How to build a 4 Link suspension, DIY triangulated four link build, Jeep Wrangler TJ

In this video i setup a Upper triangulated four link kit on the 1997 Jeep Wrangler TJ. I used the Barnes 4WD 4 link kit for this long arm suspension build. I did use an Upgraded Heim Joint, the JMX heims. It was about $65 extra.
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DISCLAIMER: Due to factors out of the control of Muddy Beards 4X4, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. Muddy Beards 4X4 assumes no liability or responsibility for property damages or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. Muddy Beards 4X4 recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and/or with tools seen in this video. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not Muddy Beards 4X4. Be safe! This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, we receive a small commission. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!

[@jakewesterfeld5960]

If only every DIY video were this concise, yet thorough. I really appreciate how much trouble you went through to explain everything (including the specs for distance and angle) and light every shot. THIS video is what KZbin University is all about. Bless you, Kelly

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks man I really appreciate that👍🏻

[@jkgkjgkijk]

I heard 'plug weld' --smart man. You should be proud of yourself.

[@carlosrendo4970]

Best 4-link explanation I've seen, hands down! Thanks for demystifying proper locations, degrees, parts, and all that good stuff.

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks 👊🏻

[@station08]

HE'S NOT LYING ABOUT THOSE TJ FRAMES !!

[@driller840]

THE BEST VIDEO ON THE SUBJECT ! VERY DETAILED, i WISHED TO LIVE CLOSE BY YOUR PLACE.

[@duneattack]

Even after all this time I still come back and refer to this video. Thanks brother for a great DIY Lesson!!!!

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Awesome 🤟🏻

[@zip7806]

Thanks for the Numbers Game. Now we can get to Welding.

[@PBROWDER111]

This is the best explanation video on 4 links I've seen. Thanks

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks I appreciate it🤟🏻

[@marcelnunez3525]

if you put your upper links closer together at the axle youll create more angle at the upper links which will help with side loading and greatly lengthen the life of your upper heims.

[@masonsimacek1156]

So it is better to make them closer?

[@stevezickefoose8563]

Excellent presentation, one of the best 4 link DIY on KZbin.

[@johnh8615]

Pro tip for welding .. I’ve welded brackets near my whole life on boats. And you don’t have room. Practice using a mirror and for welding use a bent low hydrogen rod (for strength). In a restricted position this will work.

[@crashedking1931]

Yea a few things that a DIY could mess up. Thanks for spelling that out.

[@bdjm8595]

Lots of great info here, thanks for putting this vid together!!!

[@IanJesting]

Nice video! This actually gave me some confidence that one day I could 4 link swap my montero sport. Just gotta learn to weld now..

[@bobhilly546312156332]

This really makes me wanna 4 link my truck, I don’t offroad it but

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

4 link is always a good idea 👍🏻

[@cb.offroad]

We dig the content Kelly, you guys keep it up!

[@brandonensing7444]

I just got my rear 4 link done on my xj and love the way it rides now!

[@davidw7080]

what did you do for springs? coil overs or did you weld in spring perches?

[@pumaoverland122]

Great job! Greetings from Brazil!

[@nandsinghrajput7653]

thanks for sharing this amazing video. God bless you n your family .

[@rowlinstoned3715]

Very good video. U explain so well. Doesn't seem so foreign now.

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks 👊🏻

[@rowlinstoned3715]

Awesome man! Explained very nicely 👌.

[@aaronthompson9771]

This video is going to help my son a lot on his TJ build, thanks! (I like the leafs on the back of my XJ, they’ll be staying😂)

[@teoteagueosborne]

Awesome. This has been on my mind lately. I hope to get it done this year

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Nice 👍🏻

[@rickmarquart3277]

Great video, Kelly! Can't wait to see it work. Thanks for all the information

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Me too👊🏻 lol

[@evanlunney3347]

Great video! I’ll be saving it for later!

[@leonardovillalba881]

Awesome job. Very clean !

[@PaulKaiser42]

Awesome video!!! I would not have the patience for 4linking...lol!!!!

