Custom Sport Trac:
Rear Four-Link Setup
Rear four-link suspension setup is necessary for the air-bags.
Rear axle in place
Already the basic parts of the four link system have been set up. Bottom plate for the air-bags is also in its final position.
Upper bars are designed so that their length can easily be adjusted.
Here they have just been painted and are ready for insertion of the rubber sleeves.
Having adjustable upper bars makes it easier to allow the driveshaft a good working angle against the rear axle.
Cross member mount to the axle must be quite strong to take all the forces going on off-roading.
Left side cross member mount is attached to the frame and has a special bar to support it horizontally over to the other side of the frame.
Black rod on the top is the supporting bar.
Air-bags are in place.
I can use the original shock absorbers with some reinforcements and replacements.
Here it is finally seeing a bit of the daylight peeking in.
If you look closely you can spot a blue hose out of the front bumper. These are air hoses for the air-bags.
Transfer case shows one issue to be solved. The original front driveshaft in the Sport Trac has less built in movement than is required for the new suspension system. A joke like the one on the picture has to be fitted instead of the bowl on the right side of the case.
When the rear is finished - work can begin again on the front end. Air-bags are in place - but the steering box has to be fitted...
