newbie help.

hey everybody.... im new to the world of bagging trucks only ever had static trucks.... anyway thinking about bagging something... I have been checking out all the project threads trying to figure out how it all works and I think I have a decent idea... I woud like to do something similar to what "ocb dave" did in his project thread.. I just have one question that I cant really get my head around.... What actually holds the axel in place?? and another question I see how the 3 link is made and everything but what is its use exactly? these will probably sound like really stupid questions to everyone but if anyone is nice enough to help me out I would greatly apreciate it. Thanks to everyone who has documented their projects as your photos etc... have been extremly helpfull so far. cheers guys.

when you hack off the leaf springs,your link bars actually hold the axle in place and control your pinion angle....

that what I thought but just wasnt sure most of what I have seen the link is welded to the top of the diff...thought there might of been something else holding the axel in place.

Thats it!
Prior to chopping out the leafs you need to set the truck at a nominal setting ,usally ride height.
This will allow you to set up any link setup at a perfect pinion(manufactures)
once its at ride height set the lower links parallel to the ground.
The 3rd or 4 links center the axle and limits its movement side to side.
Other times called a locating device.

The 3 link is perfect for most trucks and can leave you with plenty room to work unlike four or six links.

Use a 220 welder for suspension welding and make sure it penitrates good
Remember function 1st ,looks 2nd.Dont skip something cause you think it dont look good,there might be another way!

thanks heaps for your help guys. I am actually a welder by trade so I should be able to handle it without to many issues one other query though. how do you go welding the bracket for your 3 link too the top of the diff...arent diffs made of cast iron??

the axle tube is not cast. you will not be welding to the from part with the webs tho, as that is cast. tube only.