Pros and Cons of 4-Link Suspension - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

tex_waco_usmc · 11-21-2012, 10:52 AM

Just a question for those that know more about the subject than I do...

In contemplation of a 4-link suspension setup for the rear of my 67. I was looking into the bolt on setup. But, I dont know anything about the 4-link setup.

How does it work?
What are the pros of running a 4-link?
What are the cons of running a 4-link?

Someone please explain it to me, as I am not real sure how they work or what my gains would be with the setup!!!!

As usual I appreciate the help ahead of time!

brad_man_72 · 11-22-2012, 01:56 AM

I'm pretty sure 4 links came along because cars didn't have enough room for trailing arms...
Aftermarket 4 links are easier to adjust your pinion angle and thrust angle? To control how your truck launches. If you're pulling the front wheels off of the ground you can raise the front of the links or lower the rear to dial in less traction.
I may be off on my terms, as I'm just repeating things I've heard on this site from memory.
I've heard of people running stock trailing arms (probably tuned a bit) in sub 10 sec trucks.

If you're going really low you may have clearance issues with the stock trailing arms and want to use a 4 link. In this case you probably don't care too much about how your truck launches.

In either case I'm bringing your post back to the top so someone else might chip in.
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71 super · 11-22-2012, 09:56 AM

Pros infinitely adjustable and provide better traction . Cons they are infinitely adjustable and if you don't know what you are doing you will never get them right. I'm of the opinion that ladder bars are much easier and offer similar traction gains. S&W race cars makes a good kit for both setups.
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Hotchkis · 11-27-2012, 07:35 PM

Really what it comes down to is how you are going to use the truck, what your budget is, and whether you want an easy bolt-in solution or are willing to do the work necessary to a 4-link into your truck.

11-21-2012, 10:52 AM	#1
tex_waco_usmc Project Heaven in my 67!!! Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Bosqueville, TX Posts: 899	Pros and Cons of 4-Link Suspension Just a question for those that know more about the subject than I do... In contemplation of a 4-link suspension setup for the rear of my 67. I was looking into the bolt on setup. But, I dont know anything about the 4-link setup. How does it work? What are the pros of running a 4-link? What are the cons of running a 4-link? Someone please explain it to me, as I am not real sure how they work or what my gains would be with the setup!!!! As usual I appreciate the help ahead of time!

11-22-2012, 01:56 AM	#2
brad_man_72 the boat guy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: springfield mo Posts: 2,339	Re: Pros and Cons of 4-Link Suspension I'm pretty sure 4 links came along because cars didn't have enough room for trailing arms... Aftermarket 4 links are easier to adjust your pinion angle and thrust angle? To control how your truck launches. If you're pulling the front wheels off of the ground you can raise the front of the links or lower the rear to dial in less traction. I may be off on my terms, as I'm just repeating things I've heard on this site from memory. I've heard of people running stock trailing arms (probably tuned a bit) in sub 10 sec trucks. If you're going really low you may have clearance issues with the stock trailing arms and want to use a 4 link. In this case you probably don't care too much about how your truck launches. In either case I'm bringing your post back to the top so someone else might chip in. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 67, swb, fleet, tach, throttle, 5.3, 4l60e, 3.73's, fuel cell, 5 lug, p.d.b., 4-6 drop. great little truck 66, stevens drag/ski 18' silouette, 350, 2.02 doublehump heads. comp extreme marine 278 cam, vette 7 fin valve covers, old polished edelbrock intake, velvetdrive, casale v-drive, adj cavitation plate. 28, model a rpu project,

11-22-2012, 09:56 AM	#3
71 super Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Canton North carolina Posts: 3,080	Re: Pros and Cons of 4-Link Suspension Pros infinitely adjustable and provide better traction . Cons they are infinitely adjustable and if you don't know what you are doing you will never get them right. I'm of the opinion that ladder bars are much easier and offer similar traction gains. S&W race cars makes a good kit for both setups. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 67 blue step side- bb 68 gold and white swb cst anniversary 68 custom swb hot rod Ls swap 69 swb cst 6 cylinder/ overdrive 69 black/black cst bb swb 70 orange and white cst Canada built truck swb bb 71 black and white super swb bb 71 red and white super swb 72 green and white super swb 4x4 62 nova wagon 400 series Ls swapped 68 Camaro 327/4 speed- 1 owner, original paint 66 Volkswagen bettle 69 auto stick Volkswagen Beetle

11-27-2012, 07:35 PM	#4
Hotchkis Registered User Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Santa Fe Springs, CA Posts: 134	Re: Pros and Cons of 4-Link Suspension Really what it comes down to is how you are going to use the truck, what your budget is, and whether you want an easy bolt-in solution or are willing to do the work necessary to a 4-link into your truck.



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