Radius Arm Front

[46Wilyz]

This winter I plan to link the front of my rig. I may 3 link it or radius arm, I know a true 3 link is better, however that is not the question. If I do build a radius arm, I plan to have links on both sides, with one side removable for wheeling.

Here is my question: does having the radius arm vertical directly over the lower link make a difference vs having the radius arm angle in and attach on top of my D60 and equally in on the tube side?

 

[Rangerrod]

On pirate what your describing would be “wristed radius arm”. It was discussed at length over there. Having certain undesirable handling characteristics.

As far as angle in I’ve got nothing there might be some discussion in that in the Jeep section as that’s how they’re setup on some after market kits.

 

[46Wilyz]

On pirate what your describing would be “wristed radius arm”. It was discussed at length over there. Having certain undesirable handling characteristics.

As far as angle in I’ve got nothing there might be some discussion in that in the Jeep section as that’s how they’re setup on some after market kits.

Wristed radius arms are different. https://classicbroncos.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159833

This is Ron's setup https://www.pirate4x4.com/threads/rckme52-ready-for-surgery.1573914/post-23224290 . The difference between what I am talking about is I would have a radius arm on both sides for street driving and remove one for wheeling vs having them set in like Sabastion's rig https://www.pirate4x4.com/threads/project-willys-mb-lsx-2013-chile.1218218/post-19009378 .

 

[Rangerrod]

Yes. It will act just like wristed radius arm if you think about it. Some report nothing weird but you’re that close to 3 link only one more frame mount.

 

[Phil]

Having the upper mount directly over the lower mount can potentially impact your shock mounting options. I used the Ballistic combination link and coil spring bracket and did not like the options I had from there on mounting the shocks.

Also, interpreting that you are planning the classic XJ or TJ style radius arms with a separate upper control arm that you can remove, consider rubber or poly bushings at the axle end to prevent the lower from rotating. Like a trailing arm has wobble stoppers or rubber at the frame.

 

[christensent]

If you want to model what the differences will be, use the 3-link calculator spreadsheet and set the frame-side upper and lower mounting points to be the identical place. That's all a one-sided radius arm suspension is in performance. Then move the axle mounts around as you describe and see what the result in numbers is.