Switching From 4-link to 3-Link...

[v6spider]

I probably mentioned I am Switching to 3-Link. So to re-cap the two upper links will be removed. The new upper single link will be located right around where the old watts linkage used to connect to the rear-end when it was in the Rx-7 GSL I pull it from. I'll post more pics as the modification progresses..

[redcars]

A three link puts more twisting force on the axle tubes so you may want to reinforce them. I have cracked a tube on my Super 7 with a four link rx7 rear axle. You will be running a lot more toqur than it had from the factory. The rx7 rear end is very strong and a good choice for the 124. If I have to replace mine that is what I will use as I have extra gear sets for them.

[v6spider]

With p225/50/r15 there isn't really a lot of hookup. But what method do you recommend for enforcement? I , appreciate any advice you could give. Btw it might help me by knowing where your housing cracked...

Thanks!
Rob

[redcars]

My tube cracked where I welded my rear attachment on. I cut off the attachment, v-ed the crack and weld it. Then I made a new attachment welded it on, made gussets and added them to all the four link attachments and have not had a problem. I have a friend that has a Super 7 with a three link that is reinforced and has never given a problem. I will get some pictures of it and send them to you. He is at the SCCA Auto-x run offs right now. We both run 9x22x13 Hoosers in the softest compound that is available so we get a lot of hookup.

[v6spider]

Awesome! I'd love to see some pics...I won't be racing or using soft tires..but I . Would still like to see how it is done and on the rx7 rear end taboot
Thanks!
Rob

[v6spider]

Here is the completed brace for the third link. This will mount under the package shelf. It will be welded to the frame where the original upper links were attached. I will also be creating some braces that tie it to the front brace..

[v6spider]

Here the brace is tacked in place roughly...

[v6spider]

I've added some bracing forward...I think the rearward bracing will extend up the back of the tub.that way I have support for my package shelf back piece as well...

[engineerted]

Sorry to rain on your fine work, but if you are going through the trouble of converting to a three link, why not go the extra mile and make the three links all the same length?

Ted

[v6spider]

Hi Ted,

I'm not going to be racing so I didn't feel a need to go that far. The stock fiat length should be fine...If I was racing then absolutely.My main reason to convert is to make room for duel exhaust and the equal length 3rd link seemed much harder to conceal then going with the stock upper length. Not to mentioned most of the designs for equal length on a spider that I have seen are more complex than what I am doing IMO...Just switching 3 link alone seems to be an improvement over stock don't you think?

Rob

[engineerted]

Rob,
Yes, the three link is an improvement over the stock, it is very easy to set the pinion angle. Are you planing to run heim joints on all of the links? I run heim on the lowers and one rubber mount on the upper link (body end). This helps dampen out the violent torque reversals when you are on and off the throttle, plus it helps to reduce the shock on the pinion teeth.

Ted.

[v6spider]

Yes version one was set up just like that..
Chromoly self l lubricating hiem joints on the bottom links rubber on top....thinking about switching to these throughout... I think they would better for street...and yes I agree the pinion shock not good...especially high hp..

http://pages.ebay.com/motors/link/?nav= ... 0918499549

Rob

[engineerted]

Yes for the street, rubber on top is good. I don't recall but i think i did get mine from Speedway motors, 3/4" not the 5/8"

http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Search.ht ... rod%20ends

Sorry found it, UB machine.

http://www.ubmachine.com/trailingarmmounts.html

Ted

[v6spider]

Thanks Ted! I've been to the speedway site before but not that other link... I'll have to keep these guys in mind come purchase time. Once I get another bottle of gas for my MIG I should be able to finish the 3rd link mount. Then I'll be re-doing the mount on the rear end.

Rob

[v6spider]

My gas bottle for my MIG welder is full. I should be finishing the 3rd link in couple days.