Parallel 4 Link Rear Suspension System
‘The parallel 4 link rear suspension. A newer style that works well as an all-around type of suspension and also does
great on the track.
This is a 4 link suspension with all 4 links running parallel to each other. This kind of suspension always has some
kind of panhard bar to keep the axle centered.
PARALLEL
4-LINK
FRAME
%* UPPER LINK SHOULD
BE ABOUT 70% AS
LONG AS LOWER LINK PANHARD
t =<— BAR
=
om—|
ap -
* FOR A STREET CAR
THE LINKS SHOULD
BE FAIRLY LEVEL
WITH THE GROUND
FRAME
|
“
The parallel 4 link is designed to keep the rear axle centered, and to keep the pinion angle from changing (keep the
axle from rotating). It works especially well under hard acceleration at the drags or hard cornering at the track.
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YOU WANT 4-LINK FOR DRAG RACING, YOU
BARS MOSTLY WANT THE UPPER BAR
PARALLEL FOR ANGLED DOWN AND THE
DRIVING ON THE BOTTOM BAR NEAR
STREET
PARALLELAdvantages: This style of suspension works well for an everyday driver and also works well on the track. This type
of suspension can also be made to have adustable anti-squat geometry for the drag strip and the long Panhard rod
really controls the rear axle's side to side movement to help in hard cornering
advantages: 4 links designed for the drag strip don't work well on a road course, and may not ride well on the
street. Extreme cornering can lead to some roll bind, due to it's geometry. Changing out the bushings to Heim joints
or urethane bushings will usually cure it though. Another disadvantage if you are going to swap In a parallel 4 link is
difficulty and cost. You will also need to have some welding and fabrication skills,
Ok, so how do I lower my ride
a parallel 4
k system?
Well, you don't really... You can lower it alittle bit with lowered springs, but if you lower it too much you will change
the angle of the 4 links. This can affect how the suspension handles. If you want to lower ita lot for ride height, you
will have to raise the mounting points where the 4 links attach to the frame.
‘Some people do use this system for an air bag suspension so they can drop the frame on the ground. However, at
ride helght you still need the 4 links at the correct angles,