So Stan let me see if I got this right. The 4 link would look very similar to the pictures of the Suburban.

So the swaybar and leaf springs would be removed.
The panhard bar would be used to keep the axle and frame in place.
1 or 2 (per side) tubular bars would connect to around were the rear hanger is located and then to the rear axles which allow up and down movement. What are those bars called?
Coil-overs would be placed where the stock shocks are.

Would the way our shocks are staggered pose a problem? Meaning 1 shock pointing toward the front and the other towards the rear?

This whole setup does not seem that complicated, though I'm sure there is more to it then I think. But say if something was made that used our stock hangers to connect the bars to, this wouldn't even be a hard install. Plus it would be easier to change back to stock.

Also what would be the advantages of a 4 link setup? Better handling? Would being able to change the spring rates on the coil overs make it easy to switch the truck up b/n 1/4 runs, everyday driving and road course/ auto-x racing?

Peter

 

The coil overs will mount behind the rear axle,with a brace running from one frame rail to the other.The bracket[forward] will be a bit more spread out as far as the pivot points for the bars.the adjustment will be made off the rear axle housing.
Benefits are all of what you said,since you will have a huge amount of adjustments to work with,ie.spring rates dampening of the shocks pinion angle for drag as well as lift or squat .All depends on what you care to do with it.
It is NOT a true length 4 bar so it does have some compromising to it.But it is better than just a leaf spring set up with slapper bars or under ride bars.Stan
Plus there are a few "other" things that make this better as far as options go.

 

http://www.ridetech.com/toc.htm
page 15

 

Very simulair to that.In fact that was where I got the ideas or atleast a few of them.I have installed a few of those systems but they are more designed to get the vehicle on the ground than for handling or drag racing.

 

Stan - sorry but I'm having a little bit of a hard time picturing how the coil overs would mount. Are you saying that both will be mounted from the axle towards the rear, like the one shock. And then a bar will run from one frame rail to the other and the coil overs would then mount to that bar?

This sounds like a great idea. Stan if I lived closer to you I would definately volenteer as a tester. I would love a suspension that is a good compromise b/n handling and 1/4, and the adjustability of this would be even better.

 

The pic of the air ride system instead of the bags think of the coil overs there.That would describe it best.The bar will be the top mount for the coil overs.But the coil overs mount verticle so you get the most accurate spring and valving rates.The 4 link or better to say 5 link[panhard bar makes it 5] is going to be close to the airride on EXCEPT mine will be adjustable at the axle where the air ride is preset.
I am going to be the tester but at somewhere over 150 so I hope I get it rite the first time! Stan

 

Stan - I get it now. The coil overs won't be attached to the rear axle, the will be attached to the back of the 2 link bar which is attached to the rear axle. Makes sense. You definately know your knowledge on that stuff. By the way check your email, I have something to talk to you about, but not on here.

Peter

 

I can't wait for it to all come together. I don't know half as much about this as I'd like to (thought I'm reading).

I do know I like to drive, and this will help be drive better, thats the most exciting part. :-D

Daniel