3 LINK vs 4 LINK AND LONG ARMS - PROS VS CONS Rock Krawler Suspension

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We review the pros and cons of both a long arm kit and a rear 3 link, as we install both on our Jeep Wrangler JLU Rubicon.

[@LiteBrite]

LITE BRITE NATION ↠ E3OffRoad - e3offroad.com ↠ Merch - www.litebritestudios.com ↠ Stickers - bit.ly/2Tt20Wh ↠ Facebook - bit.ly/2HatSru ↠ Instagram - instagram.com/litebritestudios

[@rickroberts4294]

L)

[@stormtrooper_jeep_zj]

Those are some good looking welds. That guy has some major skills when it comes to welding.

[@jdralston4116]

Thanks man!

[@SirEpsidufus]

Very nice welds.

[@ronkreed]

You got that right. Master welder indeed.

[@nathanizotic1757]

@@jdralston4116 Hey dude, in conjunction with others, AWESOME fab work my man. I’m proud to say I just purchased as of today, my first ever suspension lift for my wife and I’s 18’ JLUS and we went with the JLU 4.5 Inch Adventure-X "No Limits" Long Arm Trail Runner System. I may be in need of your services here in the next 10-12 weeks (depending on when my kit arrives). I just got it confirmed by Maureen (She is awesome and has been a huge help on her end) from RK today that my order has been processed and my kit is going to be underway! How would I go about hiring your services my man?!

[@michaeldumont2391]

I’ve known a lot of awesome welders in my line of work and I have to say JD is top notch! This is shaping up to be a bad ass build.

[@jdralston4116]

Michael Dumont thanks man!

[@BikeInHudson]

“Mr JD had laid down some pretty amazing dimes”. Love that you guys know and appreciate the details!

[@philiphannum4211]

BikeInHudson Sexy weld-pron.

[@jdralston4116]

That’s me, thanks guys!

[@lonestarwindmill9185]

JD Ralston they should get you a work bench so you can stop laying on the floor with jack stands! Great looking welds dude.

[@georgegrimes4937]

Have really been loving these last videos! This is my suspension but the shop that did mine certainly wouldn't let me watch much less film the process. So thank you for what you guys do. By the way I am telling people that when I met y'all at hot springs you saw my suspension and were green with envy and that's what made you do this. Happy new year and thanks for 2019 hoping 2020 is the best!!!!

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

I am so glad you guys were thinking outside of the box with the rear three link. People get hung up on what things are supposed to be like. As long as the numbers work out three links is just as good as four. As long as the tube is sized appropriately there is noting wrong with putting a bend in it. You gotta do what you gotta do to make things work. You aren't going to solve a complicated problem with rigid thinking.

[@user-iy6de7qi1r]

I just bought a JL this year, my first Jeep and have been watching your videos to get a good idea of what can be done. I've worked suspensions for cars and trucks, along with motorcycles for decades but these are some new considerations given all the "crawling" issues that don't go with ordinary road vehicles. Looking forward to my own trials in the near future. Thanks for some really good content, well including the engineering aspects. Very solid!

[@trjnsd6874]

Its really great that this shop and others give such access to work and record - I don't know of any shop where in my area that will let you watch or participate in the work ("Insurance reasons..."). So we get to watch your builds! I've always wondered why Jeep doesn't put underside armor/skid plates on their vehicles that are worth anything. I can't wait to see this "new" StepChild in person, and see what it weighs when you're al done! Happy New Year!

[@codyhubbard2148]

DANG IT I WANT TO SEE THE FINAL PRODUCT. love seeing this thing evolve

[@jeffro8373]

Yeeeeesss something great too watch with my coffee!!!!! Lots of love and respect for you Lite Brite

[@davidhoxit4274]

Great video! That 3 link setup looks bulletproof! Oh and thanks for the Merch, I ordered AND recieved my purchase within the same week, and that speaks volumes to the dedication of your support to your fan base. I am a huge proponent of professionalism, and I love concision and clarity...you guys exemplify all of the above! And I genuinely THANK YOU!!!!!

