**Help me understand a 3 link on the front of a TJ**

sportcoupe · 09-04-2009, 07:04 AM

So on the front axle of a TJ we have 4 links and a trackbar, effectively a 5 link setup. I have seen referenced "3 linking the front" around here for a while and pictures seem to indicate all that is done is to remove one of the upper control arms. The choice of sides seems be be in question though.

Since it is impossible to search for "front 3 link" (the number 3 isn't searchable) can someone describe this configuration for be? It seems rather unsafe for highway use to just remove an upper control arm from the front D30 (or D44 for that matter). What else has to be done?

Thanks!

Peterpsc · 09-04-2009, 07:24 AM

Front Suspension Technology Three Link Suspension System Photo

Suspension Design: Types of Suspensions 2 - Automotive Articles .com Magazine

Hope the above helps with understanding although no jeep related pics.

**NotURMailman** · 09-04-2009, 07:27 AM

I believe you are referring to set ups that use a single upper link and no track bar. It's like triagulating the uppers, but the uppers become one "A" shaped link that has two attachment points on one and one on the other. Not sure if that will help...

EDIT: here is a picture. This is actually a rear kit, but you get the idea. This is the single upper "A" link.

-dirt- · 09-04-2009, 07:27 AM

2nd hit on google

drivers side Front 3-link.... is there room? - Pirate4x4.Com Bulletin Board

**Wheelin98TJ** · 09-04-2009, 07:37 AM

When people are referring to a front 3 link, they usually mean 3 links + a track bar.

Its usually the passenger, upper link that gets removed.

Rock Krawler has been doing this with their TJ long arm kits for years.

**Imped** · 09-04-2009, 07:51 AM

If you can visualize the point for a 3 + TB setup, it's easy to understand why it's done. With a 5 link setup, the track bar combined with the pass. upper arm are the flex limit (assuming shocks are long enough). By removing the pass. upper arm, the track bar can swing through its radius of travel (also assuming the frame mount can flex that much) past the point it could with the pass. upper arm still attached.

sportcoupe · 09-04-2009, 08:12 AM

So you can just remove the passenger side upper control arm on a TJ with no ill-effect? No other modifications necessary?

**Imped** · 09-04-2009, 08:15 AM

Theoretically yes, but I wouldn't. Do some searching to see if anyone has done it first. It will put more stress on the single upper keeping the axle from rotating and with the stock arms AND track bar, you won't notice any benefit. They don't have enough flex. And you'll risk beating up the track bar TRE and control arm mounts. Just too much stress put on the remaining links in the system.

sportcoupe · 09-04-2009, 08:35 AM

I don't have a TRE end on my front trackbar (Clayton) and my control arms are all Rock Krawler.

**mrblaine** · 09-04-2009, 08:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportcoupe

So you can just remove the passenger side upper control arm on a TJ with no ill-effect? No other modifications necessary?

As has been said, in theory, yes you could, but the joints in the single upper would die pretty fast.

I always use 2.5 JJ's with a reduced shank size for the single upper and reinforce the mount over the diff accordingly.

As to the stability comment, I haven't found 3 links with a panhard in the front to be any less stable than the traditional 5 link.

**Imped** · 09-04-2009, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportcoupe

I don't have a TRE end on my front trackbar (Clayton) and my control arms are all Rock Krawler.

Then give it a shot and report back if you want. But, the single upper frame and axle mount may need reinforcing if you're planning on doing it for good.

sportcoupe · 09-04-2009, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imped4now

Then give it a shot and report back if you want. But, the single upper frame and axle mount may need reinforcing if you're planning on doing it for good.

There's the info I think I was looking for. The frame side and axle side mounts should be reinforced as well. Thanks.

**mrblaine** · 09-04-2009, 11:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sportcoupe

There's the info I think I was looking for. The frame side and axle side mounts should be reinforced as well. Thanks.

If you don't increase the joint size to increase the bearing surface, you're asking for problems.

**Apex** · 09-04-2009, 11:55 AM

I am in the process of researching numerous setups before I make a phone call to someone more knowledgable than I.

But of what I have read and researched...I wouldn't just go ahead and pluck out a control arm without having everything be fully setup for this. You are putting a lot of faith in one bolt, or one rod end, or one mount...you get the point.

sportcoupe · 09-04-2009, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mrblaine

If you don't increase the joint size to increase the bearing surface, you're asking for problems.

A 2" joint isn't big enough? RK uses pretty good joints for the price IMO. See link.

Rock Krawler Chromoly Rebuildable Monster Crawler Joint - Top Gun Customz