[@trashbarn]

Dude! This was a great video. Helpful info and quality how to with what you showed. totally something I can do now that I have watched this. Thank you!

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks, good luck with the build.

[@leoseven7336]

Good job..next proj..thanks for this video

[@nemesilva1]

Excelente video!! Se aprende mucho! 👏👏

[@tylersabikerful]

Awesome video going in depth on four linking the rear. 👊🏻

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks👍🏻

[@ChevyLife-qs3ti]

Great video. My son just bought toyota axles for his 91 trooper project and he wants to link them under it. He is 10 years old with wheeling passion.

[@tslucam]

Just found this video. Great detail. Very much appreciated. Thank you!!! Like, subscribed, etc.

[@justinschlaud9443]

This is the step by step, how too, with tips and tricks I have been looking for!!!! Amazing video, great job!! now it’s time to spend some money!!! Thanks again!

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks, lol. Yes, lots of money🤟🏻

[@TheBeardedJeeper]

Really great tips. I’m gonna have to learn how to do this

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Barnes 4WD makes a 3 link kit for the JK, Get on it!

[@elij.s.7580]

So much good info, Im glad I clicked on this video. My situation is a bit different. I have a lowered 2wd street truck that I want to get completely rid of the leaf springs and convert it to coilovers. The geometry is so important and I haven't been able to find a good video on that anywhere.

[@markfrancies8356]

Go to RideTech on KZbin

[@tacotimetyler1626]

Looking great Kelly!

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks👊🏻

[@starbattles1]

Thanks, well done. Very useful. I'll be doing this to my 73 mustang in the near future. Doesn't look too complicated.

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Nice man, good luck

[@wheelhouseadventures8176]

Thanks

[@serjkeshish8093]

Wow amazing man grate job kip it up .. awesome

[@jasonsilverberg8327]

Great vid. Very helpful

[@dolarmangr]

Very nice and good job 👍

[@Cinirace]

I have the same welder works great🤟🏼💯

[@rareearthfab5511]

Nice setup!

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks👊🏻

[@user-jo8ds2sh1i]

Great job

[@abrahaocampelo6139]

🇧🇷 O melhor do mundo 👍🏻

[@OverlandBrasil]

Nice congrats for your channel

[@imzackson]

well done to say the least! i wish you many views and large you tube kick backs

[@surfstarcc1]

Good stuff right here! I'm planning a similar 4 link setup for a mud truck I'm building.

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Nice 👊🏻

[@surfstarcc1]

@@MuddyBeards4X4 good knowledge on this video!! I'm trying to learn as much as I can get before I attack this project. Haha

[@robertkeefer2128]

This is great I’m getting ready to do this to my yj thank you

[@shawnjoe9187]

What kit did you go with? Im looking to do this to my YJ as well.

[@robertkeefer2128]

You won’t believe this but I got all of the control arms and springs for a JL off eBay then fabricated all of the mounting brackets

[@bsideadventures2180]

Great video.

[@harrison_9327]

great video

[@elyeli6250]

I'm gonna do this on my Minitruck

[@patsaunders6035]

Great video man!!! Loved it!!

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks man, appreciate it🤟🏻

[@deepakrajurs8390]

Great was really hell lot of information with this I get confident to convert mine as well

[@thefred1392]

Very informative thank you! Someday I hope to do this in my xj.

[@FMJeeping]

Perfect timing . I'm starting to plan a 4 link in the rear of my xj. I know it's not the same, but the theory should be . Thanks

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Yep, theory’s the same but you will have a few more steps for sure, lol.

[@cadewarnke3715]

Good informative video! In the process of 4 linking my tj and this helped a lot! Love the videos. Hopefully I get it done soon, I wanna hit Elbe hills before I leave Washington this summer

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks man, once I get back from ejs we definitely will be hitting up Elbe👍🏻

[@jaredwilliams5252]

Hello from Tri-Cities Washington

[@kundrew1990]

amazing thx

[@jeremyreber661]

Excellent video, one question is the top link flat at ride height and how did you determine that. If a guy was starting from scratch on a project would it be best to order springs first?

