Rear Links & Track Bar - Upgrade Benefits?

[mrvandelay]

Here's my understanding, generally:

1. Rear Upper/Lower Links are generally replaced when the OEs are bent, or to prevent them from being damaged on the trail.
2. Rear Upper/Lower Links may be replaced/upgraded with different lengths to increase flex/travel.
3. Track Bar/Panhard Rods are replaced to increase travel.
4. Track Bar/Panhard Rods are replaced to increase strength.

I'm trying to figure out if I should replace/upgrade these bars prior to damage and if so, what does it get me?

 

[GrantK]

If you should replace them is up to you based on how you use your truck and what you want out of it.

What you get:
They're stronger
They provide better handling (slightly different angle on lower trailing arms)
They provide a quieter ride. I didn't expect this but a friend noticed it at once. Probably do to not transferring noise/vibration as easily as stock ones.

 

[Jono.ful]

better suspension articulation and more flex. if you're not going to be wheeling hard regularly, you probably don't need it
Metal Tech 4x4 - 06+ FJ & 03+ 4Runner Complete Rear Link System

 

[MT4X4]

Here's my understanding, generally:

1. Rear Upper/Lower Links are generally replaced when the OEs are bent, or to prevent them from being damaged on the trail.
2. Rear Upper/Lower Links may be replaced/upgraded with different lengths to increase flex/travel.
3. Track Bar/Panhard Rods are replaced to increase travel.
4. Track Bar/Panhard Rods are replaced to increase strength.

I'm trying to figure out if I should replace/upgrade these bars prior to damage and if so, what does it get me?

I would definitely replace the lower links for the stated reasons above for strength and increased freedom of movement for the axle.

The upper links also aid in increased movement of the axle

The track bar isn't as necessary, the only advantage is to re-center the axle when you have a 2" lift. Strength wise the factory track bar is rather strong.

We also make our own links for the 4Runner as well that utilize an offset bushing design for maximum clearance between the axle and the lower link using Currie Johnny Joints.

Metal Tech Suspension

 

[mrvandelay]

I would definitely replace the lower links for the stated reasons above for strength and increased freedom of movement for the axle.

The upper links also aid in increased movement of the axle

The track bar isn't as necessary, the only advantage is to re-center the axle when you have a 2" lift. Strength wise the factory track bar is rather strong.

We also make our own links for the 4Runner as well that utilize an offset bushing design for maximum clearance between the axle and the lower link using Currie Johnny Joints.

Metal Tech Suspension

Any chance of MetalTech making a Panhard Drop Bracket?

 

[MT4X4]

Any chance of MetalTech making a Panhard Drop Bracket?

Haven't seen a reason to do so, the pan hard bar is relatively flat even with a 2" lift. If you had something along the lines of a 6" lift then dropping the pan hard bar might be an option to keep the suspension geometry happy.

 

[1engineer]

Here's my understanding, generally:

1. Rear Upper/Lower Links are generally replaced when the OEs are bent, or to prevent them from being damaged on the trail.
2. Rear Upper/Lower Links may be replaced/upgraded with different lengths to increase flex/travel.
3. Track Bar/Panhard Rods are replaced to increase travel.
4. Track Bar/Panhard Rods are replaced to increase strength.

I'm trying to figure out if I should replace/upgrade these bars prior to damage and if so, what does it get me?

Have you failed any of the listed componentry or are you looking to push the vehicle a lot harder than you have to date?

 

[mrvandelay]

Have you failed any of the listed componentry or are you looking to push the vehicle a lot harder than you have to date?

I'm looking to spend money on things I probably don't need.

Nothing's failed. Just looking at the Ext. Travel stuff from MT and was wondering if I should add Upper Links and a new Track bar.

 

[1engineer]

I'm looking to spend money on things I probably don't need.

Yeah lol been there done that on lots of things. Sometimes you just have to step back and reevaluate the situation, usually with a beverage. I know the feeling though - Reading articles, looking at pictures and deciding you HAVE to have it. I really like some of the creative tricks my mind does to internally justify needing stuff. Good luck!

 

[GrantK]

Yeah lol been there done that on lots of things. Sometimes you just have to step back and reevaluate the situation, usually with a beverage. I know the feeling though - Reading articles, looking at pictures and deciding you HAVE to have it. I really like some of the creative tricks my mind does to internally justify needing stuff. Good luck!

Let's be honest, that's how 96.284% of our mods come about.

 

[phillyd2]

If you spend any time off road I would suggest upgrading the rear lower links since OEM are pretty weak. Most aftermarket ones are adjustable.

 

[Antman]

Let's be honest, that's how 96.284% of our mods come about.

^^^Yup. That, and extreme boredom.:wink2:

 

[Jtraskell]

Yeah lol been there done that on lots of things. Sometimes you just have to step back and reevaluate the situation, usually with a beverage. I know the feeling though - Reading articles, looking at pictures and deciding you HAVE to have it. I really like some of the creative tricks my mind does to internally justify needing stuff. Good luck!

Yep, that beverage thing usually sways me one way or the other....."within drink, there is truth"! Be safe.

 

[deekoi]

F it, learned this from some kids "YOLO!"

Get it all! and win the next T4R.ORG of the Month! :trophy:

 

[harper7]

Here's my understanding, generally:

1. Rear Upper/Lower Links are generally replaced when the OEs are bent, or to prevent them from being damaged on the trail.
2. Rear Upper/Lower Links may be replaced/upgraded with different lengths to increase flex/travel.
3. Track Bar/Panhard Rods are replaced to increase travel.
4. Track Bar/Panhard Rods are replaced to increase strength.

I'm trying to figure out if I should replace/upgrade these bars prior to damage and if so, what does it get me?

Might as well get the whole MT long travel kit........ FJ Cruiser/4Runner Long Travel Rear Suspension Kit

 

[H&KRunner]

Here's my understanding, generally:

1. Rear Upper/Lower Links are generally replaced when the OEs are bent, or to prevent them from being damaged on the trail.
2. Rear Upper/Lower Links may be replaced/upgraded with different lengths to increase flex/travel.
3. Track Bar/Panhard Rods are replaced to increase travel.
4. Track Bar/Panhard Rods are replaced to increase strength.

I'm trying to figure out if I should replace/upgrade these bars prior to damage and if so, what does it get me?

jus got my Metal Tech lower links today. These things are a huge compared to stock. wont get a chance to put them on until friday though. ill make sure to take detailed comparison and install pics if any one wants to see em.

 

[jbstrd]

Yea, the MT Offset Lower Links are beasts. Definitely a must if you plan on wheeling.

Here are mine:

 

[H&KRunner]

Yea, the MT Offset Lower Links are beasts. Definitely a must if you plan on wheeling.

Here are mine:

DAMN




your truck is clean lol

 

[jbstrd]

DAMN




your truck is clean lol

Yea, that is a pic taken when I installed my lift at 100 miles. With 1,900 miles on the ticker now it is not so clean.

 

[4Rager]

Sorry to bring this thread back from the grave, but there's some good info in here than answered my exact question, which then led to another question... Some people said only worry about it if the stock links get bent, others say it's worth it if you wheel a lot regardless. That being said, what situation would lead to the stock links failing? I can seem speed as a reason for potential failure, but if you're just crawling along through rocky terrain in 1st gear and 4 low, is there still a risk to damaging the lower links to the point of failure? Lower links are not cheap, and if they cost half as much I'm sure we'd all have them, so what's the verdict? The trails I drive rarely ever have mud/roots, but definitely lots of rocks.