hp dana 44 3 link questions

[e_rok]

Ive got a 90 xj that im swapping in a hp dana 44 from a 70s f150. I ordered the link coil shock mount combo from ballistic, planning on building a 3 link. The more I looked into building my own the less I felt I understood so im thinking about the rk 3 link kit. The link mounts are about 2 inches away from stock. How would I go about makin this work?scrap the mounts or try to modify them? Flame away!

[barillms]

Buying a 3 link kit is going to be designed to bolt up to stock Dana 30 brackets,
you're putting in a diff axle.... I would just build it.

It's really easy...

1. Clean all the old brackets off the 44

2. Set it on jack stands under the vehicle where you want it to be.

3. Do lots of careful measuring and angle finding to plan where your new brackets will be welded on. Two lower are included from ballistic, you need one upper axle bracket, pass side most likely. Track bar mount too...

4. Set knuckle castor by propping pinion up.

5. The coil springs dictate where the new coil buckets will be placed on the axle.. just center the bucket below the coil.

6. The hardest part is fabbing a custom cross member for all 3 new links to mount to.

7. Once all the mounts are tacked up, all you do is connect the dots with your links.

8. Steering needs built of course.... bumpstops & limit straps too.

[ashmanjeepXJ]

Moved to non-hardcore since your real question was how do I install a RK 3-link kit.

[e_rok]

I would much rather build it since I already have hiems. I am on my phone so I can't get the 3 link calc to work and have had lots of troubles finding numbers and bracket placement

[e_rok]

Ive looked into adjustable inner frame bracket but I can't find jack **** about exactly how other people do this and I've spent many sleepless nights the last 2 weeks searching how to place the upper. I dnt care if it goes through the floor but like I said my search hasn't helpd

[rkates]

Just forget about the calculator, you'll never find a happy medium on it. Being that its a front axle the numbers don't play "AS MUCH" of a factor. Your best bet is set up the axle where its at full squat. Make the upper mount as tall as you can without getting into anything(probably end up with close to 8'' of separation between upper and lower arms) The closer to level you can run the upper arm the better.

This will get you going, good luck.

[Rinkrat456]

Definitely forget the calculator until after you build your suspension and have thoroughly tested it.

Put the links where they fit, try to get them as level as possible and get decent separation at the axle end. It as easy (or as hard) as that. Measure twice, cut once.

[mj]

figure out where it fits, then run the numbers in the calc to see if a few simple tweaks will improve it
after you burn it in there is no point in running the calcs

[e_rok]

Thanks all much help! Does anybody have pictures of the upper link bracket going through the floor on the passenger side? Im thinking 4.5 separation frame side and about 8 axel side. Hows that sound to you 3link gods?

[e_rok]

Also the axel I have is I believe a 76 f150 hp dana 44 and its 5 lug. I want to switch to 8 lug to match my dana 60 rear. I also want to do a hi steer, but once again my searching just confused me. What exactly do I gotta do for this? Thanks again


Also can I use the locker out of a LP 44? Thanks

[barillms]

You're over thinking it... just start measuring and building.