[@daalnweaver4354]

I run open gear lube on my joints... no squeak no rust

[@qaz261]

Good informations. Спасибо. Хорошее видео. Хоть язык плохо понимаю, но наглядно было всё.

[@luciankristov6436]

Ive got the titanium 200 unlimited. I love mine. Welds amazing. Crazy what kinda performance it gives vs its price. Nice link setup man.its got me thinking

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Yep, I love it so far too. No problems. Works great every time I use it.

[@whirlwindjml]

They do awsome on aluminum as well!

[@GMGUY1000]

Im put 9 inch in,done with d44.2000 tj ls soon

[@cole33333333]

How would you verify, you have the right size bump stops and or the correct number of hockey pucks?

[@jasonwaren8984]

Great Video, very informative. Can you clear a couple of things up though? I got lost on how you came up with the 9.5” spacing between upper and lower links at the axle instead of the 10” you mentioned in the beginning. Was this from the calculator you mentioned? Also what determined where you set the first LCA bracket on the frame? Was that set by the bracket or the kit from Barnes? Or was your LCA a set number and you just verified the measurement?

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

I ended up at 9” of axle link separation, the 9.5” was because of the extra 1/2” on top of the framing square. At 10” the Lca bracket on the axle was just hanging down too low. The lca bracket on the frame I located it as far back as possible, up against my skid plate and then measured everything off of that. Thanks for watching🤟🏻

[@rmmmodifikasi]

Good

[@OffroadMilitia]

If you have 30 degrees on the top links in 10 degrees on the bottom links that still gives you 40 degrees overall

[@erice5429]

Question, do those calculations also apply to to a street 4 link? thank you

[@636Biker]

Does the lower link bracket on the axle have to be below the center line of the axle? Having problems getting my arm separation on the axle correct. Thanks!

[@robertsnyder1446]

great video i will be doing this soon but i do have one Newbe question, when your using the plumb bob, what are measuring or lining up with it?

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks, a known spot on the axle and frame. So measures and make a mark in the same spot on both sides of the axle. I would actually recommend getting a laser, they are only like $60 and makes life easier. I bought a laser and checked it after I was all done and it was all perfectly centered so the plum bobs do work.

[@abdig.siregar9228]

Have you designed & applied for Landcruiser GX80 barndoors?

[@colewilk6018]

Is it basically the same basic rules with a trailing arm that the shock mounts in the center vs what u did (For prerunner)

[@ricardooliveirasette3994]

Sensacional

[@tylersweeney9096]

awesome video.. cant find the coilover setup vid :( did you 4 link the front as well? would love to see that. You explain things very well so it would be cool to see how to do it with steering and oil pans etc.

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

I have been getting emails about this lately. I believe I will make a video finishing up the rear and also explaining the front setup as well. Thanks for watching🤟🏻

[@rogerbenton2755]

thanks for this vid - how much rear stretch did you wind up getting?

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

I don’t know how much I stretched the front in 2016, so my final wheel base is 98”, so my guess is about 1” front and 4” rear? Again I don’t know for sure.

[@jrpefx]

Super good job. I know it is too late but have you heard about the Weld Through Primer. I wished I had it when I did my axle truss.Keep up the great work. P.S. I found you on Dirt Lifestyle.

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks man, I never heard of it either, I will check it out👊🏻

[@Aggressiveopinions]

Would this work on a tube rear frame 1970s ford prerunner

[@joshanactualamerican495]

this video is fucking awesome, well done

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Lol, thanks man.

[@yobop6072]

Was your plumb bob centered to the tube center or the front edge?

[@dabrownconservative7843]

In regards to the truss. How did you know where to weld it on the axle? I've purchased a Barnes truss for my rear Dana35 and I feel nervous about welding it in the wrong position that it affects pinion angle.

[@bertbccfu9564]

I am thinking of leaving my leaf springs in for as long as possible while I build it ,that way it holds it exactly where it should and I won't cut them out until the last possible moment when I have to ,what do you think of that idea?, I forgot to add I'll be working on a 98 Toyota Tacoma 4x4

[@BigCatRiverFishing]

What are the benefits of the 9 inch over the 8.8? Also what is the width difference of the two? Awesome video man. I have been considering that exact 4 link kit from Barnes.

