Cheap 3-link

[conekiller13]

Is there such a thing?

Toying with the idea of building a three link rear for the car I'm currently Auto-crossing. 1977 Mazda RX-3. So, currently it has the factory leaf springs with an extra leaf and traction bars.

What we would like to do is remove the leafs of course and build our own link set up. I'm thinking of basically copying the DSE four link with the lower bars mounting in the forward spring pockets. How do I figure out how long to make the upper and is a watts link required or will a track bar design work? I think Me and the car owner have the skills and tools to build the necessary frame work using square tube (no tubing bender) but I worried about screwing up the geometry and making things worse by having a whacked roll center and all that.

Any design ideas would be greatly appreciated.:bow:

[slow4dr]

I am going to part out my 3-link/9" and watts link just after the first of the year. :_paranoid

[Bryce]

Is there such a thing?

Toying with the idea of building a three link rear for the car I'm currently Auto-crossing. 1977 Mazda RX-3. So, currently it has the factory leaf springs with an extra leaf and traction bars.

What we would like to do is remove the leafs of course and build our own link set up. I'm thinking of basically copying the DSE four link with the lower bars mounting in the forward spring pockets. How do I figure out how long to make the upper and is a watts link required or will a track bar design work? I think Me and the car owner have the skills and tools to build the necessary frame work using square tube (no tubing bender) but I worried about screwing up the geometry and making things worse by having a whacked roll center and all that.

Any design ideas would be greatly appreciated.:bow:


There are enough suspension calculators online. This will get you an idea of a starting point then make it adjsutable to tune it. Check out my link in my sig. I am building my own 3-link and a watts link for my falcon. The most expensive part is rod ends and shocks.

[conekiller13]

Thanks Guys.

Slow......how come Your getting rid of it? Give Me a PM with what You may want out of it.

[slow4dr]

Thanks Guys.

Slow......how come Your getting rid of it? Give Me a PM with what You may want out of it.

I have tried to sell the complete car off and on for the last two years with no luck. I am having more luck parting the car out. I will be moving in the next few weeks so I need the car mobile but after that the wheels and suspension will be next to go.

I'll shoot you a PM.

[Motorcitydak]

I built one for my car, have maybe $200 bucks into it so far. Im planning to build a watts for it still. Here are a few shots of it thru the build process

3/4 x 3/4 rod ends from ruff stuff specialties, $144 for all 6 IIRC w/ tube adapters, jam buts and spacers. 3 RH thread, 3 LH thread
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/motorcitydak/DSCF0946.jpg

Lowers are 22 inches, upper is 9. Tube is 1.25 OD 0.120 wall DOM
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/motorcitydak/DSCF1031.jpg

Upper mount, 1x2 square tube and 1/8 plate, laminated in some important places
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/motorcitydak/DSCF1021.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/motorcitydak/DSCF1023.jpg

Redrilled the factory leaf spring mounts for the LCA mounts

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/motorcitydak/DSCF1051.jpg

Made my own axle mounts from 1/8 plate

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/motorcitydak/DSCF0736.jpg

Mounted in the car

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g221/motorcitydak/DSCF1054.jpg

[Tig]

Motorcitydak,
They look great:thumbsup: . Where did you pick up the rod ends? I have a bunch of 1/4" DOM tubing that I would like to make a 3 link for my truck.
Thanks

[Motorcitydak]

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=37&osCsid=4b5051d3e7229d8087259c308e99915a

I got these ones, looks like the price went up a little since I ordered mine tho. Still an awesome price on some really good parts tho

http://www.ruffstuffspecialties.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=37&products_id=365