Link Suspension

[MegaMang]

Kyle came over to help me on my car the other day, (thanks Kyle) and asked a good question.

How many links would the suspension on the legend be considered?  He had heard enough about 3 and 4 link suspensions, and was trying to put the Legend suspension into a category. 

I have to admit to absolutely no knowledge on the different styles of suspension.  Sure I have heard of 3 and 4 link suspension.  Darned if I know what is what though.  I just know that this thingy connects to that thingy, and if you shorten this thingy then those thingies will keep this...  You know...

So, could someone put this all into easy to understand english for dummies like me, and smart lads like Kyle?

Thanks all,
Mike


Maybe I should look for a suspension for dummies guide...

[justfreaky]

Legends Cars are a 3 link suspension by definition.
For some reason, the panhard bar is not counted.
Single lower links left and right, and single upper link centered above the axle housing.

4 link system;
 2 links left and right (above and below the axle).
Again, a panhard bar is also used, but not counted as a link.

Does that help?


Steve

[MegaMang]

That's perfect Steve.

Knew I could count on you to keep us educated!

Mike

[justfreaky]

Pretty over-simplified................

But only way I knew to explain it in simple terms.

4 link, OR also known as 4 bar suspention is very popular in drag racing and Street Rods. NOT legal for Legends Cars.


Steve

[bake82]

Great explanation.  I did not know if the panhard bar counted as a link or not. 

[justfreaky]

 If you really think about it...........
Shouldn't the shock mounts count also?
 

All you suspension folks.............................

Food for thought!
 

LOL!


Steve

[JGRacing]

Just to make it more confusing, some chassis builders would call it a 2 link and not count the link on the top of the rearend.  Dirt 4 link chassis will usually have a spring loaded link on the top of the rear end housing that is not counted, so it might come from that line of thinking.  Next we can get into z-links and swing arms. 

[pegalis]

Nope.  Dampers *shocks* Have nothing to do with locating the axle itself.  Therefor, not thought of as suspension links. 

If radius arms are used, *only one link on each side of the axle.....*  Ya know what,  Im not about to write pages on S2 link, triangulated 4 link and 3 links suspensions. I have to get to work.  So, ill leave that to somebody else

[fastmantom]

Rear suspension can be pretty interesting to think about.  There's not really all too much info out there on them.  Main idea is to use whatever link system you have to move the rear end the way you want.  Generally on asphalt we keep it straight the whole time.  But by changing the position, one could cause the rear to steer right or left under acceleration or deceleration. 

[ASR]

I agree with fastman.  Sometimes, too much thought and effort will slow you down! Simple usually works best.