Triangulated Vs. Parallel Vs. Pro- Street 4 Links

[vin63]

Originally Posted by johnsrob

Happy New Year to you boys,

I am always on the forum (everyday in fact) been a while since I said something.

Time has come to set up my rear suspension and I want to go with a 4 link. Many version of this suspension: Triangulated, Parallel and Pro-Street 4 links are out there. I am leaning toward the triangulated 4 link. Looking for some tribal knowledge in this area, this will be my first 4 link setup ever. What is a good brand, size and installation tips and what size rims and tires to use? I really want my set up to be operational my truck will indeed see some track time lol lol.

My truck is 1973 Stepside with a small block full roller with competition package AFR heads. She has some growl to her lol. I bought a 30 spline Eaton Detroit Truetrac (913A315 part number series 4) limited slip locker and Richmond Gear Ring and Pinion, 4.56 and the Richmond Gear Mega Ring and Pinion Installation Kits (831018M) for my 12 bolt. I really want to narrow this rear end and get some strange axles for the 4 links set-up. I have not installed this yet in my 12 bolt. Not really sure how much is going to cost to narrow the rear end and who can do it lol lol, I told this was my first.

Currently I have some brand new WELD Draglites 15x10 with 7 inches of backspacing 5on5 the single set bolt pattern and some Hoosier Pro-Street tires 29x 12.5 on the back now. I also have a belltech flip kit on the truck with 8 leafs in the leaf springs. That is how I am able to get away the size of tire tucked under the stepside fender and no rubbing of the tires.

Please feel free to critique my set up and make suggestion and I will appreciate any input. I really want a nice set-up that is operational. I really need some expertise in the area. I still currently in Fremont California but I like to let it be known I am originally from the best state in the world at this TEXAS. If any of you boys are local are in my area please feel free to look me up and maybe we can discuss over breakfast or cup of coffee.

My initial questions are:
What is your primary goal for the truck (how much street v. strip driving do you honestly plan for the truck)?

If your plan is mostly strip, are you willing to actively monitor your instant center and pre-load, and make adjustments according to track conditions, etc?

I usually explain to friends and customers that a triangulated four-link eliminates the need for a housing centering device (panhard bar, watts link, track locators, wishbones, etc.). Most street parallel four-links do not permit as much adjustability as a drag race type four-link. As far as brands, I've installed many kits from Chris Alston's Chassisworks, and a couple from Art Morrison. Both companies offer different types of four-link systems, so check them out to see what fits your budget and plans for your truck.

http://www.cachassisworks.com/cac_products.html

http://artmorrison.com/homepage.html