Universal Rear Parallel 4-Link - Black - Ridetech 18988899
Ridetech offers the 4-link rear suspension in a parallel style. Very similar in construction to the tri link…R-Joints, heavy tubing, laser-cut bracketry…but the parallel 4 link uses a panhard bar to position the rear axle side to side. In many applications, such as late-model trucks, this configuration avoids interference between the upper bars and the oem gas tank. The parallel 4 link is also slightly more straightforward for the casual installer to visualize and install because there are fewer bar mounts to deal with…the frame brackets and axle brackets carry both upper and lower bars. The parallel 4Link is available separately, with air springs and weld-on bracketry, bolt-on rear-mounted air spring brackets, or with ShockWaves®. Now Includes R-Joints! What’s the difference between a triangulated 4-link and a parallel 4-link? Both styles of 4 link accomplish the same thing… very simply, they hold the rear axle in the vehicle. The function of a 4-link is to keep the rear axle in its proper place under the vehicle. The bottom 2 links keep the axle in place front to back. The upper 2 links keep the axle from rotating, keeping the pinion angle as constant as possible.On a triangulated 4-link, the upper bars are placed at an angle to the lowers. When connected securely to the axle and the frame, they form a “triangle.” This is what keeps the rear axle centered under the vehicle. On a parallel style, a “panhard bar” must be used. It runs horizontally across the vehicle connecting the axle to the frame, allowing only up and down movement. Although there are several theories as to which is “better”, in the real world, it comes down to available space and preference. A parallel 4 link fits most trucks better because the fuel tank is usually right in front of the axle, inboard of the frame. A parallel is sometimes easier to install because the link bar frame mount is one piece instead of two… less time in placing and welding the upper bar mounts. But a parallel 4 link requires a panhard bar which adds slightly to the expense and can use up valuable space needed for the exhaust system. A panhard bar will also induce a small amount of side-to-side movement during suspension travel… not enough to feel but it may concern the customer who has an extremely tight tire to fender clearance. With a parallel 4-link you are locked into a side frame link position… with a triangulated 4 link the lower links can be placed beside the frame or under the frame for clearance purposes.Either system is very straightforward to install. You will spend more time with the tape measure than the saw or welder. All else being equal, for the absolute rookie, the parallel may be a bit easier to visualize and understand during installation.
General Warranty
Ridetech offers a full 1 year, non-transferable warranty from the date of purchase on all products. In the event that a product is out of the warranty time period, we will evaluate and respond to the customer’s concerns on a case-by-case basis.
Shock Absorber Warranty
Ridetech shock absorbers now have a 1,000,001-mile warranty! We are so confident of the performance and durability of our new shock absorbers, Ridetech offers a 1,000,001-mile lifetime warranty on all Ridetech shocks purchased after Jan. 1 2013.
- Obvious external damage will not be warranted [accident, component abrasion, etc.]
- You will need to ship your worn-out shocks directly to Ridetech for evaluation and repair. You pay for your shipping, and Ridetech will pay for return shipping.
- Ridetech is not responsible for any removal or installation charges. Ridetech is not responsible for any other repairs or damage that might happen to your car.
Return Policy
Return Policy Returns of new (re-sellable) products within 30 days of receipt of the product are subject to a 10% restocking fee. Returns of new (re-sellable) products after 30 days of receipt of the product are subject to a 20% restocking fee. All returns must be accompanied by the original purchase order or invoice number. All returns require notification of the return in the form of a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA#) prior to shipment. All shipping charges are the responsibility of the customer. No returns on electrical components are accepted after 30 days. Returns of discontinued or obsolete products will not be accepted. Credit for returns will be issued within 30 days of arrival at Ridetech. Ridetech reserves the right to deny credit for any items damaged by the customer.
