Description: Allows maximum suspension travel and tighter wheel to fender clearances, Highly adaptable to most vehicles, Features simple and straightforward installation, This is the tubular version that GM has been using since 1964, Can use a CoolRide style air spring/bracket/shock arrangement, with a Coil-Over, or a rear Shockwave RideTech 18987999 Triangulated Weld-In 4 Link Kit, Powdercoated Sku # 76818987999 Mfr. Part # 18987999 Condition New Brand RideTech Sold Kit Details Info The triangulated version 4Link is a tubular version of the tried and true rear suspension that GM has used since 1964. Welding and basic fabrication skills are needed. As a result, the triangulated 4Link is highly adaptable to a variety of custom installations. The triangulated 4 link can use a CoolRide style airspring/bracket/shock arrangement, with a Coil-Over, or a rear Shockwave® as an upgrade option. For the professional shop or advanced installer, the triangulated 4Link is the top choice. Now Includes R-Joints! No panhard bar needed Allows maximum suspension travel and tighter wheel to fender clearances Highly adaptable to most vehicles Simple, straightforward installation The triangulated 4Link is designed for the professional builder who wants a straightforward, no-compromise rear air ride suspension. 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 uppers 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 sideframe 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 straight forward 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 fuel tank on late model trucks 4 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 leafspring? In a leafspring suspension, the leafs perform 2 functions. First, they hold the rear axle in the car. They prevent both 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 that has had thousands of hours of development time behind it, and that will operate within a predictable range of suspension travel, leafsprings do a very adequate job. The problem occurs when the operating envelope is changed… lower ride height, more horsepower, different weight distribution, maybe a trailer… its called hotrodding! The leafsprings 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 airsprings 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 airsprings in front or behind the axle? Inboard or outboard of the frame-rail? It really 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 need be. This configuration will provide stable handling and braking characteristics. It is important to get the bars exactly 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 placement of the 4 link bars to maximize certain performance criteria, but these performance differences are quite small on a road car. Put the bars in level, or close to it, at ride height, and you’ll be fine. Charts (PDF) Specs Material Type Steel Sold in Quantity Kit Finish Powder Coated Hardware Included Yes Rear Coil Springs Included No Rotors Included No Brake Pads Included No Brake Lines Included No Wheel Studs Included No Upper Control Arms Included No Lower Control Arms Included No Welding Required Yes Crossmember Included No Shocks Included No Bolt-On No Air Springs Included No MFG. Part # 18987999 Reviews High end product Rated by Erick on January 14, 2020 Summary: High end product. Cost is noticeably more than other products but its evident as to why when you get it. Have used other cheaper kits and will definitely spend more again and get this one. Also used their coil overs and springs. Will buy all their stuff again for the next one. Installed on a modified 30 Plymouth chassis to fit a 29 Essex coupe. Rear is 8" ford. Yes, I recommend this product. Related Items / Suggested Parts RideTech 24350701 TQ Series Shockwaves, 5" Travel RideTech 18988899 Parallel Weld-In 4 Link Kit, Powercoated Black RideTech 11009099 Rear Shockwave Universal Mounting Kit RideTech 11004699 Rear CoolRide Universal Air Spring/Shock Mount Tech Support We're here to help before and after your purchase. If you have a question or need assistance with one of our products, please contact us through eBay Messaging and a knowledgeable Speedway Motors team member will be happy to help. About Speedway Motors is America’s Oldest Speed Shop® and has been a trusted source for specialty rodding and racing products and friendly expert advice for more than 72 years. Founded in 1952 by “Speedy” Bill Smith – a racer and street rodder himself – Speedway has grown from a one-man operation to become the world’s largest manufacturer, distributor and retailer of street rod and racing products. Our industry-leading fast delivery is the result of same-day shipping from our state-of-the-art, centrally located 500,000 sq. ft. headquarters. Speedway’s size offers customers unmatched product selection and low pricing, while our excellent technical support and customer service have made us a recognized leader in the rodding and racing industries.
Price: 765 USD
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
End Time: 2024-08-27T12:02:11.000Z
Shipping Cost: 0 USD
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Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
Returns Accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 60 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
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Brand: RideTech
Type: Rear Suspension Kits
Manufacturer Part Number: 18987999
Material: Steel
Universal Fitment: Yes
Item Length: 45.00
California Prop 65 Warning: True