4 Link Brackets Unveiled: The Ultimate Guide

Big Brain Brad shares his knowledge on 4 Link brackets.
0:00 Intro
0:45 What is Instant Center
2:53 What is Anti Squat
5:01 Measuring for Instant Center
7:44 Traditional 4 Link
12:15 "Low Prep" 4 Link
16:33 Comparing 4 Link set ups
21:18 Separation results
22:04 Bracket options
23:24 Outro
Links for Instant Center calculators we've used:
www.baselinesuspensions.com/i...
www.performancetrends.com/4li...
Check out all of our products on our website www.tinsoldierracecars.com
Follow us on IG @tinsoldierracecars

[@StreetRacingChannel]

One of the best explanations of a four link suspension I’ve seen. The low prep brackets interest me for sure! Hopefully I can get this traditional four link to work in the nova, if not I’ll be giving you guys a call.

[@slopoke22]

Nice video where a person can get an understanding of what's goin down and proceed to research correctly from then on.

[@fastvsix]

I've watched every instant center/antisquat video on youtube. This is by far the best!!

[@mikef-gi2dg]

Wow that was a ton of 4 link info packed in there. Never seen a explanation with traditional vs extreme 4 link side by side. That was an eye opener for sure. When 1500hp or less is considered low power, I guess the one size fits all suspension is a long dead concept. WoW!

[@MrT00kie]

Great representation. I'm not a drag racer and I learned a ton.

[@0lddragracer426]

I thought I understood basically how it all worked until I watched this video, and it really lifted the veil for me. Many thanks. I may purchase some of your products.

[@toddcallaghan5609]

Your crew should be proud. So many people speak highly of you guys and your products Src family Mak tv Hustling Horsepower Turbo John

[@DNRAuto]

Great video! I’m definitely gonna have to look into that low prep four link setup in the future. I like it

[@MansfieldRacing229]

Thanks for the simplified approach! Your explanation was everything!!

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad you liked it!!

[@1off1935]

Always wondered how all that worked. Great explanation!

[@RogerMoore-ne6hu]

Great explanation and easy to understand video. It helped me to understand and how to set up my rear suspension. Thanks for the video.

[@kaseyfranks7495]

GREAT 4 link tutorial!!! Love your tech information videos!!!

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad you enjoy them! More coming soon!

[@GarageBuiltRacing]

This was incredibly helpful

[@finnroen2334]

All of this is excellent IMO. Well done.

[@rickyscz28]

Absolutely outstanding! Thank you for making this where even I understand it! ( This is Ricky Hunt btw). BBB breaking it down!!

[@craigm5511]

What a fabulous video - probably the best real-world explanation that I've ever seen about the benefits of the shorter top cars up to 1500hp. Thank you.

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Prismracing]

This is a great, direct, information packed video. Thank you for taking the time to do it.

[@taraterrell4039]

Great job Brad!!!

[@MCFRYMotorsport]

That is an awesome explanation of 4 links, I saved this info into the back of my head for when I return to racing.

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Rick.1904]

Awesome lesson, simple and easy to follow. Now I know why you and your company come so highly recommend.

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Much appreciated!

[@swift__]

Insanely good video🤜🏻🤛🏻

[@lowrider3060]

Great teaching on the 4 link back in the day nobody would give you that information to me that's more important than HP getting a car to hook and hand is first thing

[@mikecondoluci53]

WOW THATS THE BEST EXPLANATION IVE EVER HEARD THANK YOU

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@b9350t]

Best video ever. And Tin soldiers is great!

[@SirCoolJerk1030]

I really appreciate this video Brad , thanks.

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@chrislowery185]

Excellent description of how rear suspension works. Thank you

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Very welcome!

[@davidgough1161]

Thank You Brad, I finally understand this!

[@andrewmazzetti6926]

Tons of great information here. Thanks for the video!

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

You are very welcome 🤘

[@bmv0823]

This was a really good video. Nicely done.

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Thank you very much!

[@ohiogrudgeracing]

Great info, keep it up guys!

[@momentummotorsports6137]

Great video excellent explanation i totally understand now 👍

[@robertdieman7025]

Get this man an embroidered "BBB" lab coat and make this a weekly segment!

[@gtmotorsports937]

Great video! Thanks for sharing the knowledge!

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

You bet 🤘

[@tuloko16]

Great explanation!! After years of running a rotary datsun 510 (light weight/short wheelbase) on traditional 4 link, i decided to try out the low prep bars, and all i can say is i’m impressed. With the traditional 4 link the car was “manageable”. But it was constantly riding the “edge” between getting traction and uncontrolled wheelies and have to bring it back down via power management. Now that “window of error” seems to have opened up and made the car more predictable and manageable. Only have 12 passes on the setup, so still figuring things out, but definitely an improvement.

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

That’s awesome man! Thank you for the positive feedback! Love it

[@pedromoralez7666]

Definitely learnt something from this video great explanation thank you

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tannercloyd966]

This was excellent

[@ForceEngineering]

Great info! Around 2002, when I was 15, we would plot out the instant center on the inside of the trailer wall. Couldn't loose the notes that way! lol

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jamesmyatt8132]

Awesome information got me to subscribe

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Stoked you're along for the ride!

