Rear Bag Set Up Opinons

Is there much difference between a behind axle kit or an over axle kit as far as ride is concerned?

And then compared to 3 link? (With a wishbone style linkage up top so I can keep my stock gas tank.) How much would I probably spend on a 3 link system verses the over/behind axle? I see on SD the behind axles kits with bags (SS) run about $230.

I've heard numerous complaints about the over axle being harsh. How harsh vs, a static ride as mine lol. I mean, it doesn't feel like metal to metal does it? lol. Or is it just bouncy?

Over axle is generally just very bouncy and firm at decent height. You can roll like 1/2" off the ground at they ride pretty nice.

Over axle and behind axle is going to ride the same. Think of it this way. The brackets attach the bag directly to the axle in both applications.

Yeah I thought that too, just wasn't sure

Just realized as well that bog over/under or not I still need the 3/4 link lol. So wouldn't it just be easier to go ahead and do bags on the bars? And it wouldn't be that more expensive?

(I'm hoping to hook up with someone local to set this sucker up on the cheap)

Its not much more money to go bag over bars if you're already doing a 3 or 4 link. Basically a few different brackets, and relocating the gas tank. Which is basically the cost of some fuel line ($25 gets a whole roll) and maybe 15 feet of wire and 4 butt connectors.

But that's the thing, I don't wanna relocate the tank I still plan on having my bed as empty as possible cuz I will still need it for hauling some things...furniture, wood, etc. I've seen the wishbone set ups, which allow the keeping of the tank in stock location...need to find me a pic so I can see it again lol.

Well in that case, you can do something like what I did.




It will cost you a little bit more. You can't simply just put the bags ont he front bars. Theres not enough room, so you need to do rear lift bars like on the SD setup. I have a forward 3 link (upper bar, and one on each side that mount near the stock leaf spring perch), with two rear lift bars on shackles. The shackles are off of a 73-87 2WD chevy, very cheap and easy to get a hold of. I think I have around $500-600 in my rear setup, with bags.

Hope that helps. You have any questions about how it works just ask, I'm glad to help.

Also, it rides great, and gets an easy 10 inches of lift. Way more than necessary. But it rides great 1/2" off the ground, all the way up to about 9" off the ground.

Yeah I've seen that before. Man I love your set up! That's some crazy bending going on for your bag mounts. Mine'll have to be much simpler lol. But you only $500-$600 in all that? You didn't do the welding/metal work??

That's exactly the wishbone I was thinking of. I won't have to build a frame and stuff around my tank will I?

Keep in mind also the bigger the rear bag the smoother the ride....because it takes less pressure to lift to the same height as a smaller bag...run a 7 inch bag out back in a bag over axle and it is smooth riding.

Yeah I had already been told to go with 6's in front and 7's in the rear.

You may have to build a cradle around your stock tank like I did, to support it. But you might now. I'm not familiar with the way a Mazda looks stock. The one I got here came pre-cut.

I did all the work myself though, thats why it was cheaper. The $500-600 is materials, links, bushings, tabs, etc.