I'm converting my YJ to a 3 link with a panhard in the front and had a question for the group about using the stock leaf spring brackets for the mount for the lower links. I've heard that keeping the upper and lower links parallel and the same length is good, it retains the caster and pinion angles throughout the suspension travel so that's what I've been shooting for. The upper link is limited in length by the headers on my TBI 5.7, and at that length, using the stock leaf spring brackets (in their original location) on the frame will give the same length for the bottom links. I'll wind up with 22 inches of length on the links which is longer than stock TJ links but not nearly as long as "long arm" lift kits. Are there enough benefits to going longer to warrant having to find different headers and redo the exhaust, or is having the same length links top and bottom not that big of a deal because it would be a peice of cake to move the lower brackets back another 10 inches.

Why? They are too close to the axle and hang down to low. I have a 3-link/panhard and mine are all the way back by the skid. Check out www.polyperformace.com they have brackets already made for what you want to do.

I agree that longer would be better, the lower links in the back are 45" long. If I'm staying that short, using the stock brackets with their 3" drop works out because it will reduce the angle of the links relative to the ground at ride-height. They don't really hang up on stuff anyway with 38's. My issue is not having enough room on the inside of the frame because of the exhaust.

Cut it off and re-do it, or just put the link mounts on the bottom of the frame and plate the brackets so you can drag them. Mine are on the bottom of the frame, hasn't stopped me yet.

Not trying to be a dick, but it's kind of silly to build a suspension with 22" arms just so you don't have to mess with something as trivial as exhaust.

How important is it that the upper and lower links be of the same length and parallel? I'd heard that's the ideal case and it does make sense. Would an upper link that is 22 inches long and lower links around 32 inches give enough caster/pinion angle changes that I'd need to worry about it?

I'm not dead set against doing the exhaust, but every project I start winds up snowballing like crazy and if I can avoid tearing apart the exhaust it probably means having the thing back on the trail a month or two sooner!

How important is it that the upper and lower links be of the same length and parallel? I'd heard that's the ideal case and it does make sense. Would an upper link that is 22 inches long and lower links around 32 inches give enough caster/pinion angle changes that I'd need to worry about it?


yes - that would make a huge difference...

my lower links on my font 3 link are about 22" from center to center, and my upper is like 28...

as the axle drops out, the pinion angle climbs - making my drive shaft happier...

Also - at ride height, my upper link is flat, and my lower links angle very slightly up from the axle to the frame...

I am VERY happy with mine, and am only posting to illustrate that keeping the links the same length and parallel isnt the only solution...

Mine climbs well and has very little brake dive... I cant ask for much more in my front suspension...