Whats the deal with a 3-link?

[loudnslow98gt]

i always hear people talking about a torque arm/PHB setup. but what about using a tri-link like the one from evolution motorsports? it generally does the same thing. can anyone shed some input on this?

[Sam Strano]

Ask 10 folks which is better and you'll likely get 12 answers.

Frankly all the setups can work. The worse is certainly a stock type 4-link, but even they can be improved. Personally, being a dealer for both Maximum and Steeda (not for Evolution, but in running S197's I'm no stranger to the 3-link), I'll tell you that all of the 3 types (5 link, TA, or 3 link) can be made to work extremely well. Which you want depends on a lot of factors. Cost, your understanding of them, unsprung weight, ability to turn instant center, etc.

[BULLITT1992]

The EVM "Tri-Link" (still a 3-link)looks like a pretty solid piece. If you go TA or "Tri-Link" you will still need some form of lateral locating device. MM and Griggs really have the market cornered due to the durability of their pieces, reputation, and the fact that a TA is a time tested locating solution for a solid axle. There is a thread in the forum where someone had problems with theirs but the jury is still out on that one.

I've actually considered the evm tri-link myself, but I am not sure when I am going to get around to making any improvements in the rear of the car.

[jslindst]

I've been racing with the EVM Tri-Link/MM Panhard Bar in Florida for almost 3 years with no major issues. Just took a little while to get the combo of springs/shocks/sway bar sorted out. I was on the fence between the Tri-Link & Torque Arm but decided on the Tri-Link for its compactness plus I figured if the Ford Engineers used a similar set up on the 05 Mustang chassis it couldn't be too bad.

[cb2kgt]

+1
I've been autocrossing and tracking my '00 GT with the EVM Tri-Link/MM PHB for the past two seasons. Using MM's TA-1 springs, Bilstein HD, T2R, and stock sway bar. I did the install on everything and like the fact that I could retain stock tailpipes. Loads of fun on the track and semi-competitive autoxer (not the car's fault). Noisy on the street, though, due to lack of rear seat. With the back seat in, it's not bad.

[terryr]

I just completed my own 3 link.
There is no right or wrong answer. The torquearm hangs down, while the 3 link tucks up. But the torque arm can be installed from underneath, while the 3link requires tearing apart the back seat.
Also, keep in mind certain classes of racing don't allow the floorpan to be altered.
I went with the 3link because Ford did.

[paul351w]

I also installed a 3-link in my car. I have slightly abnormal circumstances though, I am running a Strange 9" rear end under the car. I didn't want to have to weld onto my new powder coated axle, and the only torque arm setups I found for 9" axles were weld on kits. The 3-link is also more compact and lightweight.

I also added a panhard bar at the same time so I can't evaluate the 3-link on its own, but the improvement was substantial.

[BULLITT1992]

What are you guys paying for the EvM Tri-Link? The website shows ~$450, just wondering if you are getting good deals through distributors.

[loudnslow98gt]

i just wanted to get a general idea of what people thought about them. so generally it seems like a personal preferance thing and neigther one has a clear cut advantage over the other.

[cb2kgt]

Bullitt, I went through EVM direct at their advertised price 2 or 3 years ago. Mike (owner) is great to deal with and answered some questions I had post-install. I'm not sure if they have any other distributors.

[paul351w]

I bought mine straight from EVM. Price was as advertised from what I remember.

[DV19]

Originally Posted by paul351w

I also installed a 3-link in my car. I have slightly abnormal circumstances though, I am running a Strange 9" rear end under the car.

I'm switching from an 8.8 to a 9". Mind telling me about or better yet have any pics of your upper mount? Did you have to cut-up into your floor at all. We run our car (track-car only) very low and with the 8.8 we had to "clearance" the floor so the cradle that sits on top of the housing wouldn't hit at full-bump... Our car is a 99-04 body BTW....

Thanks

[paul351w]

The EVM bracket was close to fitting, but the angles of the UCA mounts were wider, and the bolt holes down a bit further from the top. I ended up completely fabricating my own bracket in the same style as the EVM bracket, just to fit my axle. I can't remember if I took any pics before I put it in the car but I will check.

[KAILUAZ]

Good info as I'm leaning toward the EVM Tri-Link also.

[Norm Peterson]

Originally Posted by paul351w

I also added a panhard bar at the same time so I can't evaluate the 3-link on its own, but the improvement was substantial.

Let's just say if you DIDN'T add a PHB or a Watts link at the same time that you'd have been extremely unhappy.

Either a 3-link or a torque arm is better than the OE converging/triangulated 4-link, with a well-designed 3-link probably having a slight edge at least in the corners.


Norm

[onesillynotch]

i was just going to order a HD TA from MM but now you have me thinking.

what one is better from a drag perspective?

i have a full bilst coil over, with some UMI lowers and MM PH.

[Norm Peterson]

Of the simple stick axle suspensions, the 3-link and the torque arm are at the top of the heap. As general arrangements, I'd give the 3-link a slight edge, mostly on the basis of lower unsprung weight and ease of tuning provided that adjustments are available in both.

