Link suspension question

[big dan]

I am in the planning stages for my four link rear and have a question concerning the joints/bushings. I have four of diy4xs sleeves and poly bushings that I was gonna use to build traction bars but have decided to hold off and just build a four link with coils and I would like to use these bushing in my link suspension.

My question is which end of the link would be better for using the bushing? the axle or frame?

Or should I just spend the money and get spherical joints? I would rather use the bushings that I already have so I could save money and get some good shocks but if Im going to wear out/destroy bushings every trip then Ill just get some good joints.

 

[blazinzuk]

You will find that a TON of aftermarket suspension in the Jeep aftermarket using some sort of spherical bearing flex joint on one end and bushings on the other.

Part of the problem of using a bushing on one end is you can't adjust the control arm when it is hooked up you have to unhook to adjust and it can be a pain to get hooked back up.

That is a minor problem.

If you use a flex joint at one end and bushing at the other I would put the bushing at the frame end. Mostly because they take up more room to mount and you have all sorts of room on the frame.

Other reason is you can spray out the flex joints easier when mud and crap gets on em. Bushings couldn't care less if they were covered in mud for years at a time but flex joints will eventually care.

Your bushings will last just fine unless it is a very long travel suspension. Even then they will last a decent amount of time. I have built or installed literally dozens of suspensions like this.

 

[big dan]

Good info, exactly what I was looking for.

Ive seen the links set up like this on jeeps before but I didnt want to do something based off what has been done on a jeep.

How long of travel do you mean by "very long travel"? Im planning on 13-15 inches.