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3 Link Rear Suspension SystemThe 3 link rear suspension system. A newer style that is only just now becoming stock in just a few vehicles and that works well as performance type of suspension. This suspension system has all 3 links running parallel to each other. This kind of suspension always has some kind of panhard bar to keep the axle centered.
The 3 link is designed to keep the rear axle centered, and to keep the pinion angle from changing (keep the axle from rotating). It works especially well under hard acceleration at the drags or hard cornering at the track. Advantages: Since most 3 links are custom made, it has almost no bind since it's usually built with spherical rod ends, or Heim joints. All suspensions have compromises. This system however has about the least amount of compromise for a solid rear axle in it's design. It's simple, lightweight, and works equally well at the dragstrip, on the track, or in rockcrawling... Most of the fastest solid rear axle race cars are now using this design. Disadvantages: Although it's in lots of race cars, you usually don't see them much on the street... The reason for this is packaging. Since the third link is on top of the differential, it needs lots of space. So if you want a low car, you usually have to cut into the floor and create room for crossmembers, travel room for the link, etc. Another disadvantage if you are going to swap in a 3 link is difficulty and cost. You will also need to have some welding and fabrication skills.
Return from 3 Link to Suspension
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