[@brianb5779]

This would have been a 200 dollar book back in the day...Really appreciate this info.

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Now we can share it for Free 99! The beauty of KZbin!

[@shaunroberts9361]

Showed up here because of SRC. Will subscribed and will watch you channel for sure.

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Thanks Shaun Roberts 🤘

[@Tookoff]

Cant wait to have these on my no prep build

[@lawhornracing6921]

Love this. Gold stuff. Keep it up

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@Hazardous-Hotrod-Knowledge]

Great video, i was trying to find out how the shorter upper arm effects the geometry with a 4 link and I’m glad you covered it! Really helps visualize how different set ups will work

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@woodrowdelozier1]

Well done 💪😎

[@rayowens4355]

Very good, clear info. Thanks

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@Simmonsracing187]

Awesome video very good explanation 👌🏾

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad you liked it

[@jogovideos]

great explanation

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad you think so!

[@BMF_Garage]

That was an awesome explanation

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad you think so!

[@Alexander-nb1rz]

Thanks for the video I learned something I will given you a call in the near future.

[@NoNameRacecars]

Great video!

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Thanks!

[@WDMtea]

Thank you for breaking this down Barney style. Amazing video, the website is very very reasonable.

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Our pleasure!

[@frediefarmer]

Thanks for the information. Great video..👍🏽🇺🇸👍🏽

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

You bet

[@marcstlaurent3719]

Great info I’ve never heard before

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@bruceporter8978]

Thank you awesome info for me as a beginner

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad it was helpful!

[@victorwesterlin82]

Very nice, thanks.

[@LoganbuiltRaceShop]

Nice video Brad!

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@twistedkidmotorsports9093]

Great info 🦾

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Thanks for watching!

[@Gapking421]

Ordered the “ low prep “ brackets. Looking to get them. In my camaro pretty soon

[@Cleatus46]

Wow...interesting stuff...thanks so much for taking the time to explain how a four-link works. So, anti-squat is what Jim Liberman incorporated in his 1965 GTO funny car Brutus. He was building rear-end "lift kits" for street rods at Goodies Speed Shop during that time period when I was a crewman on Brutus. When Brutus left the line, the rear of the body would lift and I guess that is now called separation. So, the question is....what determines the required length of the four-link bars since longer or shorter links don't change the instant center? Is it a trade-off between short vs long as it relates to stiffness vs flexing? Thanks!

[@genuinejake9851]

Have you had anyone try the no prep setup on a truck like a squarebody? Trucks are always a challenge to get to hook. Im four linking mine now and came across this.

[@patrickm.8425]

What do I have to take into consideration when welding up the brackets on my rear end? Won't the welding distort the rear axle housing tubes to some extent?

[@cramstick]

10 thumbs up and a new subscriber thanks

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Stoked to have you along for the ride!

[@llvanderhoek1406]

Thanks great.

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

You're welcome!

[@phillipsmudracing]

Would that "low prep" bracket set up work in a mud/dirt drag truck with cut 44" bogger tires? They still have a pretty stiff sidewall after cutting.

[@hankhatchcock9109]

Billy hoskins from SRC asked me to come subscribe to y'all boys so I did y'all have a great day y'all post them and I'll watch them Hank and Kellye from Bessemer City North Carolina

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Thanks for the sub Hank and Kellye!

[@MayesBuilt]

I was trying to work out these number when building my truck and it is a ton of numbers to plot anti-squat and instant center throughout travel.

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Yes it is

[@nosnerd1967]

U ever try a taller housing bracket for above housing for top bar ?

[@WW3RZ]

4link parralel or triangulated, opinions on what's better? For small tyre no prep

[@nalley6815]

I’m brand new to this so it’s most likely a stupid question but I’m gonna ask it anyway. You’re saying on the triangular mustang bars it will not separate as much. Could you not just run a more aggressive bar angle to combat it OR would it be too aggressive on the launch? Bad outweighing the good kind of situation?

[@pamdunn8454]

what size tubing and wall thickness are you using , and what size heim joint and bolt hole size with this 4 link ?

[@brandon65960]

I have a question? How do I get those brackets on my housing if my ends a already welded on? Thanks in advance! I love these videos and can’t wait to start cutting out my old leafsping setup .

[@jakefriesenjake]

Well if you like cutting so much, cut it in one spot, bend it around the shaft and the weld her up. If you're worried about the "weak spot" that you created, find a 5" long grade 8 bolt that's the same thickness of the bracket and weld her up again!

[@codyreynolds6333]

I have a c4 vette a 84 and need to know do I need to cut into the cabin space to run the 4 link they sell a 12 point cage with a rear for a 4 link on jegs and all the kits are super short cause their is no room and the cabin is low

[@sweeperstang]

Which setup works for a 1000hp or less truck?

