Rear end?

[msmith6773]

what do people think is better? the f5 3-link or 4-link. as far as handling and performance?

[seagull81]

Handling, performance and ride quality, 3 link is the way to go. I recently changed from 4 link to three link. It was one of the best upgrades I have done.

[Jeff Kleiner]

3 link by a huge margin.

Jeff

[msmith6773]

whats the differenec in the two?

[Blue MK3]

whats the differenec in the two?

One link. Sorry, couldn't resist.:rolleyes:

[68GT500MAN]

3-Link is the better way to go in my opinion. The difference is in how the rear end is held in place within the chassis.
Doug

[msmith6773]

haha i should have seen that coming, but i mean performance wise? why is the one less link mae it better?



One link. Sorry, couldn't resist.:rolleyes:

[2FAST4U]

The 3 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 road racing and auto-x. It has almost no bind since it's usually built with spherical rod ends, or Heim joints. All suspensions have compromises. This system however has about the least amount of compromise for a solid rear axle in it's design. It's simple, lightweight, and works equally well at the dragstrip, on the track, or in rockcrawling.

The stock 4 link consists of parallel lowers and triangulated uppers. The uppers keep the rear end centered and prevent it from twisting under hard acceleration. It works well enough, but hard cornering puts the suspension in severe bind. This can cause the rear suspension to "snap" losing traction and control of the vehicle.

[msmith6773]

thanks

[CraigS]

The four link needs the bushings in the arms to be soft so it doesn't bind too much. I once saw a video of one of the major mustang aftermarket suppliers who did a mockup 4 link w/ rod ends in all four links. The suspension went straight up and down fine but the axle couldn't be rolled like when a car turns. Of course i can't find that video any more.

[Gumball]

works equally well at the dragstrip, on the track, or in rockcrawling.

Rockcrawling?!?

[Jeff Kleiner]

Rockcrawling?!?

Another victim of cutting & pasting the results of a Google search without checking for content or context :rolleyes:

Jeff

[DaleG]

Rockcrawling?!?

Only attempt with the optional 24" lift kit.

[skullandbones]

If I was contemplating drag racing only then I would go with a 4 link. I've never heard or seen one fail and it is excellent for launch especially with the three launch adjustments on the roadster. The three link is great for almost everything but I wouldn't necessarily think it is as reliable in pure straight line launches. The reason I mention this is not to start a p****** contest but to point out that I have seen two examples of the upper link of the three link twisted off or weld failed at the axle housing (high HP applications). That 9 inch lever is a weak point at some hp level. There aren't too many pure drag racers out there so the three link is probably the best way to go over all though. IMO, WEK.

[frankeeski]

Another victim of cutting & pasting the results of a Google search.

Jeff

Agreed, and just so there are no misunderstandings here. The Factory Five 3-Link does not use all Heim joints. The upper link and panhard bar do have Heim joints but the lowers arms have polyurethane bushings. Levy racing does sell lower links that do have Heim joints and can bolt right in in place of the Factory Five lowers if you choose.

[68GT500MAN]

Gordon also sells a 5-link option.

[Carlos C]

Depending on your application, either set-up could work for you. The stock Mustang 4-link is good enough for mild horsepower, street/strip applications. FFR's 3-link is better than the Mustang's 4-link, as it's stronger and can be used for street, road racing, and mild drag racing. The other good point about this 3-link is that the ride height, shock rebound, and pinion angle are adjustable. 5-link set-ups are mostly for hardcore road racing applications. They are very expensive and more complicated to set up and adjust, but once you dial them in, they're awesome. You also have to re-learn the cornering capabilities and reaction of your vehicle, as they are very different from the stock set-up.

I personally did drag and road racing with mine. The engine puts out 603HP at the wheels. I used an aftermarket street/race 4-link set-up (which will be going on my Coupe), and I love it. Feels much better on the street than the OE system, but hooks great on the track. It has Heim joints on all 4 links (no binding), the uppers are double-adjustable (no need to disconnect them to change the pinion angle), the lowers are also adjustable to move the rear end forward or back on the chassis, and came with provisions to use the stock or aftermarket sway bars. It also included hard urethane spacers to lift the suspension 1/4" at a time. I complemented this suspension with 5-way adjustable Shocks. This set-up didn't break the bank, and only took minutes to change between drag and road racing set-ups.

Hope this helps a little.

Carlos

[frankeeski]

Gordon also sells a 5-link option.
Don't I know it Doug. Probably the best setup there is for the car. Love mine!