Rear End Suspension

[33PizzaGuy]

My 33 will be used mainly for street cruising and some burnout sessions. No track. I opted for the 3 link because I heard the 4 link hops when burning out? And whats the difficulty of install from 4 link to 3 link? Thanks guys.

[RoadRacer]

The 3 link does have some more complexity than the 4 link, but it's a better handling setup. There are a lot of conversations around the banana bracket - weld or bolt-on, whether to add the VPM brace http://vpmcobras.com/3linkbrace.htm.

But at the same time, it's not so complicated an install that should dissuade anyone from using the 3 link. I didn't weld, and did add the brace, and it's just a weekend's work to fit.

[33PizzaGuy]

Thank you.

[33PizzaGuy]

Does the kit come with Banana bracket or the brace?

[RoadRacer]

Does the kit come with Banana bracket or the brace?

If you order 3-link you get the banana bracket as a bolt-on. Some weld it. The brace is bought from VPM (see my earlier link). A very common add-on purchase. You can see both starting around here on my build page https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?24163-Roadracer-s-997-build&p=278874&viewfull=1#post278874

[wibby]

The recommend the VPM brace. I have been running it on my MKIII for years.

[donshapansky]

I have finally installed the Vintage Performance Banana Brace due to concerns I had about the banana brace bending. The biggest part of the installation was the removal of the rubber bushing in the axle housing. I could not source the correct size puller at my local O'Reilly Store but the counter guy had a video showing how one guy removed a rubber bushing from an arm that was out of the car. The rubber he was working with was not nearly as tough as the rubber on my axle. He used a drill bit to drill many holes and the rubber came apart. My situation in the car was lot tougher even on a lift, but using a small bit (1/4 ") to start and then a 3/8 " bit I eventually got 70% of the rubber bushing out. I could move the center sleeve around. Then using a hole saw that would fit over the center sleeve I got the rubber out easily. Now the outer metal sleeve had to be removed, using an air chisel I got to the outboard lip and a couple of shots the sleeve came out! My advise to all who are installing a 3 link system, remove the bushing from the axle before it is in the car or before the body is on. This makes the whole installation of the VPM Brace a lot easier.

[HVACMAN]

I have finally installed the Vintage Performance Banana Brace due to concerns I had about the banana brace bending. The biggest part of the installation was the removal of the rubber bushing in the axle housing. I could not source the correct size puller at my local O'Reilly Store but the counter guy had a video showing how one guy removed a rubber bushing from an arm that was out of the car. The rubber he was working with was not nearly as tough as the rubber on my axle. He used a drill bit to drill many holes and the rubber came apart. My situation in the car was lot tougher even on a lift, but using a small bit (1/4 ") to start and then a 3/8 " bit I eventually got 70% of the rubber bushing out. I could move the center sleeve around. Then using a hole saw that would fit over the center sleeve I got the rubber out easily. Now the outer metal sleeve had to be removed, using an air chisel I got to the outboard lip and a couple of shots the sleeve came out! My advise to all who are installing a 3 link system, remove the bushing from the axle before it is in the car or before the body is on. This makes the whole installation of the VPM Brace a lot easier.

Check this out if you have to remove one in the future. https://www.cjponyparts.com/maximum-motorsports-axle-bushing-removal-tool-8-8-1979-2004/p/ABT/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI65uRr_W13gIVRr7ACh0m8QNPEAQYASA BEgJoA_D_BwE