[@jessemurphy1705]

What does the bar length end up at with this kit ? Whats the optimum length lower for a 1700hp 275 car

[@lowrider6536]

I have a question how would the short bar system work on a S-10 chassis full frame with a nine inch rear end say with maybe 950 to 1200 hp

[@DNRAuto]

I’ve got a question, based on the principals talked about with the short upper control arm and the success of the foxbody, why don’t we see many more competitive g body’s in no prep. They have a very similar set up. Is it just the rest of the g body flaws that cancel out any good that rear geometry is doing?

[@dougwilliams3296]

Adjustability in the torque boxes. A lot of changes making new adjustable ends is nessesary

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

I would say it’s just because there is not as many of them. Most do like the Fox because of the strut up front. But as far as the rear suspension they are close.

[@BotelloPerformance]

How do spreads effect 4 link operation

[@trapperdude223]

Would these calculators work on something like “stock suspension” Mustang with adjustable control arms and torque boxes?

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Yes, absolutely

[@santoscastello7747]

Came over from SRC

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Stoked you're here!

[@tonysabatino4725]

So what if I’m running about 650 hp with DOT slicks?

[@mikecappelletti598]

Found your channel from src

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Thanks for subbing

[@brentvonaschen7064]

I am building a 4 link suspension for an air suspension S10. Street truck not slammed but safely lowered and ride height at 6 in drop. How does a softer suspension or low air pressure affect the changes in the instant center?

[@brentvonaschen7064]

My bars are planned equal length parallel and triangulated to position the axle. I am looking at a top wishbone link to incorporate a 5th bar essentially.

[@nosnerd1967]

Very similar to old super stock corvette 4 links due to packaging constraints

[@tomahoks]

10:00 like a Swedish Volvo 245 in Sick Week -22. Rear end rose like a mofo and 204mph ET 6,45s

[@hookmaster1109]

That car is actually a ladder bar car.

[@jamesjarvis5638]

I have a question that may be stupid. I was wondering I don't want to take the brackets out of my big tire car in case I want to race on big rires, but we do switch to small tires to and I've had this issue also. Can you make the low prep bracket Where It Bolts into the original 4 Link bracket with a shorter bar for the top. Then I could change the bars and brackets when I want to run big tires or small tires without having to build a whole different car. Is that possible?

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

You can. Many cars out there like that.

[@jamesjarvis5638]

Can I order this top bar and brackets from y'all will you y'all make them for me

[@jamesjarvis5638]

And thank you for responding to me

[@jamesjarvis5638]

I was going to see about bringing the car to y'all and having y'all read through the back half but when I was told it would be almost twenty Grand I can't afford that

[@jakefriesenjake]

​@jamesjarvis5638 $20k? Holy moly!

[@ketocure4092]

I need a set where in KY are you located?

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

We are located in Covington, KY!

[@supercharged6771]

Fortunately i do have a lift at home and i also plot everything on the floor

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

🤘

[@metalworksmachineshop]

Do you make parts for a 4th gen Firebird. No shitStain cars in my garage. Lol

[@lawhornracing6921]

Post a video on how this works with a gbody

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Everything shared in this video applies to a gbody

[@raymondguzman1907]

Bad ass

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

🤘

[@scottbrown3674]

Drinking Beers and Climbing Ring Gears!

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

🤘

[@marcussmith1429]

at 128% anti squat will the traditional and low prep brackets make it to 3” of extension?

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Big Brain Brad says it most likely would

[@imtheonevanhalen1557]

Dunno about all of the separate / squat theories, but I'll tell what to NEVER do with a 4 link set-up. DO NOT try lowering the car by dropping the shock mount locations. I did it once in a Pinto bracket car just because I liked the look of it lowered.....tubbed, 14.5 inch M/T 32" slicks. When I dropped the shock location, the lower link bar was no longer horizontal, but angled down slightly towards the front....about half track in the eighth mile, the rear of the car began to rock back and forth like someone was twisting the body left and right......scared the living shit out of me......all of those angles it seems, are VERY important!

[@chriswise1232]

Just when I thought I understood 4 links...

[@genedavis759]

I'm not understanding what seperation you are refering to .

[@jakefriesenjake]

The back bumper lifting up off of the ground. Squatting is where you get lots of traction on the takeoff and it looks like someone dumped the trunk full of bricks for 2 seconds

[@nosnerd1967]

I used green painters tape lol

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

🤘

[@brucefulper4204]

It'd be better to say that ladder bars are limited technology. They can work perfectly on a 6 second 1/4 mile car as long as they're set up correctly. You just can't change the HP output much at all.

[@robertmorris8259]

Good stuff,need set brackets ultra/radial or email me auto cad,burn them out and save me a cpl bucks,gbody now with a body 12bolt custom bars,time to change

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

Nows the time to buy! Black Friday sale starts today!!! 10% our entire site discount added automatically at checkout!!!! Sale runs until November 28th

[@scrappyclappedoutfoxbody4174]

And this is why the staging lanes is full of foxbodys.

[@mikef-gi2dg]

I've seen that, and I didn't understand why until NOW. Dam!

[@tinoracing7]

So the whole point is that it behaves like a dragster that has 300 plus wheelbase with all the weight in the back trying to pick up the front of the car

[@matthewuhrich6439]

"Dynamic"

[@TinSoldierRacecars]

🙂