With respect to the dragstrip, I can't see why a torque arm couldn't be configured to work well (though I do know that the ones that use a short link at the chassis end can be very sensitive and big wheelstands have resulted from poor settings). So can a 3-link, though a careful analysis of the complete load path for the upper is necessary in high-HP applications. There's a link around somewhere - I think a few months ago in this forum, actually - where some failures associated with a 3-link did occur (though not in the links themselves).


Norm.

[paul351w]

Originally Posted by Norm Peterson

Let's just say if you DIDN'T add a PHB or a Watts link at the same time that you'd have been extremely unhappy.

Norm

I meant that I put the 3 link on the same time I added a panhard bar, not the other way around, lol. The axle would've been line dancing under the car with a 3 link and no lateral location device.

[Garyalp]

I used maximum motorsports torque arm and phb on my 93gt. Did time trial with NASA and just for fun track days...It totaly changed the way the car handled. Cut 3 seconds per lap all else being equal.. I was able to squeese on the throttle at the apex and blast out of the corners. Car just squat down and gripped. Best bang for the buck...GA

[qtrracer]

Originally Posted by cb2kgt

+1
I've been autocrossing and tracking my '00 GT with the EVM Tri-Link/MM PHB for the past two seasons. Using MM's TA-1 springs, Bilstein HD, T2R, and stock sway bar. I did the install on everything and like the fact that I could retain stock tailpipes. Loads of fun on the track and semi-competitive autoxer (not the car's fault). Noisy on the street, though, due to lack of rear seat. With the back seat in, it's not bad.

I've removed the back seat from my car for an interior redo and the increased noise from a stock suspension supplimented with the MM PHB is very noticiable. Would you say that the EVM Tri-link is even noisier as a semi-stock set-up or about the same, all else being equal? If the floor were covered with your choice of sound deadener, would that make it more enjoyable? The reason I'm asking is that I'm also thinking of the Tri-link but the current noise is too much without anything on the floors. Since my car will only see the track and some A/X occasionally, the NVH has to be somewhat reasonable with a full interior or at worst, a rear seat delete.

[cb2kgt]

In a word, yes.
The EVM Tri-Link adds quite a bit of noise. Considering the fact that it connects the differential to the chassis with all solid mounts and links, it's not terrible. When I have the seat delete kit in, it's OK. Without it, like when I'm hauling tires to an event, I wear earplugs. I have Dynamat on the trans tunnel and rear seat floor, and it helps a little, but not enough to justify the cost and weight. You should be fine with a seat delete kit. It cuts the noise down about 50%. Since my car is mainly an autox/track whore, the gear and suspension noise is completely acceptable. As a daily driver, not so much. Especially without the rear seat.

[qtrracer]

Originally Posted by cb2kgt

In a word, yes.
The EVM Tri-Link adds quite a bit of noise. Considering the fact that it connects the differential to the chassis with all solid mounts and links, it's not terrible. When I have the seat delete kit in, it's OK. Without it, like when I'm hauling tires to an event, I wear earplugs. I have Dynamat on the trans tunnel and rear seat floor, and it helps a little, but not enough to justify the cost and weight. You should be fine with a seat delete kit. It cuts the noise down about 50%. Since my car is mainly an autox/track whore, the gear and suspension noise is completely acceptable. As a daily driver, not so much. Especially without the rear seat.

Thanks man - appreciated.

[KAILUAZ]

Sounds like I will need to invest is some ear plugs also. I'm planning on running a completely stripped out interior. Add the noise from the 460 and it should be great!

[Jax Rhapsody]

Think about it fbodies use torque amr setups. IT runs along the side not the bottom of the d-shaft though. I will be running a 3link with a watts. Hopefully the fuel cell I want will still fit. If you still not sure theres always Truck arms like in NASCAR. And well like older(way/much) trucks and new 4wd non-hotchkis trucks.

[KAILUAZ]

Figured post over here also, EVM has closed their doors.

[DV19]

Originally Posted by KAILUAZ

EVM has closed their doors.

+1... They have posted a "Good-Bye" message on their site...
That's a shame. They had some nice products.... Maybe one of the bigger companies will buy their designs and keep them going?

[loudnslow98gt]

u think they will get rid of their left over stock for real cheap? those adjustable rear sway bars looked pretty neat. a lot better then my steeda adjustable i have now probably

[MFE]

Originally Posted by loudnslow98gt

u think they will get rid of their left over stock for real cheap? those adjustable rear sway bars looked pretty neat. a lot better then my steeda adjustable i have now probably

They had a clearance sale last week, but they didn't say why. I think I bought the last or 2nd to last of the rear swaybars.

[fox3streetracer]

i emailed them about anyone carring on the design or other vendors,he said no one is coming forward to take over the design/production and they have no 3 links left.

[BULLITT1992]

I wonder what that sort of thing goes for? I assume that you could purchase the entire rights and associated IP. If no one is stepping up and they aren't considering reopening, they might now be looking for that much.

By that, I mean not much in the business world not what we have in the couch

[DV19]

Originally Posted by BULLITT1992

By that, I mean not much in the business world not what we have in the couch

Now that's funny.....