installing my first 4 link w/coilovers - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

collin86 · 03-22-2008, 10:20 PM

ok so im getting ready to start doing my rear suspension. i have a comp enginering magnum 4 link kit, diagnal link, all poly rod ends. im going to box the frame and build a small c notch. im looking to get about 6" drop in the rear or so.

im looking for any tips to make this go as smooth as possible. i have never installed a 4 link before, but i know how they work and i have done my homework

pics soon

abadsvt · 03-22-2008, 10:32 PM

Well set your frame up at your ride height and then install you 4 link so that bars are parrelle to the ground. It might be benificial for you to make some sort of jig to hold the rear end so it doesn't move when setting everything up. That way everything is centered when done. Also it is better to mount the long perpendicular links as far as you can towards the wheels. Imagine if you are standing up with both of your legs close together and someone bumps you. Most likely you will fall over because you don't have a good stance but if you were to spread your legs out you have more stability and probably not fall over. The similiar analogy with setting up the 4 links. I know that sometimes you have things in you way or what not so just do the best you can and i am sure it will be fine. Good luck and do a search to look at some pics.

Josh

collin86 · 03-22-2008, 10:44 PM

thanks. i have been looking at pics for weeks now and just burning all the info into my head. thats a good thought on going wide...i never thought of that. thats exactly why i made this thread

AirMale · 03-23-2008, 02:46 AM

Are you back-halfing or using a cross member?

collin86 · 03-23-2008, 03:22 AM

im using a cross member

AirMale · 03-23-2008, 03:30 AM

2X3 cross member will go under the frame rails and there is plenty of adjustments for ride height and tire size.

collin86 · 03-23-2008, 04:25 AM

can i get a 6" drop in the rear if i notch the frame the same way same way as you. i have the comp enginering kit, so the front mounting brackets are different, i have to come up with a good way to mount them. also what does the back of your truck weigh, i need to know what spring rates on qa1 coilovers to get for ride height

jlaird · 03-23-2008, 05:18 AM

like abadsvt was saying, try to mount the 4link on the outside of the framerails.

Abadsvt, I always wanted to ask you, your username...svt as in F@RD??

abadsvt · 03-23-2008, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jlaird

like abadsvt was saying, try to mount the 4link on the outside of the framerails.

Abadsvt, I always wanted to ask you, your username...svt as in F@RD??

Shhhhhhh. I don't think were aloud to say the F word

. Yes i used to own a SVT Contour when i was 17 and i have always kept the name. Not sure why though

Josh

AirMale · 03-23-2008, 05:47 PM

If you run a fuel cell in the rear of the bed, 175# spring works well. If not use 150# or 160#.

collin86 · 03-23-2008, 07:23 PM

i cant run the links on the outside my tires are to big.

175# spring sounds good...what lenghth shock?

AirMale · 03-23-2008, 08:38 PM

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/QA1-C...spagenameZWDVW
Get the shocks with a 12" ride height with 10-14" travel.

collin86 · 03-23-2008, 11:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirMale

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/QA1-C...spagenameZWDVW
Get the shocks with a 12" ride height with 10-14" travel.

ok so 12" ride height shocks with 10-14" of travel and 170# spring.

will that be a good combo for the street? and will that allow for plenty of travel with a 6" drop rear?

AirMale · 03-23-2008, 11:46 PM

Great on the street. Nice and soft. Now I need to bag the front to get a better ride.

collin86 · 03-24-2008, 01:58 AM

yeah a 4 link in the back with coilovers and air bags up front...that would be sweet

collin86 · 03-24-2008, 02:45 AM

is there anyone doing it

nwmod39 · 03-24-2008, 09:44 AM

collin i am from spokane as well. i would like to possibly meet up with you and take a look at your project. live near francis and crestline.

steve

leftcoast66 · 03-25-2008, 12:54 AM

HAHA, i'm in spokane too, lemme know if you need help, after this week should have my car back. I'm up at gonzaga.

collin86 · 03-25-2008, 01:25 AM

seems everyone is from WA...anyone from spokane have a 4 link on their truck. it would help if i could see one up close

collin86 · 03-25-2008, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AirMale

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/QA1-C...spagenameZWDVW
Get the shocks with a 12" ride height with 10-14" travel.

ok so with these shocks and 175# springs will i be able to get 5-7" of drop in the rear

AirMale · 03-25-2008, 03:41 PM

The mounts make it very adjustable. I am a little concerned about how you will integrate the front link brackets to a crossmember, CAchassis works are specifically designed for this.

collin86 · 03-25-2008, 07:25 PM

that is really the only thing i am worried about right now too. im still waiting on my 2x3" crossmember. i think i will either try and fab something up, or just order different front link brackets that are notched

AirMale · 03-25-2008, 08:42 PM

I HIGHLY reccomed the Chassisworks 4 link with poly bushings

http://www.cachassisworks.com

BULLETPROOF!

collin86 · 03-26-2008, 05:06 AM

yeah im getting poly bushings for sure. i already have the comp enginering magnum 4 link so im gonna stick with it, but im gonna get different front link brackets

leftcoast66 · 03-26-2008, 12:05 PM

Sorry my truck is in seattle and I screwed up on the 4 link so haha, means its backhalf time when school gets out and before my lease starts here in spokane for a house.
Lemme know I've got a really good document about building 4 links and such from over on another forum. In depth about the do's and don'ts and why of it all.

