35 true-scale printable templates covering every component of a 3-link suspension system — frame brackets, axle brackets, link tube miters, coilover mounts, air bag mounts, boxing plates, gussets, and a full jig layout. The first-ever printable 3-link suspension template kit.
Every template in one download — frame brackets, axle brackets, link tube miters, panhard mounts, coilover mounts, air bag mounts, bump stops, boxing plates, gusset set (8 pcs), fish plates, crossmember layout, and full jig layout. Save 50%+.
Organized by build stage — start with frame brackets, build axle mounts, install the links, add mounts and coilovers, then reinforce the frame.
Key specs for a factory-geometry 3-link suspension build on full-size trucks.
| Link | Tube OD | Wall | Material | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upper link (3rd link) | 1.75" | .120" | DOM 1020 or 4130 | Triangulated; controls axle rotation and side-to-side |
| Lower links (pair) | 2.0" | .120"–.156" | DOM 1020 | Primary load path; two parallel lower links each side |
| Panhard / Track bar | 1.5" | .095"–.120" | DOM 1020 | Controls lateral axle position |
| Component | Thickness | Heim Bore | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Frame upper link bracket | 3/16" | 5/8" | Stitch-weld to frame boxing plate |
| Frame lower link bracket | 1/4" | 5/8" (×2) | High-load dual-bore; weld full perimeter |
| Axle upper link bracket | 3/16" | 5/8" | Weld to housing at anti-squat height |
| Axle lower link bracket | 1/4" | 5/8" (×2) | Weld to housing; pair with truss plate |
| Panhard brackets (x2) | 3/16" | 5/8" | Frame and axle — must be same height for flat geometry |
| Axle truss plate | 1/4" | — | Full-length housing truss, full-perimeter weld |
| Frame boxing plates (×2) | 3/16" | — | Closes C-channel in suspension zone |
| Parameter | Target Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-squat (AS%) | 100%–130% | Higher for rear-drive trucks; upper link angle sets this |
| Upper link angle | 10°–18° (nose up) | From horizontal; determines anti-squat percentage |
| Lower link angle | 3°–8° (nose up) | Keep as flat as possible for minimal bind |
| Pinion angle (static) | -2° to -4° | Negative pinion points nose-down to match driveshaft angle |
| Panhard bar angle | <5° from horizontal | Flatter = less axle lateral shift during droop |
| Instant center height | 16"–24" above ground | Measured from intersection of upper and lower link lines |
| Side view instant center | Far forward of axle | Long virtual arm = progressive load transfer |
| Wheel travel (total) | 12"–16" | 8"–10" compression + 4"–6" droop; limited by link length |
| Component | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Coilover diameter | 2.5"–3.0" | 2.5" for budget builds; 3" for competition/heavy trucks |
| Shock stroke | 10"–14" | Match to available wheel travel |
| Spring rate (1/2-ton) | 200–300 lbs/in | Lighter for daily driver; heavier for load-carrying |
| Spring rate (3/4-ton) | 300–450 lbs/in | Accounts for heavier sprung mass |
| Air bag (common) | Firestone W01 / 8" dia | Max pressure 100 PSI; requires level lower pad |
| Clevis bolt | 1/2" grade 8 | All mount points — never use Grade 5 on suspension |
| Heim joint size | 5/8" on all links | FK, Aurora, or equivalent spherical rod end |
| Truck | Frame Width (OD) | Stock Axle | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ford F150 (2004–2014) | ~32" | Dana 44 / 8.8 IFS | Common 3-link conversion platform |
| Ford F250/F350 SD | ~34" | Dana 60 front / Dana 80 rear | Heavy-duty frame; more boxing surface |
| Ram 1500 (2009+) | ~31" | AAM 9.25 | Good 3-link candidate with solid rear |
| Ram 2500/3500 | ~34" | AAM 11.5 / Dana 70 | Near-1-ton capacity with proper 3-link |
| GM Silverado / Sierra 1500 | ~31" | GM 8.6 / 8.8 | Popular platform for trail/rock builds |
| GM 2500 / 3500 | ~34" | GM 9.5 / 10.5 | Heaviest common 3-link conversion |
Skip hours of layout work. Get print-ready bracket geometry from your home printer.
PunchMapPro is the only source for printable 3-link suspension fab templates. Shops in Houston, Bakersfield, and Phoenix are already using our frame templates — now the suspension templates are here.
Laying out 8 suspension brackets from scratch takes days of measurement and re-checking. Our templates put bracket holes and heim bores in the right position from the start — print, trace, punch, drill.
Every bracket, bore position, and layout is generated from parametric suspension geometry data at true 1:1 scale. Templates include calibration marks to verify print accuracy on any home printer.
Templates sized for the most common 3-link build platforms — Ford F150 and Super Duty, Ram 1500 and 2500, Silverado and Sierra 1500 and 2500. Custom rigs welcome.
Buy and download immediately. No waiting for shipping. Templates tile for large parts like the full frame jig and crossmember layout. Start cutting today.
Inspired by Houston-area truck suspension culture and builders like Reklez Suspension Works. These templates are made by fabricators who build 3-link systems, not guesswork from generic CAD software.
Tool checklist for a complete 3-link suspension build. Most truck builders already have most of this.
Cross-sell with your triple link build — tube stencils for custom link angles, gusset plates for reinforcement, and cross kart A-arm suspension templates.
Get every template in one download and start cutting today. 35 templates covering every subsystem — frame brackets, axle brackets, links, panhard, coilover mounts, air bag mounts, boxing plates, gussets, crossmember layout, and full jig layout.