Yep, I'm a newb. I am looking to build a triangulated 4 link rear for my CJ5 trail rig. I guess before I ask too many stupid ?'s I should just get the first one out of the way. I have a D44 narrow trac, is this a decent rear end for a newb to start with? Second, there is a ton of info on building a 4 link and it can be quite overwhelming for someone who is just starting out. Any suggestions on good starting points? :confused:
Thanks

Yep, I'm a newb. I am looking to build a triangulated 4 link rear for my CJ5 trail rig. I guess before I ask too many stupid ?'s I should just get the first one out of the way. I have a D44 narrow trac, is this a decent rear end for a newb to start with? Second, there is a ton of info on building a 4 link and it can be quite overwhelming for someone who is just starting out. Any suggestions on good starting points? :confused:
Thanks

What do you plan on doing with the vehicle? Terrain, tire size, HP?

Going to be east coast trails. Rocks,mud,creek beds. Not looking to go super extreme or really hardcore at this point. I would like to run 37 in. pit bull rockers or some boggers. I'm not sure what the HP is going to be at this point. Going to be running a 304, 4bbl, propane set up.

Hahaha. I'm a dumba**. Yeah, high pinion.

IMO you'd be better off with some good leaf springs and a sazall to fit the tires you want...... then just drive it how you want.


get some seat time and figure out what the jeep can and can not do ..... then modify as needed :D

Hahaha. I'm a dumba**. Yeah, high pinion.

I believe he meant what HP......horsepower.

From your original question you stated you have a narrow trac D44. What front axle are you running or do you run two narrow trac D44's (narrowed a front to narrow trac width)?

37" Boggers + Dana 44 + rocks = no bueno

I should maybe say things a little different. Not sure as to what the horse power is going to be. I am hoping for 285-300. Not sure if it is going to be cost effective to try to get that out of a 304. If not I have a Chevy 350 I can swap. Axles: rear=dana 44 narrow trac. front=have not made a final decision yet. I have 4 sitting in my garage to choose from. Most likely; I have a dana 44 out of an old Scout. I'm not sure of it's specs right now. (Been a little busy just gathering parts) I have been wheeling my YJ for a couple of years now. I bought this CJ so I could build it to try some of the more difficult stuff that I have been gun shy of trying with my YJ. My YJ is my daily driver and I didn't want to be without a ride.

My original plans for the CJ were to move the rear leaf spring brackets further to the rear to stretch the wheelbase and just go with an SOA set up. Much easier than setting up a 4 link, I know. But, the thing that I am worried about with the SOA set up is that I am going to eventually want go with a 4 link. So, why not just go right for the 4 link?:confused:

In conclusion, that is why am here. I have heard many pros and cons for both. And, I am also still a newb builder. I have seen too many people buy a lift and a locker and think that their rig is indestructible. I want a rig that is extremely capable but not extreme. Does that make any sense?

I guess we all have to start somewhere and if a 4 link is out of my league right now, I will just wheel the SOA set up until I get bored with it, gain some more experience, and knowledge, then go from there. I appreciate any and all opinions. Good, bad, ugly....I doesn't matter I have thick skin and can take the criticism. Soooo....Let's hear it. Please.

Thanks, Jason

My original plans for the CJ were to move the rear leaf spring brackets further to the rear to stretch the wheelbase and just go with an SOA set up. Much easier than setting up a 4 link, I know. But, the thing that I am worried about with the SOA set up is that I am going to eventually want go with a 4 link. So, why not just go right for the 4 link?:confused:

Thanks, Jason


I'd suggest using the YJ frame if you're going to extend the WB...and it is much stronger than the CJ frame.