A triple link suspension — also called a 3-link — is a solid axle rear suspension design that uses three links (bars) to locate the axle under the truck. Two lower links run parallel from the frame to the axle on each side. One upper link, mounted on the centerline or offset slightly, triangulates the axle and controls rotation, side-to-side movement, and fore-aft location. A separate panhard bar (track bar) handles lateral positioning.
Compare this to a 4-link (which uses two upper links for a true triangulated system without a panhard bar) or stock leaf springs (which do everything but do it poorly for off-road). The triple link hits a sweet spot — simpler to build than a 4-link, far superior to leaf springs on the trail, and compatible with long-travel coilovers or air bags.
Why Houston builders love the triple link: Shops like Reklez Suspension Works in Houston have been running 3-link setups on F250s, F350s, and custom rigs for years. The geometry works, the parts are simple to source, and the fab is something a skilled home builder can do with the right templates and a good welder.
| Feature | Leaf Springs | Triple Link | 4-Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wheel travel | 6"–10" | 12"–18" | 14"–20"+ |
| Axle control | Fair | Good | Excellent |
| Build complexity | Low | Medium | High |
| Panhard bar needed | Sometimes | Yes | No |
| Anti-squat tuning | Limited | Excellent | Excellent |
| Home builder friendly | Yes | Yes | Harder |
| Compatible with coilovers | No | Yes | Yes |
Getting the geometry right is everything on a 3-link build. The key measurements are:
Anti-squat determines how much the rear of the truck squats under acceleration. 100% anti-squat means no squat. For a trail truck, aim for 100%–130%. The upper link angle (nose-up from horizontal) is the primary control — steeper upper link = more anti-squat.
At static ride height, the pinion should point 2°–4° nose-down relative to horizontal. This makes the driveshaft angle work through the full range of wheel travel. Set pinion angle by adjusting upper link length.
Extend the upper link and lower link angles until they intersect — that's the instant center. For a trail truck, you want the IC high and far forward of the axle. This creates a long virtual swing arm that produces progressive weight transfer without hop or wheel chatter.
The panhard bar controls lateral axle position. For flat geometry (minimal lateral shift during travel), mount the frame bracket and axle bracket at the same height and keep the bar as close to horizontal as possible — within 5°. If the bar tilts steeply, the axle shifts laterally as it droops, causing the truck to lean.
PunchMapPro's 3-link suspension templates include pre-calculated bracket positions based on proven truck geometry. Print the full jig layout and build from verified dimensions.
View Triple Link TemplatesHere's every part you need to build a complete triple link suspension:
Rule of thumb: Any bracket that attaches a link bar to the frame should be welded to a boxed frame section. Welding directly to open C-channel is how frames crack. Box first, bracket second.
Remove the stock leaf springs, shackles, hangers, and u-bolts. Keep the axle in place under the truck for now — you'll use it as a reference point when setting your geometry. Clean the frame rails in the suspension zone with a flap disc.
Print the PunchMapPro full suspension jig layout template tiled at 1:1 scale. Tape it to your welding table. Verify the calibration marks with a ruler. This is your build reference — all bracket positions and link geometry are on this sheet.
Use the frame boxing plate templates to cut 3/16" plate for both rails. Tack the boxing plates in place, verify square, then stitch-weld full perimeter on both rails. Let cool fully before mounting brackets.
Use the bracket templates to trace hole positions on the boxing plates. Center-punch and drill heim bores before welding — it's much harder to drill after. Tack brackets in position, check alignment with a plumb bob and angle gauge, then full-weld.
With the axle hung from the frame on stands at ride height, mark axle bracket positions using the templates. Tack axle brackets in position. Verify pinion angle (target: -2° to -4° nose-down at static). Full-weld brackets, then weld the axle truss plate.
Use the tube miter wrap templates to prep the link tube ends. Weld 5/8"-11 heim bungs into each end. Cut links to length — start slightly long and trim to achieve your target geometry. Install rod ends and adjust length to set pinion angle and anti-squat.
Weld the frame and axle panhard brackets at matching heights. Install the panhard bar with both heim joints and verify the bar is within 5° of horizontal at ride height. If it tilts more than that, the axle will shift laterally as it droops — adjust bracket height accordingly.
Use the coilover or air bag mount templates to position upper frame mounts and lower axle mounts. Correct shock angle is critical — bind from a misaligned shock will eat through shaft seals in a season. Install coilovers or air bags, verify full droop and compression don't cause any bind.
Set coilover preload or air bag pressure to achieve target ride height. Measure and verify: pinion angle, anti-squat (using a side-view geometry calculation or an online 3-link calculator), panhard bar angle, and full compression clearance at bump stops.
Add gussets to every bracket-to-frame junction. Use the 8-piece gusset set template — triangle gussets at upper brackets, trapezoidal gussets at lower brackets, and housing gussets on the axle. Gussets are not optional on a truck that will see trail use.
PunchMapPro is the only source for printable 3-link suspension fab templates. 28 templates covering every component of a complete triple link build. Instant PDF download.
Browse All TemplatesThe F150 is one of the most popular 3-link platforms. The C-channel frame is thinner than Super Duty, so boxing plates are non-negotiable. The rear axle is typically an 8.8 — light enough to run a 3-link with 2" DOM lower links. Budget 30–40 hours for a clean first build.
Super Duty frames are thicker and the C-channel is deeper — more surface area for bracket welds. The rear Dana 70 or AAM 11.5 axle is heavy, so 2" DOM lower links with .156" wall are recommended. Truss the housing regardless of axle type — the Super Duty sees real loads.
The Ram's frame geometry makes for a clean 3-link install. The AAM 9.25 (1500) and AAM 11.5 (2500) axles are both solid candidates. Ram 2500 builders in the Houston area often run the 3-link with bypass shocks and a Synergy or custom crossmember.
GM trucks have a well-documented 3-link conversion community. The GM 8.6 (1500) and 9.5/10.5 (2500) axles are strong and available with deep gear ratios. The frame width is similar to Ram — templates for one platform typically transfer well to the other with minor adjustment.
28 templates. Frame brackets, axle brackets, link miters, panhard mounts, coilover mounts, air bag mounts, boxing plates, gusset set, fish plates, crossmember layout, and full jig layout. $49.99 — save 50%+.
Get the Complete Kit — $49.99Once your templates are cut and brackets are welded, you'll need hardware to complete the install:
Before these templates existed, building a 3-link suspension meant spending a weekend or more just on layout — measuring, scribing, re-measuring, and hoping your bracket holes lined up when you went to install the heim joints. One misplaced bore and the link binds. One tilted bracket and your pinion angle is off.
PunchMapPro's triple link suspension templates are the first printable, true-scale 3-link fab templates available anywhere. Print the frame bracket template, trace it onto your plate, punch the heim bore location, and drill. Print the miter wrap, wrap it around your 1.75" DOM tube, mark the cut line, and cut. Print the full jig layout, tape it to your welding table, and use it as a direct build reference.
Houston-area builders and shops like Reklez Suspension Works have been asking for this for years. The wait is over.
Browse all 28 templates — frame brackets, axle brackets, link miters, coilover and air bag mounts, boxing plates, gussets, and full jig layout. Instant PDF download. Print at home on any printer.
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