[@thomascarpenter5536]

I started following your channel when I thought I was going to buy a JL Rubicon... some things changed and that is not an option right now... I keep watching because of all of the incredible content. I am learning so much about the technical details of all of this equipment and the platform, which I absolutely love being an engineer. Thanks for continuing to put out amazing content and not shying away from the technical portions.

[@semyono11783]

Not knocking the 3 link, I understand you guys don’t want to move the gas tank for emissions reasons. Big difference between the 3 link and double triangulated 4 link rear is the panhard bar. That is the source of alot of issues including binding, bump steer and keeping the axle centered when accelerating on an obstacle. An interesting 3 link rear setup that really caught my eye and one that I’m considering alongside the genright elite is made by Excessive Industries. They run a 3 link that eliminates the panhard in the rear. Huge heim on one end and a uniball on the other end. Requires 14” coilovers to work however.

[@jkustockaphobia2421]

“We’ve never seen one break ever “ said rock krawler ... well! Lite brite may your first lol 😂

[@JustinKingOffroad]

hahaha i was just thinking that too!

[@phillipcraggs6202]

LOL, has nobody at Rock Krawler seen Kevin drive?

[@philiphannum4211]

@@phillipcraggs6202 I have a feeling that they have not seen any of their videos, like the "Backdoor" video perhaps.

[@garthhayward9581]

Great to see this level of workmanship, impressive stuff by the crew working on this JL. Looking forward to your on road and off road driving impressions.

[@joshbuck5877]

Ya the 3 link rear is sick and your new panhard bar will keep things tracking great in the rear 🇺🇸 RK. For articulation is gonna be huge can't wait for the next vid ??????????🤷‍♂️ still waiting hurry Britt I'm so anxious. Love you guy's so much be safe and see ya soon🇺🇸❤❤❤✌

[@flgvalvee]

A lot of detail with with one the best jeep spokes people discussing the build. Good job Rock Krawler.

[@JustinKingOffroad]

did it without pulling the exhaust... pans over... bleeding hands hahahaha!! that guy's good for sure!

[@Jbennett070]

Looks like Jelly is excited about the long arm upgrade too! 😂

[@michaelsullivan1703]

That dude JD can weld SUPER nicely !! Wow. Good stuff

[@jdralston4116]

Michael Sullivan thanks man I appreciate it!

[@Grumpy_old_Boot]

@@jdralston4116 I'm guessing you have put quite a few hours into that welder ? 😂

[@jdralston4116]

Grumpy ol' Boot yessir I sure have 😂

[@jasonstrout4502]

@@jdralston4116 Hi if you had to guess about how many hours welding? Man I had to pause the video like six times to really look at those welds. What a great job so good dude keep it up guys. All of you are awesome people too boot. Badass;)

[@jdralston4116]

Jason Strout I’ve been welding for about 5 years now

[@jamesbarber9852]

Well that was very interesting. Lots of work and those guys are great at what they do. I’m learning a lot and loving it. Can’t wait for more!

[@ChevyNglockMan]

Awesome bringing in the guy to talk the tech with the 3 link, great info

[@ericsalas9219]

Whenever Britt and Kev say bracket you have to take a shot. Cheers! 🍻 ❤️❤️❤️

[@lesszabo5625]

Awesome video, liked all the install views. Thanks, looking forward for the next episode.

[@robertmarez3195]

Awesomeness....love that your showing the process....great detail....Stepchild is looking more amazing.....Jelly was excited playing with a new friend 🐶.....eagerly awaiting the next video.....Safe travels

[@JLURBilletSilverMetallic]

Sweet ! Jelly ! Love all that burning in!

[@rickmarquart3277]

Let's see it in action! Can't wait 😊

[@GoatOffroad]

Beautiful welds! Goals 😄 Fun watching this process. Most badass JLU ever! ❤️🐞

[@mrkmdz]

I'm that guy who broke his only upper link on a 3-link setup (a custom job by a local 4x4 shop). 300 miles from home, in the middle of some nasty trails at The Cove, snapped the 3rd link rod end. This allowed the axle to rotate 90° down causing full bind and destruction to the u-joint. Fortunately, I stopped before the springs came unseated (thank you retaining clips) and the shocks got bent or broken. Recovery was a b*tch as I was pretty deep into the trail system. I could not source a compatible rod end anywhere. Fortunately, the upper CA brackets had been left in place and I was able to use a stock upper CA to drive home (while towing my pop-up camper). After that experience, I learned to always keep spare rod ends and a stock upper link in my trail kit (this actually might be a good video topic: what tools and spare parts are in your trail kit). BTW, if you've never been, The Cove has some awesome trails. If scheduling works out right, you should make the effort to go to one of the Big Dogs events at The Cove. Their website is fubar at the moment, but their FB page is Big Dogs Family Offroad LLC.

