Ok, I have researched until my eyes are 'bout ready to bug out of my head. I am trying to plan a new suspention for my project YJ.
The front is definatly going to be SOA using RE's 2.5" SOA springs. It is the rear that I'm up in the air about.
I know 4 links are "in" and they do provide awesome amounts of flex. I want to use regular coils w/ mine. They also have some downfalls, such as rear stear, and at times can be unpredictable. I think I can build one, as I have some plans drawn up and the tools and knowledge to do it.
The other option is to use leaf springs. If I do this I will use XJ springs SOA and build a rear crossmember like what infernox drew up to allow for the extra length of the springs. I will also have to use a track bar to keep the wrap under control. I like this idea because of the simplicity and the pradicatbility, but the cool factor isn't there. I think this would flex better than a conventional SOA, but I don't know.
I will try to streach my WB to 100" with both setups. I know the other pitfalls involved like driveline and shocks that must be adressed. I've seen both 4-links and SOAs preform and do it well, but I have never wheeled either setup my self.
This jeep will have d-44's front and rear (for now - 60's to come when funds available) a 258/tf999/300 combo and turn 36" SX's. It will be expected to run the rocks of South Dakota and maybe Moab (if I ever can get out there). It must function well on both the street and trail.
I know this is like opening a can of worms, but what are peoples opinions? Why are all the pros going to links? Some say it is pressure from sponsors. Are links the magic setup? How much flex (and will it be noticable) will I give up using XJ springs in the rear over links? Oh the humanity!!
The front is definatly going to be SOA using RE's 2.5" SOA springs. It is the rear that I'm up in the air about.
I know 4 links are "in" and they do provide awesome amounts of flex. I want to use regular coils w/ mine. They also have some downfalls, such as rear stear, and at times can be unpredictable. I think I can build one, as I have some plans drawn up and the tools and knowledge to do it.
The other option is to use leaf springs. If I do this I will use XJ springs SOA and build a rear crossmember like what infernox drew up to allow for the extra length of the springs. I will also have to use a track bar to keep the wrap under control. I like this idea because of the simplicity and the pradicatbility, but the cool factor isn't there. I think this would flex better than a conventional SOA, but I don't know.
I will try to streach my WB to 100" with both setups. I know the other pitfalls involved like driveline and shocks that must be adressed. I've seen both 4-links and SOAs preform and do it well, but I have never wheeled either setup my self.
This jeep will have d-44's front and rear (for now - 60's to come when funds available) a 258/tf999/300 combo and turn 36" SX's. It will be expected to run the rocks of South Dakota and maybe Moab (if I ever can get out there). It must function well on both the street and trail.
I know this is like opening a can of worms, but what are peoples opinions? Why are all the pros going to links? Some say it is pressure from sponsors. Are links the magic setup? How much flex (and will it be noticable) will I give up using XJ springs in the rear over links? Oh the humanity!!