Does anyone have any info on putting a 4 link in my 78 wagon. Just looking ahead as I'm putting floors in. I'm looking to make it into a pro street wagon. I didn't know if anyone had put one in a car and would recomend a certian manufacture that might have a kit that fits well in pinto.
P84
:fastcar:
There are a number of options. I don't know your skill level but their are basically two choices. You can buy kits from many of the chassis builders and weld it all together or you can buy the already welded back section kit and trim to fit. Actually I just thought of a another option. If you do your measuring some of them will put together a rear frame section to your specs.
In my opinon the 4 link needs more room to operate that a ladder bar type rear so that will affect how your rear floor looks.
The manufacture's that I am familar with Art Morrison, S&W, Competion Engineering. You need to pick up some Hot Rod stle magazines to see who is out there and contact them for their advice.
jim
Dont know much about the 4 link. Probably would not be to hard to do. I have a ladder bar competition enginering. Its not bad either. You get a lot of adustability. I can move the rear forward and backward coule inches at least. i can adust the pinion angle very easy and it clears my floor pan very good. take out the leaf springs weld on a couple coil overs and 12.5" wide tires fit under the wheel wells with no tubes. I have a 71 coupe trunk model so i can hide coil overs in the trunk you would probably have a bar going across the rear about 4" up in the wagon floor but you could easily cover it with something.
Thanks for all your help. jim, I have been in touch with S & W with the rear and measurments. I am currently disgusing it with them and I will let you know how I make out. As far as skill level, I don't claim to be a perfect car builder but I have built my own race cars for about 9 years and have many wins to prove my ability. I must have done something right!! I guess I don't really need a 4 link since I don't intend to race it but it looks better for show. I have plans to tub the rear for better appearence. Thanks for all your in put. Thats what I love most about this site. God bless all who drive Pintos !!!!!
P84 :fastcar:
yeah that is what makes this site special.....
Just a thought, but if you are going 4 link for looks and your are going to tub it then it wouldn't be much additional to just add a panel that goes between the tubs to cover the coil overs. Then some carpet and bingo done.
Glad to hear you have the skills neccessary to do this as most people under estimate what it take [time, skill and money] to do this right.
Take pictures, start a project thread so we all can learn as you go and keep in touch.
ji
Hi Guys,
I have done the 4-link set up on my 71 coupe, I narrowed the rear axle and tubbed. The reason the 4-link is better is you only need 22 inches from the crossmember. if using the ladder bars you need more length and if you go too short they won't work as well. the crossmember is about 4 inches from the from of the fender opening. The kick-up is higher on 4-link also so area where the rear seat belongs may be a problem. I cut that out including the trunk area. I used Alstons kit and sheet metal kit.
My coil overs are about 24 inches from the trunk latch to tell how much area your going to use. Find out what tires and wheels your going to use before any frame welding is going to be done. I started and almost didn't have enough room between for my fuel cell. If I can answer any more I try. good luck on your project. DAN.
Now that is good info from somebody who has been there.
jim