Easiest way to set up rear links....

What is the easiest way to set the rear links up. Should I take the leafs off and then raise the axle, measure, and then weld to frame. Should Weld the axle to the frame and then take the leafs off. What is the best way to do it and keep the pinion angle correct and make sure the wheel is centered in the wheel well. I just want to make sure my links are welded in correctly and the rear axle is aligned correctly. Thanks.

We usually try to tack the axle to the frame using some pieces of metal. Then unbolt the leaf springs so that the axle still stays center. Then mark the relationship of the axle to the frame so you know where the axle should be so then you can start figuring out where your notches should go. Once the notches are in, you can set up your ride height for your truck and install your link setup for a fully functioning and smooth ride.

why not just figure out you're ride height with the leafs still intack, notch you're frame, throw you're link setup on and then take the leafs off.

sounds awhole lot easyier then what you guys are talking about and the leafs will keep everything centerd and true.

I want to do my notch after my links to make sure the axle is centered in the notch. I want to make sure the axle is aligned correctly but I don't want to set all the links up with it a stock height (Dodge Ram so the stock Height is way to high) and then the links be incorrect. I'm thinking about just take the leafs off and then welding the axle to the frame after many measurements. Then setting up the links. Anymore ideas. Thanks

Edited: 5/3/2006 10:59:00 AM by blazedbowtie82

Originally posted by Turbo32



why not just figure out you're ride height with the leafs still intack, notch you're frame, throw you're link setup on and then take the leafs off.

sounds awhole lot easyier then what you guys are talking about and the leafs will keep everything centerd and true.

Depended on the link setup it may pull the axle forward too much. You've seen those truck that have the rear wheel about 2" forward. Lol.

I just took a shitload of measurments when I did mine. It wasnt hard. I used a plumb bob to fid the center of the axle, and maked in on the frame rails. Both sides of the rail, on both PS and DS frame rails. I then welded in the notch, and transfered the line before cutting the frame section out. It turned otu fine, the ale is centered in the notch layed out, and about 3/16" back around 5-6" lift.

That's what i'm worried about. I don't want to tack the axle to the frame with the axle 12 inches away from the frame and set the links up. Then when I lay it out it is all messed up and not centered in the wheel well.

so fourlink it first, and then notch it where the axle hits the frame once its linked.

But if I do that then I will be putting the links on with it at full lift if not further than full lift. Then when I do lift the axle to the frame the axle will be back a couple inches in the wheel well making it look off. I think I'm just going to take the leafs off, jack the axle up till it touches the frame, measure it very good and make sure it's center both between the frame and the alignment, and then weld it to the frame to keep it secure why I weld the links in. Does anyone see any problems I would run into doing it that way.

the easist trick is to take the leafs out, use a stock u bolt on the side of the frame tacked in place. this will hold the axle up, allow for pinion changes,and generally make this process much easier. hope this helps, JR

That is a great idea I didn't think of that. Anymore ideas from anyone.