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Nice, I am planning on doing a video on this, but I am a little overwhelmed trying to get everything done before Easter Jeep Safari. I will get to it eventually.

[@user-fr6wj3er3q]

Are the upper and lower control arms the same length?

[@jkgkjgkijk]

Be nice if you had the facility to pull the body off. Doing it this way is brutal, as opposed to bare frame.

[@johnnydelvalle5227]

Great video dude, how streetable are your diy bead locks?

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Thanks, I don’t drive it on the street much. But most bead locks are not DOT approved so be aware of that. The ones that are tend to be expensive.

[@erice5429]

Great video thank you.. Question, does the same apply to build a street suspension for a little truck? Please, it is my project. Thank you

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Same concept applies for any 4 link suspension

[@jeremy8715]

Would it be advisable to use a welding blanket to cover the fuel / brake lines?

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Yes, anytime I was near there I had everything wrapped in a welding blanket👍🏻

[@3doutdoors313]

Great video, thanks. I have ordered everything to do a four link out back and I three link in the front. It all started when I acquired a high pinion Dana 60 reverse rotation. I heard you say that your running 40’s. I’m also going to run 40’s. What great ratio are are going to run? I’m torn between 5.13 and 5.38. I have a 90 YJ with the 4.2. Thanks

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

Nice, I have 5.38 gears in mine. Lower the better I say. I am switching from 5:13 gears and they were ok with 40’s but not great.

[@3doutdoors313]

Muddy Beards 4X4 awesome, thank you!👍

[@RyanPalmerRegeneratetreatment]

How do you like the Titan welder?

[@davidrobertson3211]

Would a set-up like this be street legal and if so would you recommend it... Love the idea of all this for my daily driver that hits the trails and rocks as well. Just looking for some advice on it all beforehand.

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

As far as legality you would have to look up your local laws as I do not drive this on the street. This would definitely be an upgrade compared to factory.

[@Dannymclovin]

Was looking for info on this as this will replace my weak IRS since my car isnt very popular there isnt much that will stop me from snapping axle stubs so a solid axle seems to be the cheapest and simplest thing to do your video is quite helpful what size tube did you use is that like a schedule 40?

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

It is all dom tube, much stronger than schedule 40. It’s the Barnes4wd 4 link kit. Comes with the tube.

[@Dannymclovin]

@@MuddyBeards4X4 thanks for the reply I'll check it out and it goes to show that one can learn alot from different builds 👍

[@eldiablobiker]

What length coilovers are you running in the rear? I have the metalcloak long arm kit and triangulated rear. I’m currently trying to maximize my rear suspension. Doing the frenched towers etc. the part I am trying to figure out is at full up travel my driveshaft is bottomed out. Now if I go full droop to the 14” I want my driveshaft comes apart.

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

They are 14”.

[@markbrites1907]

So the inner frame link mount (upper link bracket not on truss) is set at 20 degrees from the factory, that is you have to weld it together and is there tabs so the bracket goes together only 1 way so you can weld it? Thanks !

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

They have 0,10 or 20 degree brackets. There are no tabs to hold it into place to accommodate different mounting widths. So you just install your joint, tack it together and take the joint out and fully weld it.

[@stevespiteri2079]

so everything was done on ride height correct ?

[@eatingglue6393]

One of the best rear 4link videos on KZbin info wise. 🚙🍆

[@r.mshadow9713]

Im probably going to have a lot of questions because im in the process of trying to lift my jeep but i need some guidance as to how to do it i want to run 38s on it but i want to do it correctly 😅

[@grandinfinite5921]

Muddy B. Where is your garage located? I have a 2001 S10 quadcab with a 6 inch rough country lift. But, I want it with a link like this on the rear. Can it be done? Thanks.

[@kylancook3477]

How do you like that baur bandsaw? Been thinking about one of those....

[@MuddyBeards4X4]

The saw has been great not issues.