bars. Most all I have ever ridden in were for the purposes of hooking up only. They are quite efficient at keeping the axle still with a real engine. Ya, like a big block or something. I'm anxious to ride in a few of the forum member trucks someday to see if you can make them ride nice on the street. They look neat, that's for sure.
Regarding the ice fishing weather. Hope you're heading north of my place. The backwaters on the Mississippi are stiff. But it's been warm enough to get out my pressure washer every week or two all winter. Be careful. Course ice fishing is a little like sky diving I suppose. There is never a day when you don't need to be careful. Just booked my annual Minnesota trip last night. Sure hope I actually get to go but it's only a month after the 'nats. I'm still working the details on the wife compensation (extortion) package.
Same here on the 4 links and ladder bars. Most all I have ever ridden in were for the purposes of hooking up only. They are quite efficient at keeping the axle still with a real engine. Ya, like a big block or something.
I'm anxious to ride in a few of the forum member trucks someday to see if you can make them ride nice on the street. They look neat, that's for sure. Regarding the ice fishing weather. Hope you're heading north of my place. The backwaters on the Mississippi are stiff. But it's been warm enough to get out my pressure washer every week or two all winter. Be careful. Course ice fishing is a little like sky diving I suppose. There is never a day when you don't need to be careful. Just booked my annual Minnesota trip last night. Sure hope I actually get to go but it's only a month after the 'nats. I'm still working the details on the wife compensation (extortion) package.