4-link to front dana44 4wd - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

DennyB · 07-15-2004, 01:13 PM

Has anyone ever installed a 4-link to the front dana44 axle?
This looks like the way I might go to acomplish what I need, and if it has been done before why re-invent the wheel.
I have heard that a 4 link installed behind the rear axle has a problem with something to do with the direction of torque on the axle. I cant find where I read this.
I was wondering if this same problem would exist on the front axle.
Also if there is a kit made that I could weld on.

Thanks

**Captkaos** · 07-15-2004, 04:30 PM

One big problem for a rear facing 4link on the rear is it is completely oposite of the driveshaft arch, so it could force the yoke into the tailhousing, or it could pull it out of the tailhousing. The other is your instant center of the vehicle is now behind the vehicle. Instead of planting the tires it will try to lift them.

BUT, you asked about a front 4 link. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this type setup since it is in the front. Jeep TJ's, Cherokees, Grand Cherokees and Dodge pickup 4x4's use a 4 link in front. As for a kit you could weld on/bolt on, I am not aware of any. IT would be alot of engineering to get the angles and lengths of the links correct depending on packaging of the frame space and the steering limitations. It CAN be done, just don't know anyone making a kit for it.

DennyB · 07-15-2004, 06:36 PM

Thanks for the info Capt.
I went a took a look at my ford (twin I beam) and it uses a trailing arm type system which is similar except the front axle does not " rotate"

This will be a low riding 4wd probably on bags. Not lifted.
The front leafs will be in the way of the cross over steering which is why I think a 4 link is the way to go.

I think that if the the radius rods were pivoting on the same axis as the rear of the front drive shaft then that may give me proper driveline arch.
The problem with this is that the radius rods would be short.
In looking how the rear coil/trailing arms are set up I think that a 30"+ 4-link system would be better (longer-is-better).
From what I see maintaining the proper caster on the front axle is going to be the key.

Thoughts?

DennyB · 07-15-2004, 06:42 PM

Oh..

I will be using a IH Scout dana44 up front (correct width).
I wonder if I could use a Jeep or dodge 4-link for this? Got any pictures?

07-15-2004, 01:13 PM	#1
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	4-link to front dana44 4wd Has anyone ever installed a 4-link to the front dana44 axle? This looks like the way I might go to acomplish what I need, and if it has been done before why re-invent the wheel. I have heard that a 4 link installed behind the rear axle has a problem with something to do with the direction of torque on the axle. I cant find where I read this. I was wondering if this same problem would exist on the front axle. Also if there is a kit made that I could weld on. Thanks __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider

07-15-2004, 04:30 PM	#2
Captkaos www.73-87chevytrucks.com Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Birmingham, AL Posts: 6,935	One big problem for a rear facing 4link on the rear is it is completely oposite of the driveshaft arch, so it could force the yoke into the tailhousing, or it could pull it out of the tailhousing. The other is your instant center of the vehicle is now behind the vehicle. Instead of planting the tires it will try to lift them. BUT, you asked about a front 4 link. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this type setup since it is in the front. Jeep TJ's, Cherokees, Grand Cherokees and Dodge pickup 4x4's use a 4 link in front. As for a kit you could weld on/bolt on, I am not aware of any. IT would be alot of engineering to get the angles and lengths of the links correct depending on packaging of the frame space and the steering limitations. It CAN be done, just don't know anyone making a kit for it. __________________ Chris Lucas 1973 Chevy C-10 1978 GMC Jimmy (2WD) - SOLD 1987 R10 twin turbo LS 1991 R3500 SRW CrewCab 1985 K5 diesel swapped project 1989 K5 2WD conversion w/ Vette susp Project Captkaos Customs 73-87chevytrucks.com

07-15-2004, 06:36 PM	#3
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	Thanks for the info Capt. I went a took a look at my ford (twin I beam) and it uses a trailing arm type system which is similar except the front axle does not " rotate" This will be a low riding 4wd probably on bags. Not lifted. The front leafs will be in the way of the cross over steering which is why I think a 4 link is the way to go. I think that if the the radius rods were pivoting on the same axis as the rear of the front drive shaft then that may give me proper driveline arch. The problem with this is that the radius rods would be short. In looking how the rear coil/trailing arms are set up I think that a 30"+ 4-link system would be better (longer-is-better). From what I see maintaining the proper caster on the front axle is going to be the key. Thoughts? __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider

07-15-2004, 06:42 PM	#4
DennyB Led Sled! Discs R 4 ME! Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Toms River, NJ, USA (Transplanted Hoosier) Posts: 7,327	Oh.. I will be using a IH Scout dana44 up front (correct width). I wonder if I could use a Jeep or dodge 4-link for this? Got any pictures? __________________ "Never ride faster than your Angel can fly" I.M.O.M,W,J&C Patriot Guard Rider



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