1947-53 Chevrolet 3100 4-Bar Kit

Congratulations on your purchase on what we believe is the finest rear suspension 4-bar kit available for 1947-53 Chevrolet pickups with stock frames. We have invested many hours into designing a kit that will be effective, easy to install, and offer years of dependable service and deliver excellent drivability. To ensure a smooth installation, please read these instructions carefully dont forget to measure twice and cut once. If you have any questions about the installation, please give us a call. Main Kit Components 1. Forward Crossmember: This assembly has the four-bar brackets and driveshaft hoop welded to a 2x6x0.180 tube. The tube is slightly taller than the stock rail and may be trimmed at the ends of desired, or welded in as-is. When welded to
1947-53 Chevrolet 4-Bar Kit 2/13/2013 Rev0 1

the upper and lower rails, along with the inside wall of the vertical part of the frame rail, overall structural integrity is greatly increased. To further stiffen the frame, the rails may be boxed. 2. Coilover Crossmember/Panhard Components: These components will provide all mounting points needed to attach coilover shocks and a panhard bar. While they are designed to closely match the stock frame rails, some trimming may necessary due to manufacturing variances. 3. Four-Bar Tubes: Manufactured of 1-3/8 4130 steel and bushed with polyurethane, they provide exceptional durability, ride quality, and adjustability. The forward end consists of a stainless steel polyurethane rod end with righthand threads while the rear is a fixed bushing sleeve to prevent the link from selfadjusting while the housing articulates. 4. Panhard Bar: Using polyurethane on the frame side and a Teflon-lined spherical joint on the housing side will accurately locate the housing without transmitting any noise. The bar is mounted at the same level as the axle housing to provide the handling dynamics needed for this application. Installation 1. While the stock rear suspension components can stay in place, it is recommended they be removed for a clean look. Use a grinder or an air hammer with a chisel attachments to remove the rivet heads. 2. This kit is intended to locate the axle housing at the center of the wheel well opening, which lengthens the wheelbase to about 116. Using page 7 as a reference, draw a line on the frame rail where axle centerline will be. Measure forward 24 as per page 4 and 5, marking the location of the 4-bar crossmember. Cut a 2 slot in the top rail flange and slide the crossmember in until it seats at the lower flange. If necessary, trim the crossmembers width to fit. Also, most frames will require a small amount of the triangular brace to be removed in order to fit the crossmember. When finished, make sure the crossmember is centered and square in the chassis and tack weld to lock its location. 3. Slide the inner coilover mount plates onto the coilover tube (note the mount plate with panhard bracket provisions should be on the right side). Put the coilover crossmember in place at the dimensions shown in page 5. The crossmember tube will simply rest on the frame rail. Center the coilover crossmember such the coilover studs are equal distant to the vehicle
1947-53 Chevrolet 4-Bar Kit 2/13/2013 Rev0 2

4.

5.

6. 7.

centerline. When the fit is satisfactory, tack the tube to the frame rail. Slide the inner mount plates against the rail and tack into place, and repeat with the outer plates. Put the panhard plates into place by the vertical location on page 6, and the longitudinal dimension on page 5. The rear plate is designed to weld to the vertical wall of the frame rail, while the forward plate welds against the coilover crossmember mount plate. It is advised to bolt the panhard bar to the plates when they are located (or build a spacer of equal width) to ensure the width is correct. When all parts have been located, it is time to mock up the suspension. Locate the housing at the axle centerline marked on the frame rail (24 from the forward face of the 2x6 crossmember), and the vertical height of 5 below the top face of the 2x6. Bolt in the 4-bar tubes and adjust for proper pinion angle and proper square: a. Adjusting for pinion angle: Adjust the upper and lower links equally but in opposite directions. The upper link should lengthen while the lower link should shorten by equal amounts. b. Square: Adjust upper and lower links on either left or right side equally in the same direction. Both upper and lowers on one side should lengthen or shorten in equal amounts, and in the same direction. This will rotate the housing when looking from the top. Install coilovers (without springs) and panhard bar and check for proper fit. When satisfied, disassemble (dont forget to mark the location of each link!) and fully weld all components.

1947-53 Chevrolet 4-Bar Kit

2/13/2013 Rev0

1947-53 Chevrolet 4-Bar Kit

2/13/2013 Rev0

1947-53 Chevrolet 4-Bar Kit

2/13/2013 Rev0

1947-53 Chevrolet 4-Bar Kit

2/13/2013 Rev0

1947-53 Chevrolet 4-Bar Kit

2/13/2013 Rev0

1947-53 Chevrolet 4-Bar Kit

2/13/2013 Rev0