Rear 4 Link Suspension on the Suburban - Reckless Wrench Garage

Previously we acquired a Dana 70 HD for the rear of the Suburban and removed the leaf springs. On this episode we design, build and install the 4 link suspension!
4 link calculator:
irate4x4.com/r...
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[@philipschuetz4856]

Looks like you guys r haven 2 much fun . I really enjoyed your ideal . I have a 2 wheel 86 c30 1 ton non dually I want 2 4 link / air bag it

[@winstonUSMC]

Kris, you welding is way better than it used to be. this thing is super cool.

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

winstonUSMC Thanks. I’ve had quite a bit of practice the last few years.

[@MrMrsregor]

4link is not on my project list (yet), but this might be one of the best 4 link videos i have seen. but now i think need that tube bender after doing some research on it. thank you !

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Thank you!

[@nicolec7290]

Nice work

[@victorramosjr2445]

Eff'n bad-ass, guys! I wish I could find some swell Vatos like you guys to do this kind of 4 link work for me...Oh, wait. I still need to get myself a Burban first, & then have $ to pay...🤦‍♂

[@nathan00campbell]

so i was thinking of doing something like this on my ram 1500. not to lift but to lower the rear till level. then use an auto air leveling valve like on my freightliner to control air bags ride height. that way i can level it, yet if i load anything in the rear it will remain level. seems like the best plan of action to level my truck while keeping useful and improving the ride quality.

[@Mason661MX]

Awesome video I want to put air bags and a 4 link in my 89 f350 idi so its easier to get in (Im disabled ) and i still wanna offroad so watching this video helped a ton. Thanks.

[@creativemustb04]

Looks good. Onto the next episode

[@thomassmith1753]

What the fuck it that?!?! Its like a 4 door blazer with bad proportions, i love it subbed

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

😂😂😂 It’s only slightly out of proportion.

[@halroy774]

Seen a few of your videos. Good stuff. Nice welds and good safety tips. I did notice one thing. If you get a chance. Look up Bearing arcing.

[@ebrahimxalili2253]

Wow its perfect .I search for this type of tutorial. Thank you so much.

[@superkittybtc]

really digging this guy's good job subscribed

[@juliusyoung8137]

Hey guys great work

[@thakormihir4875]

Thanks for another video

[@paulezk]

looks great!

[@dreamweaver562]

I have been looking for a video about this.

[@hyundaisolariskiario1472]

Hello! Guys, the upper hinge mounting point is above the center of the gearbox. the bridge will have a span in both directions. Judging by the video, this is noticeable. Will this affect the stability of controllability? Everything will be great on a flat road, and there will be steering over rough terrain during diagonal hanging.

[@kevinkirk4285]

I love Burbs, I love 4-links, I love 14 bolts...but those big heavy-ass drum brakes gotta go. I'm putting 1-Ton axles under a Nissan Patrol with links. I need all the good info I can get. Thanks for helping me sort out my mess!

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

This is a dana70hd, not a 14 bolt, but the drums on both are pretty ridiculous. Luckily, plenty of companies have disk conversion kits. Glad we could help. 👍🏻

[@stevengaris9864]

Love what I see in your videos! Any update on the cantilever set up for the 4 link? I am thinking of doing the same on my ranger. I’m really interested to see how you do it and what kind of travel you’re shooting for. Would love to see an update on that!! Keep up the awesome work!

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Steven Garis We’ll be going with a traditional setup instead of the cantilevers. We may go with cantilevers later, but right now we just need it back on the road.

[@stevengaris9864]

RecklessWrenchGarage well I look forward to it in any case!

[@randysmith4718]

That's A BADASS JOB you guys rock

[@jeffhy3931]

Awesome stuff. Really digging the channel

[@johns818]

Imagine having to live next to these guys..

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Everyone has fantasies at some point.🤷🏻‍♂️

[@madams22100]

harbor freight chop saw for the win lol

[@kadinbailey6857]

Looks sweet

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Kadin Bailey thanks!

[@channghiem5012]

wish you added more details on how you came up with the angles of the link placement...

[@nickonickster1]

That calc link is coming up as a phishing credit card site

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. The old site that hosted the old version got taken down, I have updated the link with the newest version

[@gregoryogle7654]

Love the video guys keep them coming

[@caseymarohl1696]

I need my 68 4x4 c10 done when y'all have time

[@timothyoneil5684]

Yeah That .

[@kevinholbrook7174]

WOW !!! I like it! lol I was wondering if you could design the same 4-Link for a 1995 S-10?

[@escudeiro14]

🇧🇷 Roraima, Parabéns pelo projeto, ficou perfeito.

[@jorgemorais4005]

No Brasil temos isso?