[@keithdunn3272]

Lordy, More additions to make this Jeep more awesome and bullet-proof! Way to Go!

[@Gerraptor660r]

danggg all those brackets looks better than oem,very clean job, amazing stuff.

[@danhambrick6331]

Man that guy can stack some dimes!!!

[@jdralston4116]

Dan Hambrick Thanks man I appreciate it, that’s me!

[@errhka]

@@jdralston4116 that was some of the most beautiful welding I've seen! You are really talented!

[@jdralston4116]

Errhka Thank you!!

[@duneattack]

Excellent Vid as usual guys! Thanks for the explanation on 3 vs 4 link rear. I'd like to see a bit more on the front suspension set up before you conclude this series and drive off into the next adventure.

[@cesarquintanilla1264]

Nice work. Love the welds David is doing. So cool. Just hate the waiting for the next level.

[@JeremySmith-gu2du]

Super cool build

[@Thundercat68]

So awesome how fast you guys have become an off-road superpower.

[@ghassanchaker]

Love the built!!!

[@cgscprspecialist3937]

Ouch I think Kevin was picking on me I have been asking about moving the gas tank, I have egg on my face now, didn't realize that you would not pass emissions if you moved the tank this is why I love you videos I learn stuff. Great build!!!!!

[@lorikey6713]

Can't wait to see you guys wheel The Stepchild and see how it performs! Been thinking about a long arm on my JK.

[@sladelewis2421]

Those welds are as pretty as Britt!

[@michaelrowe4516]

I actually lost count of how many actual times Brittany actually said actually!!! LMAO!!!!! Happy New Years Jeepers!!!!!!! Love the channel.

[@jmcmullenconst]

Damn, I miss you guys. I hope you guys had a joyous Christmas and have a Happy New Year. Kevin, you will love the new setup! Step Child was already a bad ass rig, just wait. Your whole driving style will change and your approach to obstacles will too. Good thing you have the best spotter in the whole world. I can't wait to see what you do with your shocks. Luv u guys 🤙🤗👍ps taking my 5hr old daughter to the snow for the first time. Wheeling in Lockwood Valley above Gorman Ca.

[@bobsteger3922]

Absolutely killer welds. A true craftsman.

[@lonniet.2816]

Those guys are awesome and JD is an amazing welder!! Go Jelly!!

[@raymondkloberdanz6155]

Another great clip. The next one I'm really looking forward to when ya'll go over travel limitations and setting everything up. Looks like there is a ton of adjustability. Lol jelly has been watching and just wants some lol

[@JohnSmith-sh1zg]

Great vid Kev and Britt.

[@BecksArmory]

WOW! You weren't kidding when you said he was the "master welder". Those look amazing!

[@cliftonperkins9071]

Lovin the build. Can’t wait to see the rest an seeing it rip the roads and trailers. Jelly was lookin little frisky. Lmao.

[@davebruzdzinski424]

Stacked off road is 5 min from me and didnt know!!!! AWESOME!!!

[@piebear49]

Love the new graphics!!!

[@signals34]

man, that guy can weld !!!!...awesome.....

[@jdralston4116]

signals34 That’s me, thanks man!

[@signals34]

@@jdralston4116 Hey,JD !....that's some great work man....love the welds .....your excellent ! !!

[@Riding_with_Adam]

Just when I was bored....y'all come through video!! Way to be!!

[@rocknnash]

Hey guys, so is it worth it buying the Elite ProRock XD60/80? Since you guys travel all over the country does it feel sluggish like you carrying a lot of unwanted weight around or does it drive like a 1 ton truck?

