FrozenZJ
03-07-2009, 03:27 PM
Thought I would throw up pics and stuff on my front three link build. I spent days searching the net before I started and there wasnt a whole lot out there that I could find on correct theory and stuff. I ended up spending tons of time on the 3 link calculator and then talking to a local WE Rocks competitor and what flies and what doesnt on a front three link. Turns out that there is a ton of misinformation on the internet. Go figure.
Anyway I'm going to post up what I did and what I would do differently next go around.
I started out with a 4" lift on adjustable short arms and wanted some more flex and a better ride. I saw that making a kit like Claytons or whatever would most likely work just fine but an actual three link has some benefits over it. Those being better caster control through the range of motion, better control of unloading on a hill climb, and less bind for flexing. Its also not as common so I wanted to give it a try.
It was also a good time to move to an high pinion front axle. I ended up trading a car door for a D30 HP and some long brake lines. I also got some 4:56 gears in the deal. I also picked up a low pinion dana 30 with dana 44 outers with unit bearings with superior alloy shafts and an OX locker for $400. Target size on tires is 35" so it should be fine. I have a truggy for the harder shit. This rig is to haul the family and the dog around.
First thing I did was to strip down the HP30 and hit it with a sand blaster to clean it all up. I also cut off the factory lower control arm mounts and welded on some beefier ones. I also needed an upper link for the upper arm. I was planning on using the stock mount cast into the pumpkin but decided that the rubber bushing and small size wasnt going to cut it. So off it went and on went a truss.
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/5268/1042372up0.jpg
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/7001/1042373ql9.jpg
I also needed a different crossmember. I built a three piece deal like claytons as its a good idea. It also raised the drivetrain up about 1" which I like.
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1951/1042220nx2.jpg
After laying under there and looking around, this is where I ended up putting the upper link on the frame side. This gives me about 5" of seperation at the frame. Not great but not bad either. I've seen worse.
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1838/1042400mp3.jpg
Anyway I'm going to post up what I did and what I would do differently next go around.
I started out with a 4" lift on adjustable short arms and wanted some more flex and a better ride. I saw that making a kit like Claytons or whatever would most likely work just fine but an actual three link has some benefits over it. Those being better caster control through the range of motion, better control of unloading on a hill climb, and less bind for flexing. Its also not as common so I wanted to give it a try.
It was also a good time to move to an high pinion front axle. I ended up trading a car door for a D30 HP and some long brake lines. I also got some 4:56 gears in the deal. I also picked up a low pinion dana 30 with dana 44 outers with unit bearings with superior alloy shafts and an OX locker for $400. Target size on tires is 35" so it should be fine. I have a truggy for the harder shit. This rig is to haul the family and the dog around.
First thing I did was to strip down the HP30 and hit it with a sand blaster to clean it all up. I also cut off the factory lower control arm mounts and welded on some beefier ones. I also needed an upper link for the upper arm. I was planning on using the stock mount cast into the pumpkin but decided that the rubber bushing and small size wasnt going to cut it. So off it went and on went a truss.
http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/5268/1042372up0.jpg
http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/7001/1042373ql9.jpg
I also needed a different crossmember. I built a three piece deal like claytons as its a good idea. It also raised the drivetrain up about 1" which I like.
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1951/1042220nx2.jpg
After laying under there and looking around, this is where I ended up putting the upper link on the frame side. This gives me about 5" of seperation at the frame. Not great but not bad either. I've seen worse.
http://img6.imageshack.us/img6/1838/1042400mp3.jpg