[@escudeiro14]

@@jorgemorais4005 temos oque amigo?

[@jorgemorais4005]

@@escudeiro14 temos oficinas que fazem um trabalho em aumento de suspensão? Eu gostaria de fazer em meu carro. Rodo muito em estradas de terra.

[@escudeiro14]

@@jorgemorais4005 , sim existem pessoas que fazem esse serviço, e ficam tão bom quanto esse projeto, pode encontrar no KZbin, digite no buscar”suspensão link no Jeep”, que aparece...eu só no sei se onde você é, mas de repente mostrando a sua ideia a algum torneiro mecânico, ele faz com toda a certeza.

[@robe320]

Vids are badass keep it up guys💪💪

[@WeBleedGreen1]

Ugghh. Makes me wanna hurry up and get links on the rear of my ranger.

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

daily_wheeler do it! We will be linking the Ranger here soon!

[@WeBleedGreen1]

RecklessWrenchGarage oh I know. I got stuff in the works for my rig.

[@bahndrvr]

What pipe bender is that? What was the name of the notcher you are using? Buying some tools with income tax:)

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Trevor Vander its a Rogue Fabrication bender, check them out, very affordable and we highly recommend it! We don’t have a notcher. We use a combo of cut off wheel, plasma cutter and chop saw. The tool you saw is called a pipe master, it helps visualize and draw notches.

[@morgantreasure7387]

Nice work! Looks great, should work great! Are you guys in NM?

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Thanks! With the exception of the truss, the rest of the suspension has done pretty well. We had to make a few changes after a few months on the first design. Yes, we are in NM.

[@morgantreasure7387]

@@RecklessWrenchGarage looking forward to more of your videos. I'm in Pecos. Good to see another NM brother!

[@treasureseekerintheway3515]

That video ended way too soon. (Tribute to your content and editing skills). I saw this over on pirate as well, loving the videos!

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Josh Lind - First; thank you. We’re glad you enjoy the videos. Second; could you elaborate on ‘too soon’? We are very curious to learn what people would like to see more of.

[@northcountyre]

I wish you were my neighbors

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Weird, none of our actual neighbors share that wish with you 🤣🤣🤣

[@hawkie333]

4 door blazer....it kills me to see it get chopped but I get it.

[@chilant]

STEVE it’s a modified suburban

[@terrysibley9636]

Nice, how long are your bars.

[@freekry7470]

круто парни! крутая машина, требует крутой подвески!

[@propermods2849]

What calculator are you using? This stuff is awesome to see! EDIT: Nevermind lol Im just impatient. I see it's in the desc.

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Well, now I can’t give a sarcastic response. 😆 Glad you took the time to look in the description.

[@douglass509]

What size of plate did you use on your frame boxing? Building a k5 linked front and rear, boxed the frame with .25" a while back, wouldn't mind loosing some weight drilling holes and dimpling them if the dimple dies can do .25"

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Brandon We used 1/8” on the suburban since the dimples add a little rigidity. We used 1/4” on the ranger. The dies I have will only do up to 1/8”.

[@danielvilla7799]

Great video and very informative guys! I downloaded the "4 link calculator", but it appears to be a 3 link calculator instead, will that work or is there something I need to look for or change on the spreadsheet? Thanks!

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

There are two calculators; one for 3 link, one for 4 link. Here’s a link. At the bottom of the page, make sure you click the 4 link file for whichever program you can run. www.patooyee.com/calculators/calculators.htm

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Thank you for pointing out our link error. We put the correct link in. 👍🏻

[@danielvilla7799]

Sweet, Thank you 👍🏼

[@pmd3211]

What kind of truck is that. The body is funky.

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

It’s a Suburban

[@ottisgoodluck2840]

Bad Ass🤙🏽

[@Dicks4x4Garage]

Cool vid! What size and type of tube did you go with?

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

MrWhitels1 it is 2” .25 wall DOM

[@snivesz32]

looking good, but what’s up with that pinion angle? Seems very steep, is that angle of the transmission output stub?

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

We used a double cardan joint on the drive shaft so we point the pinion at the transfer case output shaft. If we used a single u-joint we would have positioned the pinion at lower angle.

[@snivesz32]

@@RecklessWrenchGarage Yeah that makes sense now.

[@fernandofrazao3035]

fazer isso ai nos eua é facil....quero ver aqui no brasil

[@MotoSurgeon]

What are the angles for the top and bottom triangles? I know no less than 40 degrees to keep the axle centered and stable. How does it drive? TIA and nice video!

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

MotoSurgeon Its not on the road yet, but we’ll be sure to report back when it is. I’ll have to check the angles when I get back on the computer.

[@MotoSurgeon]

updates?