[@matthewhatton3637]

I can't wait to see what it scores on the flex and of course see it in action 🤙

[@daveharris1549]

Just curious, did you guys have to do a lot of adjustment to get the MetalCloak under armor to work with your Hemi install?

[@pauljohnson7382]

21:00- at conclusion of detailed 3link choice...Britney changed from tour guide to BOSS..."still talking?..get back to work!" 😊 Edit: not saying a word about where/how Jelly learned to Humpty Dance

[@oliverleclere1829]

all questions answered..way to go!! nice truss+bling! ;)

[@tandem80501]

How's the new 3 point handle coil overs thou

[@charles_wipman]

Look like a very sturdy mount to me, and those guys seem to be very good at their job too, i don't see any problem there; also, did you notice how well and comfy that thick hoodie with a zipper on the front and the big logo on the back did look??, it's amazin'...!, sumer ready...? winter ready!; perfect. Also too, seems that Jelly it's growing now, don't you think that.. maybe you should talk to her about the "bees and the flowers" and all that?, just saying... anyway guys; if i don't see you before the new year, have a really really good and happy new year. Stay well and be safe on the road

[@krawlerkingdom]

What brackets did you use on the lower rear to clear the frame?

[@jeffdrobny6415]

Dang cliffhangers! I should have waited until they were all posted and binge watched :)

[@skaught7289]

The hemi is cool but IMO suspension is cooler, you guys explain your setup extremely well, and my takeaway from this is I’m gonna stick with steel skids. I’m a Taco guy but in the foreseeable future, a Jeep for my 2nd vehicle.

[@Knazario72]

another great video!!!!😎👍😁

[@krissybell777]

I love how Brittany simplifies it for me❤️ ...still happily learning over here😝

[@LiteBrite]

Hey krissy, contact me on IG or the fb page if you have any questions or want to know more or just to say hi! :)

[@jojopi3]

Damn nice! What sep up are u using? I wanna the same on my 17 jk ! =) and are there 2 oem diff?

[@strikeright54]

Just a recommendation.. When you take your axle to bare metal and weld brackets and such and then paint them. Still metal to metal under brackets and welds. We use steel-IT paint then weld it. It is a weld able paint. That way no metal is left bare. Im not sure it matters but piece of mind for 20 bucks.

[@dentedhalo1265]

Big fan, and nice to see you guys in my backyard just 10 minutes from where I work. One of my coworkers lives next door to the shop you're at and has been telling me about the fine work he's seen them do. I'll probably be hitting them up soon for some suspension advice for my lifted 2017 JK as they look like they really know what they're doing. From what I've seen looks like you're staying in the "big city". If you want a good meal and some suds, stop in at Browns in Troy right on the river. Be cool to join you for one and maybe talk up this part of the cold northeast as I think this may be the closest I may ever get to you.

[@Whiteandsonsgarage]

Dented Halo I think you should go around to your mates place for a beer

[@stevek9844]

After all this upgrade do you need to get new drive shafts?

[@Ebact92]

God the Stepchild has become one of the most insane builds. I hope i get there one day.

[@elnarutouchiha]

Awesome video

[@jasonwaren8984]

What did they paint the welds with on the axle and the frame? Just curious...

[@DavidNJ1]

While I'm busy asking questions...isn't the rear upper arm 6" shorter than the lower arms? If so, doesn't that cause the pinion to angle down in droop, and if so, how does RK handle that?

[@DavidNJ1]

Are you doing 3.5" or 4.5" lift. RK's website says 40" tires at 3.5" require fender mods...but it doesn't look like you have them (yet). And of course, how they get the 13" collapsed, 28" extended shocks to work when their spec is for 18"-20" collapsed, 30"-32" extended. The MetalCloak 6Pak has more than enough travel, but the length would be off. Custom, raised lower shock mounts? Also, have you pointed out that this requires a front axle housing with the front axle disconnect removed. That is a major expense, more than $2600 for a Rubicon and over $5k for non-Rubicons. This Rock Krawler X-Factor long arm kit is $4k without shocks, and IMHO one of the best suspensions available for a JL, JT, or JK. But that housing requirement definitely ups the cost. BTW, Fox 2.5 Race Series shocks in the required lengths would add over $2300 (at discounted prices). The 2.0 Performance Serice would add $600, but they wouldn't have a reservoir. That's about $7.1k-$9k total (Rock Krawler 3.5 X-Factor Long Arm kit, Dynatrac ProRock44 front housing, and Fox Shocks). A non-Rubicon owner would probably want the Dynatrac Trail Leader package which includes the complete ProRock 44 front plus Cr-Mo axles and matching locker and ratios for the rear. Probably $6600.

