The suspension maketh the vehicle! This is especially true in situations where you need more power out of your vehicle such as off-roading. Choosing the right suspension will help you do your best in any terrain. The wrong one, on the other hand, can cause problems even on highways.
This is why, before choosing a suspension, you should assess the road conditions that you will be on. If obstacles are going to be a major part of the terrain, you should examine your entire gear closely and make changes accordingly.
3 Link VS 4 Link Suspension
3 Link Suspension
A 3 link suspension usually has a track bar or a panhard bar. There are 4 total links that work together to control the movement of the axle and its location. There are 2 links connecting the axle ends and 1 above the axle. The 4th one is the panhard link.
The biggest advantage of 3 link suspension is that it lets you keep the gas tank in its original position. It also does not take up cargo space, giving you more room.
4 Link Suspension
A 4 link suspension, on the other hand, has links to allow the movement of the axle sideways and from the front to the back. All this happens while the axle articulates and travels smoothly.
Now, the reason why most truck owners prefer this is that it has no rear track bar. This will give you better articulation and more axle flex. Another point is that the axle is perfectly in the center, both up and down. All of these are very important.
3 Link vs 4 Link Suspension – Usage
If you are going to face layout constraints, it is safer to use 3 link suspension. In all other cases, a 4 link suspension should be your first choice.
Also, you might want to check the type of steering you have. If you have a steering gear box, choose the 3 link suspension. If you have a hydraulic steering system instead, your choice should be the 4 link suspension.
3 Link vs 4 Link Suspension – Verdict
There’s no competition here, really. The two types of suspension serve different purposes and suit different steering systems. Choosing one based on these parameters will help you zero in on the right choice.
We hope our article helped you in your decision making process. If you have any further doubts, please feel free to speak to us.