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

MotoSurgeon sorry for the delay, I forgot to look. The uppers are around 28 degrees and lowers are around 32 which would put the separation at 44 degrees. That is, of course, if I did my math correctly. With everything tight, there is zero side movement.

[@MotoSurgeon]

RecklessWrenchGarage Thanks! Please explain how you got 44, are the top and bottom angles cumulative if its double triangulated?

[@encoreimages]

who the f**k are you guys? Suspension Ninjas!

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

🤔🤣

[@grannysgarage8101]

that truss is so simple, do you sell them?

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

chevelleZ15 SS It is quite simple. We could; however, we don’t currently make any parts to sell.

[@jaredwilliams5252]

Hi from Washington. I’ll be doing this to my 87 suburban soon with a 14 bolt and been struggling with figuring out the 4 link setup. And trying to figure out a way to get rid of the slip yoke on the 208 so I can go to a double cardon driveshaft. Also trying to decide what kind of locker I want for the 14bolt. Any advice would be appreciated. Also been watching a lot of your videos. Loving the ranger and suburban. Both are my favorite rigs lol

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Thanks for watching we appreciate it! For a locker, we both really like mechanical lockers like a Detroit or Yukon grizzly locker. They are strong and very reliable and won't let you down. Try to not overthink the 4 link. Best thing to do is set your vehicle at the ride height you want, take out the stock suspension and put your axle under it where you want it to go. Then just kind of look and see where the links would naturally want to go. Flatter links are better for suspension geometry. Use PVC for mockup.

[@jaredwilliams5252]

@@RecklessWrenchGarage thanks for the response. Glad to hear you recommend the Yukon grizzly. I’ll keep the advice in mind regarding the 4link.

[@jaredwilliams5252]

@@RecklessWrenchGarage looking forward to more builds and adventures

[@jaredwilliams5252]

@@RecklessWrenchGarage well ordered the Yukon grizzly locker and decided to stick with leaf springs for now. Took it on its first shakedown run after putting the 14 bolt and d44hp axles in. So far running like a champ and no major issues. Going to take it on another run tomorrow and beat on it a bit more to find the weakest link.

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Glad to hear it's working well!

[@jeffreyfledderman2883]

If you are in the service its would be a pain in the ass if you have to move. So much stuff in the garage lol

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Yea...that’s why we’re hoping to get some other projects done soon.

[@MrBmxer195]

They had no idea they were risking their lives the whole time underneath a truck supported by those jack stands...

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Only two of the 16 jack stands I have were part of the recall. The stands supporting the Stuburban were also 12 ton, which weren’t recalled at all. Have you seen our other videos though? Jack stands are the least of our worries. 😆

[@rodcognito002]

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU. IT'S ON. 97 TAHOE. WHA HA HA

[@samzuvich4445]

were do i find this 4-link calculator?

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

It is in the video description

[@bobbobtomtom1342]

COACHELLA!!!!!

[@lg8471]

What was the name of the kit you usea... I have a 2012 Raptor. Thought about doing a 4 link on that just to beef it up... Or... is it unnecessary.., thanks up front

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

It’s a basic 4 link kit from Barnes4wd. There are various brackets you can get depending on your desired setup. Building a 4 link ‘to beef it up’ would be unnecessary. Your Raptor has leaf springs on the rear, which makes it the oldest and strongest suspension design still used today. You can improve on it as far as ride quality, flex, and limit pinion rotation, but it would be pretty sturdy as is.

[@lg8471]

@@RecklessWrenchGarage Love your Channel Brother... Always gets me motivated... I need to upgrade on a welder... Multipurpose Welder... Just too bad someone doesn't incorporate a mid to upper P. Cutter into the package... I like the Eastwood company... I'm not a professional welder... but can tack and weld different ways... I want to mini tub my 1971 Nova... Will be my first mini tub... Ooh, I have a lot of Dewalt wireless tools... so I'd like to stick with Dewalt... I'm going to buy a cut off / grinder... Do you have a recommendation in the Dewalt line....??

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

The only cordless tools I have are Ryobi. I’ve had plenty of experience with Milwaukee and Makita outside of what I have. I’ve had all mine for 8-10 years, with the exception of the drill I just replaced.

[@lg8471]

@@RecklessWrenchGarage lol... I assume a cordless grinder will work as a cutoff tool if you use the correct wheels... I appreciate your replying back and your input brother.......

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Yes, a grinder with a cutoff disk will work perfectly. That’s probably the most used tool in my garage.

[@jeffyoung2089]

👍👍

[@jmetcalf6350]

whats the name of this build on Pirate? Are you all members of CK5?

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

J Metcalf No. I’ve been meaning to get on there.

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

It’s on Pirate under Burban on the Rocks.

[@fredrickfoster6564]

How long did you make your links on this?

