just need some advice

[btf77cj7]

I am wanting to build a triangulated suspension for my cj-7. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get the axles centered correctly and how much travel is optimal for the best performance. I am going to build the suspension myself so I also need to know if anyone has a seen this done on a cj. does anyone have any ideas on how to build the suspension. I know I have basically rambled, but I know I do have a good idea in my head. All suggestions are welcomed. Thanks
btf77cj7

[rsmith]

This is kind of a loaded question. There are probably as many ideas on this as there are people registered on this board. One thing is for sure if you are going to do it on a CJ practically everything you do will have to be fabbed in some way or another. To my knowledge, I don't know of a bolt-on kit like the TJ has. I have done it on 3 different rigs and learned something new every time. However, I don't know enough about your rig to give you any pointers. What kind of axles and tire size are you wanting to run?

The last rig that received a link suspension was my buggy and I think, what little I have tested it, it seems to be the best performing. It is an upper and lower triangulated link. The other I have done have been an upper triangulated and the lower arms are parallel. Here is a pic of the buggy:

[rsmith]

Sorry, I prematurely hit the reply button on that last post.

The reason I like the upper and lower triangulated is that if an upper or lower arm breaks you will still have a triangle to keep the axle centered.

Here is a copy of an article out of Peterson's that may get you started on the thinking:



I am not sure what elso to tell you, so if you have questions just fire away.

BTW, here is the other rear link setup that I have done. It is under a 4x4 shopping cart right now - long story. This is one where the lower are parallel and the uppers are triangulated.

[JWP]

I couldn't figure out all of that four link stuff for my CJ-7 so I just built a one link and all is well.



My suggestion is to read robs article and then go to www.pirate4x4.com and search link, and four link. I have read hours of information on this and any question you could have about it can be answered there.

I can give you a short school of what I have learned about link design.

1. Excessive travel is not necessary and can be counterproductive.

2. Long link arms may improve geometry but will eventually wrap up like a pretzel.

3. Link joints are expensive and it is best to not skimp in this area.

4. It doesn't matter how much you want to build a perfect link system, you will end upcomprimising and mounting your arms where they fit the best for your application.

I am not computer saavy like Rob so I can not post pics of my one link but you are more than welcome to come look at it some time. I choose it because I watched several rigs in Hot Springs perform with it and it was amazing how well it did. I was also amazed out how strong and simple it is.

[Busted Knuckle Racing]

That one link of Jason's is one of the best performing suspensions I have seen... When you are riding in it and he steps on the gas, you can actually feel the rear tires plant into the ground. amazing.

[btf77cj7]

Thanks for all of the advice what I am thinking of building is one like the shopping cart has under it. But i do want to look at a one link. Also is it possible to do a coil over on the front of a cj? And what is the best material to build the suspension with.

[rsmith]

It would be worth a trip to look at Jason's one link! The only thing about that setup is I would make sure the welding in critical areas is done well. Of course, that should go with any suspension fab work that is done no matter the type.

JWP (Jason) is the tubing expert. He can tell you all of that engineering stuff about tensile strength and so forth.

Pirate4x4.com is a good place to research.

[JWP]

There is a guy on pirate called TPIJeep that built a fourlink front and rear for a CJ-7 using coilovers. It is very well designed and worth looking at for a good example of coilovers and links on a CJ-7.