2011 coil-over catalog revised 5-23-11.indd - Air Ride Technologies

UniversalWhat’s the difference between a triangulated 4-link and a parallel 4-link?Which is better?Both styles of 4-link accomplish the same thing... very simply, they hold the rear axle in the vehicle. The function of a 4-link is to keep the rear axle in its proper place under the vehicle. The bottom 2 links keep the axle in place front to back.The upper 2 links keep the axle from rotating, keeping the pinion angle as constant as possible.On a triangulated 4-link the uppers bars are placed at an angle to the lowers. When connected securely to the axle andthe frame they form a “triangle”. This is what keeps the rear axle centered under the vehicle.On a parallel style, a “panhard bar” must be used. It runs horizontally across the vehicle connecting the axle to the frame,allowing only up and down movement. Although there are several theories as to which is “better”, in the real world itcomes down to available space and preference.A parallel 4-ink fits most trucks better because the fuel tank is usually right in front of the axle, inboard of the frame. Aparallel is sometimes easier to install because the link bar frame mount is one piece instead of two... less time in placing andwelding the upper bar mounts. But a parallel 4 link requires a panhard bar which adds slightly to the expense and can useup valuable space needed for the exhaust system. A panhard bar will also induce a small amount of side to side movementduring suspension travel... not enough to feel but it may concern the customer who has an extremely tight tire to fenderclearance. With a parallel 4 -link you are locked into a sideframe link position... with a triangulated 4-link the lower linkscan be placed beside the frame or under the frame for clearance purposes.Parallel SystemsRidetech also offers the 4 -link rear suspension ina parallel style. Very similar in construction to thetri link... rubber bushings, heavy tubing, lasercutbrackets... but the parallel 4 link uses a panhard bar toposition the rear axle side to side.In many applications, such as late model trucks, thisconfiguration avoids interference between the upperbars and the oem gas tank. The parallel 4 link is alsoslightly easier for the casual installer to visualize andinstall because there are fewer bar mounts to dealwith... the frame brackets and axle brackets carry bothupper and lower bars. The parallel 4-Link is availableseparately, or with coil-overs.Triangulated SystemsTriangulated SystemsThe triangulated 4-Link is a tubular version of thetried and true rear suspension that GM has usedsince 1964. Welding and basic fabrication skills areneeded. As a result, the triangulated 4-Link is highlyadaptable to a variety of custom installations.The triangulated 4-Link is designed for theprofessional builder who wants a straightforward,no-compromise rear suspension.ParallelWeld-in 4- Link - Parallel (powder coated) 18988899 $550Weld-in 4 Link - Parallel (polished stainless) 18988999 $750TriangulatedWeld-in 4-Link - Tri link (powder coated) 18987999 $450Weld-in 4-Link - Tri link (polished stainless) 18988099 $65021ridetech.com2011 coil-over catalog revised 5-23-11.indd 22 5/24/2011 9:23:43 AM