Universal Parallel 4 Link

Ridetech offers the 4-link rear suspension in a parallel style. Very similar in construction to the tri link…R-Joints, heavy tubing, laser-cut bracketry…but the parallel 4 link uses a panhard bar to position the rear axle side to side.

In many applications, such as late-model trucks, this configuration avoids interference between the upper bars and the oem gas tank. The parallel 4 link is also slightly more straightforward for the casual installer to visualize and install because there are fewer bar mounts to deal with…the frame brackets and axle brackets carry both upper and lower bars. The parallel 4Link is available separately, with air springs and weld-on bracketry, bolt-on rear-mounted air spring brackets, or with ShockWaves®.   Now Includes R-Joints!

4-Link Tech

What’s the difference between a triangulated 4-link and a parallel 4-link?

Both styles of 4 link accomplish the same thing… very simply, they hold the rear axle in the vehicle. The function of a 4-link is to keep the rear axle in its proper place under the vehicle. The bottom 2 links keep the axle in place front to back. The upper 2 links keep the axle from rotating, keeping the pinion angle as constant as possible.

On a triangulated 4-link, the upper bars are placed at an angle to the lowers. When connected securely to the axle and the frame, they form a “triangle.” This is what keeps the rear axle centered under the vehicle.

On a parallel style, a “panhard bar” must be used. It runs horizontally across the vehicle connecting the axle to the frame, allowing only up and down movement. Although there are several theories as to which is “better”, in the real world, it comes down to available space and preference. A parallel 4 link fits most trucks better because the fuel tank is usually right in front of the axle, inboard of the frame. A parallel is sometimes easier to install because the link bar frame mount is one piece instead of two… less time in placing and welding the upper bar mounts. But a parallel 4 link requires a panhard bar which adds slightly to the expense and can use up valuable space needed for the exhaust system. A panhard bar will also induce a small amount of side-to-side movement during suspension travel… not enough to feel but it may concern the customer who has an extremely tight tire to fender clearance. With a parallel 4-link you are locked into a side frame link position… with a triangulated 4 link the lower links can be placed beside the frame or under the frame for clearance purposes.

Either system is very straightforward to install. You will spend more time with the tape measure than the saw or welder. All else being equal, for the absolute rookie, the parallel may be a bit easier to visualize and understand during installation.

Triangulated 4-link (vs. parallel 4-link)

PROS
• NO side-to-side movement at all… you can run tighter tire to fender clearance.
• Less hardware to buy and install (no panhard bar)
• Allows flexibility in bar placement to avoid obstacles

CONS
• Angled upper bars can interfere with exhaust
• Angled upper bars can interfere with the fuel tank on late-model trucks
• four more attachment points to plot and install (parallel has bar mounts built together)

Why should I put a 4-link under my car? What will a 4-link do better than a leaf spring?

In a leaf spring suspension, the leafs perform two functions. First, they hold the rear axle in the car. They prevent forward and aft movement and minimize pinion angle change during suspension travel. Secondly, while they are doing this, they also support the load of the vehicle. For an OEM vehicle with thousands of hours of development time behind it and that will operate within a predictable range of suspension travel, leaf springs do an adequate job. The problem occurs when the operating envelope is changed… lower ride height, more horsepower, different weight distribution, maybe a trailer… it’s called hot rodding! The leaf springs cannot be expected to perform as intended if the operating parameters are changed.

Just a few FAQ’s…
I have a straight axle under my ‘32 and am happy with the ride height and quality. Can I use an air suspension on the rear only?

ABSOLUTELY! We have several customers who have installed a 4 link and air springs or ShockWaves® under the rear of their vehicles to improve ride quality. The rear of the vehicle is where you will actually see the most ride quality improvement. This is because you sit closer to the rearend, and any load changes (fuel, passengers, luggage, trailer) will be supported by the rear suspension. For those customers who are looking for ride quality… start with the rearend.

In setting up my rear 4-link air suspension, should I place the air springs in front or behind the axle? Inboard or outboard of the frame rail?

It comes down to where there is the most room. A forward position will offer slightly more travel and can sometimes offer better ride quality. A rear position can offer slightly more load capacity. Any spring, coil, leaf, or air will perform better if placed farther apart under the chassis. Keep in mind these performance differences are quite small and that the real criteria should be available space in your particular vehicle.

At what angle should I place the 4-link bars? The panhard bar? How critical are the angles?

We typically try to place the lower bars level at ride height. this will minimize “roll steer” (slight wheelbase change caused by the arc of the bars going through their travel). The upper bars should also be level or slightly down at the front if necessary. This configuration will provide stable handling and braking characteristics. It is essential to get the bars precisely the same from side to side to avoid unpredictable handling problems. It is also extremely important to make sure the panhard bar is level at your highway ride height. This will minimize side travel of the rear axle induced by the arc of the panhard bar going through its travel. Obviously, there are precise formulas for the placement of the 4 link bars to maximize specific performance criteria, but these performance differences are pretty slight on a road car. Put the bars in level, or close to it, at ride height, and you’ll be fine.