I was just wondering which is the prefered method of attaching suspension links to the axle and frame when designing a 4 link type suspension that will be driven on the street.

What would you use and why? What size?

Is it really necessary to run the 1.25" rod ends over the 3/4" rod ends?

Heims, johnny joints, and bushings are all acceptable. If you use heims at both ends of your links you will get a little harsher ride, and more vibrations. Johnny Joints and Bushings will both fix this problem. I am running heims on the axle ends of the control arms, and bushings on the other. Use good quality heims if you go that way.

I have just torn my rig down for redesign. The Johnny joints I installed more than 2 years ago are still as good as new. I would use Johnny joints all the way around.

I'm a rod-end guy

1'x1.25
3/4x3/4
5/8x3/4
all work fine

Tip: good rodends, if you not paying $30 or more they probably suck
ericfilar@fatcity

I used Johnny joints. They supposedly last longer than Heims and have replaceable parts. for the front I used a ford raduis arm frame bushing and a wrangler spring bushing on one side and a standard ford radius arm link on the other. Flexes pretty well. about 40" of lift on one tire before it starts to lift. Not bad for a flatty.