03-22-2008, 10:20 PM	#1
collin86 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: spokane, WA Posts: 136	installing my first 4 link w/coilovers ok so im getting ready to start doing my rear suspension. i have a comp enginering magnum 4 link kit, diagnal link, all poly rod ends. im going to box the frame and build a small c notch. im looking to get about 6" drop in the rear or so. im looking for any tips to make this go as smooth as possible. i have never installed a 4 link before, but i know how they work and i have done my homework pics soon

03-22-2008, 10:32 PM	#2
abadsvt Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Atascadero, CA Posts: 1,152	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers Well set your frame up at your ride height and then install you 4 link so that bars are parrelle to the ground. It might be benificial for you to make some sort of jig to hold the rear end so it doesn't move when setting everything up. That way everything is centered when done. Also it is better to mount the long perpendicular links as far as you can towards the wheels. Imagine if you are standing up with both of your legs close together and someone bumps you. Most likely you will fall over because you don't have a good stance but if you were to spread your legs out you have more stability and probably not fall over. The similiar analogy with setting up the 4 links. I know that sometimes you have things in you way or what not so just do the best you can and i am sure it will be fine. Good luck and do a search to look at some pics. Josh __________________ (Project truck) 1970 C10 under complete transformation My current build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=212871 Other project: C5 corvette swap into 70 c10 http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=1#post2413517 On Hold

03-22-2008, 10:44 PM	#3
collin86 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: spokane, WA Posts: 136	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers thanks. i have been looking at pics for weeks now and just burning all the info into my head. thats a good thought on going wide...i never thought of that. thats exactly why i made this thread

03-23-2008, 02:46 AM	#4
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers Are you back-halfing or using a cross member? __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

03-23-2008, 03:22 AM	#5
collin86 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: spokane, WA Posts: 136	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers im using a cross member

03-23-2008, 03:30 AM	#6
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers 2X3 cross member will go under the frame rails and there is plenty of adjustments for ride height and tire size. Attached Images __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

03-23-2008, 04:25 AM	#7
collin86 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: spokane, WA Posts: 136	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers can i get a 6" drop in the rear if i notch the frame the same way same way as you. i have the comp enginering kit, so the front mounting brackets are different, i have to come up with a good way to mount them. also what does the back of your truck weigh, i need to know what spring rates on qa1 coilovers to get for ride height

03-23-2008, 05:18 AM	#8
jlaird Senior Member Join Date: May 2004 Location: johnstown, NY Posts: 2,393	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers like abadsvt was saying, try to mount the 4link on the outside of the framerails. Abadsvt, I always wanted to ask you, your username...svt as in F@RD??

03-23-2008, 05:47 PM	#10
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers If you run a fuel cell in the rear of the bed, 175# spring works well. If not use 150# or 160#. __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

03-23-2008, 07:23 PM	#11
collin86 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: spokane, WA Posts: 136	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers i cant run the links on the outside my tires are to big. 175# spring sounds good...what lenghth shock?

03-23-2008, 08:38 PM	#12
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/QA1-C...spagenameZWDVW Get the shocks with a 12" ride height with 10-14" travel. __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

03-23-2008, 11:46 PM	#14
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers Great on the street. Nice and soft. Now I need to bag the front to get a better ride. __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

03-24-2008, 01:58 AM	#15
collin86 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: spokane, WA Posts: 136	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers yeah a 4 link in the back with coilovers and air bags up front...that would be sweet

03-24-2008, 02:45 AM	#16
collin86 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: spokane, WA Posts: 136	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers is there anyone doing it

03-24-2008, 09:44 AM	#17
nwmod39 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: spokane, washington Posts: 302	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers collin i am from spokane as well. i would like to possibly meet up with you and take a look at your project. live near francis and crestline. steve __________________ 1980 c-10: under destruction http://photobucket.com/albums/c372/nwmod39/



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03-25-2008, 12:54 AM	#18
leftcoast66 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Covington, WA Posts: 770	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers HAHA, i'm in spokane too, lemme know if you need help, after this week should have my car back. I'm up at gonzaga.

03-25-2008, 01:25 AM	#19
collin86 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: spokane, WA Posts: 136	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers seems everyone is from WA...anyone from spokane have a 4 link on their truck. it would help if i could see one up close __________________ 1986 swb...soon to be some weird pro touring look..but better 92 jeep cherokee.... crawler

03-25-2008, 03:41 PM	#21
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers The mounts make it very adjustable. I am a little concerned about how you will integrate the front link brackets to a crossmember, CAchassis works are specifically designed for this. __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction

03-25-2008, 07:25 PM	#22
collin86 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: spokane, WA Posts: 136	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers that is really the only thing i am worried about right now too. im still waiting on my 2x3" crossmember. i think i will either try and fab something up, or just order different front link brackets that are notched __________________ 1986 swb...soon to be some weird pro touring look..but better 92 jeep cherokee.... crawler

03-25-2008, 08:42 PM	#23
AirMale Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Atlantic City, NJ Posts: 1,073	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers I HIGHLY reccomed the Chassisworks 4 link with poly bushings http://www.cachassisworks.com BULLETPROOF! __________________ 86 SWB 9.0 LITER T-400-OD 4.11 eaton-4/5 drop Best 1/4 12.51 @112mph no traction Last edited by AirMale; 03-25-2008 at 08:43 PM.

03-26-2008, 05:06 AM	#24
collin86 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: spokane, WA Posts: 136	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers yeah im getting poly bushings for sure. i already have the comp enginering magnum 4 link so im gonna stick with it, but im gonna get different front link brackets __________________ 1986 swb...soon to be some weird pro touring look..but better 92 jeep cherokee.... crawler

03-26-2008, 12:05 PM	#25
leftcoast66 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Covington, WA Posts: 770	Re: installing my first 4 link w/coilovers Sorry my truck is in seattle and I screwed up on the 4 link so haha, means its backhalf time when school gets out and before my lease starts here in spokane for a house. Lemme know I've got a really good document about building 4 links and such from over on another forum. In depth about the do's and don'ts and why of it all. Last edited by leftcoast66; 03-26-2008 at 12:06 PM.

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