Thread: Parallel Leaf vs. 4-link

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I am about to start the chassis build on a '37 Chevy coupe.

I have not used a 4- link suspension before and am needing the pros/cons between the parallel leaf and the 4-link.

This will be a street rod with a 383/700R4 combo.

Any info will help - Thanks

Depends???Leaf spring more forgiving for the street,four link more drag race set up.What is this car going to be used for?

Do you mean a 4 link with coilovers??? IMO a triangulated 4 link with coilovers and polyurethen rod ends (not heim joints) is probably the best rear suspension on the market for a street rod. The triangulated 4 link by it's design does not require a Watt's Linkage or Panhard bar and doesn't have the tendancy to bind as does a parallel (even or uneven bar) 4 link. A leaf spring set up is the easiest suspension to set up, and also the least tuneable of any...

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Do you mean a 4 link with coilovers??? IMO a triangulated 4 link with coilovers and polyurethen rod ends (not heim joints) is probably the best rear suspension on the market for a street rod. The triangulated 4 link by it's design does not require a Watt's Linkage or Panhard bar and doesn't have the tendancy to bind as does a parallel (even or uneven bar) 4 link. A leaf spring set up is the easiest suspension to set up, and also the least tuneable of any...

daves right. triangulated 4 link with coilovers or bags is probaly the best setup
and hes also right about heim joints. they suck

This ride will be 90% cruising and 10% playing agianst friends in a little 1/4mile joust. This won't be a race car, but I would like the best performance that my shallow pockets can afford.
I was thinking the triangulated 4-link with coil-over shocks. I do not want to deal with pumps,lines and compressors that come with bags.

It sounds like the 4-link might be the way to go over leaf springs.....

i have no idea about coilovers (however if anyone knows LMK cuz i need some for the 1/2 ton) but for a 4 link hit up suicidedoors.com

I think the triangulated will fit your intended usage excellent....Good choice.

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Do you mean a 4 link with coilovers??? IMO a triangulated 4 link with coilovers and polyurethen rod ends (not heim joints) is probably the best rear suspension on the market for a street rod. The triangulated 4 link by it's design does not require a Watt's Linkage or Panhard bar and doesn't have the tendancy to bind as does a parallel (even or uneven bar) 4 link. A leaf spring set up is the easiest suspension to set up, and also the least tuneable of any...

Dont know why I always forget about this setup,its really good.Ya ,what Dave said.

Thank you all for the info, found a site that deals in polyurethen rod ends and am going to lean in that direction.

Besides working better It also "looks" better,compared to boring old leaf springs IMO.