[@suemcglinchey1042]

Great music too 🎶🎵

[@christianlevesque2091]

All i would like to know is how much did it cost from start to finish for the suspension upgrade?

[@S_and_S_Farms]

If a 3-Link can be broken, Brittany & Kevin accept the challenge! 🤣

[@gilbertarnold8666]

Great video thank you!

[@neep401]

Very nice welds but vertical down ?

[@bradshutler9356]

6:00 am, java and donuts and get to watch the Stepchild develop some serious "Bitch'in Attitude" without any apologies. Oh yow, ROCK'IN INTO OBLIVION! Hang on, ya'all are going to love this conversion.

[@JayyKilz]

Tips on the exhaust that may be in the way?

[@Grumpy_old_Boot]

Some pro's and cons you missed. Pro : In some long-arm builds, you get less acute angles on your driveshaft, essentially making it wear more evenly, and less likely to snap. Con : A 3-link suspension has to have a panhard rod, which can get in the way of other stuff. Pro/Con : Jelly will attack your shoe, and possibly try to mate with it! 😁

[@eliinthewolverinestate6729]

I run a parallel 3 link no track bar. Wishbone upper and slightly triangulated lowers no track bar.

[@Grumpy_old_Boot]

@@eliinthewolverinestate6729 Interesting ! But did Jelly Belly attack your shoes ?

[@m2003h]

Incredible. The Amount of Upgrading you've done to The Stepchild

[@skytiger6671]

Pam cooking spray for rust proofing maybe it will work on the Step Child N.Y. Salt sticks like glue.

[@adrianlastname4864]

if you put a panhard bar on your 3 link is it really a 3 link?

[@eldridgesmart5516]

Thanks for the video 👍🏾👍🏾. Sorry. I have to play catch up.

[@alexmills1329]

honestly I wouldn't worry about the hydro assist considering all 3/4 ton and up trucks have used hydraulic steering and still do in all cases I'm aware of. As a side note all plow trucks love them because the light duty electric rack and pinion camt pushed heavy snow put of the way of the tires when you need it to... I hated my 1500 chevy because of its electric rack and pinion steering all comfort no work

[@markmcintosh7095]

What is the average cost for a long arm transformation. Love your channel and you guys. Your a lot of fun.

[@stormw777]

This is an off subject question. Has anyone tried pressing the sos assist button on the JL while not in cell phone service? Does it work through satellite?

[@Zapo9668]

Are you still running this suspension in the jeep?

[@calvinh.8882]

It's going to be awesome! Now hurry up and wait! lol.

[@V843v3r]

How long r u guys staying in ny for?

[@Jeeper1378]

Cool vid

[@kraykay9366]

When are you going more crazier, the next step in suspension. A visit Diezel in North Carolina / Stacked Offroad I would also like to see more info of the rockrawler shocks / bypass & coil over kits ????

[@LiteBrite]

That’s happening in August

[@jimmierpadgettjr]

Limiting straps? Or stay tuned?

[@sakostwwy1903]

Still Loving this series!! Will Rock Krawler build suspensions on other vehicles besides Jeeps?

[@LiteBrite]

They currently make a ton of suspension for other vehicles as well! Lots of trucks through their sister company!

[@nicolass9165]

How much weight did you add to the Jeep?

[@V843v3r]

r u guys gonna hit some trails around here?

[@wunderkind56]

At this point, this build really deserves a trailer and tow rig.

[@LiteBrite]

It’s probably somewhere in the future!

[@grantmoon624]

Is 3 link good on road too?

[@Gettinbentoffroad]

How long are the long arms? My upper rear link is right at 5 ft