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

The lower links are 50”, I’d have to check the uppers.

[@fredrickfoster6564]

RecklessWrenchGarage thanks they looked to be almost equal length upper and lowers

[@juliusyoung8137]

one question would you please send me the dimensions of the 4 link suspension that you did on the front end i'd like to do a 4 link on my front end.

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

We didn’t build a 4 link on the front, we built radius arms. We have a screen shot of the rear 4 link dimensions on our Facebook page.

[@BangkitRiyowanto]

One question, ho is suburban. Indonesia pekalongan. ( APAKAH SUBURBAN ORANG PEKALONGAN INDONESIA

[@matty86suk]

How are the enduro joints holding up?

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

I actually failed to grease them after the initial install and after 2 years, they still hadn’t developed any excessive play. I replaced all the inserts earlier this year just to be safe though.

[@matty86suk]

@@RecklessWrenchGarage right on, that’s good to hear, I just started swapping out 1.25 hiems for enduro joints in my suspension.

[@jakeresch4332]

What heim joints and brackets did you use

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

We used Barnes Enduro joints and various brackets from Barnes4wd and Ballistic Fab. We discuss all the parts we used for the 4 link on both rigs in this video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d37OlnemntmXo6s

[@Chadlistentome]

How thick was the steel you used to plate your frame?

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

1/4 inch

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

On the suburban we used 1/8”, the ranger used 1/4”.

[@ScoutPL]

What four link calculator are you using?

[@ScoutPL]

Ha never mind, I see it in the description. This is excellent.

[@busa4mee]

What size tube did you use for the truss?

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

1.75 x .120 DOM

[@paulord135gmail8]

Olá Brasil...

[@phantomwalker8251]

hey,u put 4 link in front,yes,??.for a tank,use an in cab one,85lt.cheap,fit in cab or tray or buy 2.i did.

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

The front has radius arms. I used a 22 gallon g-series van fuel tank. It fits between the rails, in front of the axles, and my factory pump and sending unit fits it.

[@sammigrunow1972]

6:27 whoa Kris is really bald! 😮

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Sammi Grunow It makes me more aerodynamic. 😆

[@Mr.ninja69]

It looks like a van with the bed shortened

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

It does have a bed, but yes, it is shortened. We have a video of the process.

[@BrianW2979]

Hate to be a critic, but shouldn't you have the jack stands turned the other way so that the frame is more in the cradle, and less likely to slip off. I'd hate to see someone get hurt.

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Fear not, no one was injured in the making of this video. Yes, turning the jack stands 90 degrees would be safer; however, they were in the way of the links while building the suspension. Under the circumstances, they’re fine where they are.

[@818k5krawler]

So what ended up being the lengths on the links??

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

The lowers were 54.5” and the uppers were 53.75” the day we installed them. I’d say +/- .25” due to adjustments since then. The measurement are bolt center to bolt center.

[@818k5krawler]

@@RecklessWrenchGarage I'm going to be 4 linking my rig front and rear what determines link lengths??? I just binged watched all your videos great job

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Well, thank you. We hope you enjoyed them. The link length is determined simply by where you put the brackets on the frame and the axle. 😆 On a serious note; set the vehicle at the ride height you want, set the axles at the positions you want, figure out where you want to mount the lower links on the axle, then consider the ‘rule of thumb’ for the lower links-(keep them as close to flat as possible at ride height). All of that is the start to determining link length.

[@carlosspicywiener8090]

How much has the body been shortened?

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

carlos spicywiener 27 inches.

[@andrewbaker8334]

Mount the gas tank in the back

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Check out some of the latest videos. The tank is just behind the back seat, above the frame rail.

[@idriwzrd]

I tried to smash the subscribe button. You jerks owe me a new computer monitor.

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

idriwzrd 😂😂😂😂👍

[@zmeygod2844]

В каком штате живете

[@mvcg-cl4cr]

Man i dont know if id call that a truss. Needs more meat

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Oh, we agree. 😂 Watch the video titled “Return to Sender”. 😉

[@dasbronco]

music is too load

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

dasbronco1 Thank you for the feedback. We have been making more adjustments to the audio in our videos since this one.

[@v.e.7236]

I had a hard time hearing what you were trying to say over that obnoxious "background" music. Unless what you're saying is useless, what's the point in saying anything if you're not heard? This one gets the "downs."

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

We have since made some improvements with the audio. Thank you for the feedback though.

[@user-bw2kd6gf6l]

Тя по русски не учили говорить!?

[@dronebarbar1073]

ga jelas

[@4biglac21]

Nice VIDEO I have alot to learn I see

[@rembertful]

Where did you guys get your rod ends from

[@RecklessWrenchGarage]

Barnes4wd