A 4-link suspension system is not necessarily a new design, but it has some specific benefits on some vehicles that can improve how the suspension works. While this configuration has been used on some stock vehicles, how it is designed can significantly impact how effective it is on your vehicle.

Understanding The Suspension

The suspension system under your off-road vehicle is intended to allow the axle and vehicle to move somewhat independently while controlling the movement from side to side and front to back of the axle housing. For years, manufacturers achieved this with leaf springs, but as coil springs and struts became more popular, manufacturers started using control arms or links to keep everything centered. 

Off-road enthusiasts started to use a similar system called a 4-link suspension system that uses coil springs and tubular arms to locate the axle under the truck. Over time, they have found ways to maximize the travel the suspension can produce. The links or arms connect to the vehicle's frame and then to the axle housing, typically with two on the top and two on the bottom. 

The result is a suspension system that can articulate exceptionally well while maintaining the position of the axle housing, so the truck drives well on the road and works off the road.

4-Link Suspension Kits

When considering upgrading your truck to a 4 link suspension system, you need to look for one with all the necessary parts to ensure it will work on your vehicle. Many offroad parts manufacturers make kits for a variety of trucks and off-road vehicles that also offer a suspension lift to gain more ground clearance and room for larger tires under the vehicle.

Most 4-link suspension systems will require you to install some additional brackets to make the system work correctly, so you may want to take the truck to an off-road shop and have them install the suspension system for you. Once the entire system is installed on the vehicle, you will need to have the front end aligned to ensure the steering geometry is correct and the caster and camber are within specifications so the vehicle handles appropriately. 

There are variations of these systems that use longer control arms for more articulation and systems that use a triangulated upper link that attaches to the truck in two places and the axle in one to further increase how far the axle can pivot on the mounts. While all of these 4-link suspension systems are effective in different scenarios, ensuring you have the right design for your needs with the proper springs and shocks that will accommodate the movement and allow the system to work correctly is crucial. 

For more information on 4-link suspension, contact an auto parts company such as Rock Slayer Off Road Inc.