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Coilover & Link kit selection!

nedceifus

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What are you all with linked trucks using for parts? Specific shock models, valving, spring rates.... Link kits & configurations? Pictures? I do view a lot of build threads but to get to the meat & potatoes in some of them is like finding my body mounts that fell out the other day in a big grass field....
 
I'm running 16" ORI struts ( They have adj rates ) All my brackets/rod ends I got from RuffStuff. As for set up ( Angles/heights/lengthen ) there are so many veritable to consider. Your best bet is to keep it simple and stick to the basics....Here's a good place to start https://ck5.com/forums/threads/link-suspension-for-dumb-people.200886/
Try not to get bogged down in trying to make all the numbers and % perfect, see whats going to fit first...Then run the numbers and make compromises where needed.

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Ruffstuff for brackets and rod ends. I had great numbers then nothing really fit. No clue what my numbers are now. Should have it sitting on its own weight for the first time in 3 months this weekend. Use pvc for mock up before buying steel. I did a 3 link up front to keep the mechanical steering. I went with 300 over 250 for spring rates and ADS shocks in the 12" flavor.

I had to modify almost every bracket to fit.
I have about 3 hrs of final welding to do.


Also every single one of my problems with interference has been due to the truss. Stay away from them or make them not as tall as artec makes it.

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A warning first. I built a custom suspension because nothing else was out there that did what I wanted how I wanted.... so what works for me may not work for you - and most specifically the design took into account the type of wheeling I do....


I think it's all ruffstuff sourced - I bought a kit then bought additional parts if something didn't work right. The rear was pretty easy, but the front is a 3 link with panhard and that took some work and rework. Front coil overs and rear shocks are all King that I bought from Filthy Motorsports. Whoever builds your shocks/coil overs needs to be your best friend. Here's why - their first attempt at spring rate was WAY off, but they totally made it right (and then some). Not just that but Filthy maintains a suspension bible http://www.filthymotorsports.com/ then go to "helpful calculators" that is very well done. Ben is also a pretty nice guy and quite knowledgeable without being arrogant.

So to the nuts and bolts. 12" travel front coil overs. 2.5 shocks, 150/250 lb springs. Rear is 10" travel with Ford Van springs that I cut down and will, eventually have to replace with custom something or another because they're too short. Their rate is 325#. My vehicle weights 5000 lbs with me, Buick (my english mastiff) and a cheeseburger in it which puts the dry weight at somewhere around 4500 lbs.

If it is you're concerned about rates - get the coil overs with adjusters rather then being forced to take them apart each time to change the rate. Mine isn't there yet, but it's good enough that 'fixing' it or narrowing its fluctuations isn't a priority.

And do measure the coilovers. I ordered 14" front but got 12".... didn't notice until it was way too late. Something else for anyone to consider, it's not a bad use of funds to keep an eye on Filthy's garage sale site - you can get coil overs for 25%-50% of retail then build the rig to match the shocks.
 
A little of my experience.

Plan out your budget. I'm super cheap when I can be. I saved at least a grand I would estimate over the course of my build by making my own brackets

Grab a stick of 3x1/4 flat bar and make all your brackets from that. If you have the will and ability

Like everyone else said it's a compromise to get what numbers you want vs what you can fit. I've made all my link setups around %70-80 AS and -2 to +1 roll axis.

Best advice I have is keep the links as flat as possible. No longer than 40inch overall. AS around 80%. Axle separation 8-10 inch and roll with it
 

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