4-Link vs.Solid vs Slip-Joint

[S/G4611]

I would like to get peoples opinions on the dragster suspension concept. Firstly I would like to have a good S/C dragster and use it for Divisional T/D racing. I have owned a Solid car and loved it. It would get a little harry on a bumpy track from time to time. I like the 4-link but I understand that it takes a little more horsepower to move it. I will be using a BBC 496 with a alky terminator set-up. The guy I spoke to said that a Slip-Joint is the way to go because its the best of both worlds. Any opinions from guys who have run such car? Thanks

[Charlie Yannetti]

Although most guys will probably say that they like the 4-link or mono-shock cars........ they will probably tell you that they are more consistent and a smoother ride on rougher divisional or bracket tracks........ and they would be telling you the truth....... they are great cars for S/C and a lot of guys use them in T/D.......

BUT....... in my opinion, if you are looking to run mostly T/D where faster is better, look at the designs of the Comp Eliminator dragsters........ most are double slip joint cars and are much lighter, and probably faster, than what you are seeing in S/C and S/C converted to T/D........ might even be less expensive......

I have a hard tail car that I drive in S/C that works just fine........ and with a little more power would put it in T/D....... I've also driven a single slip joint RaceTech C/ED that was a sweet ride at 180 mph...... and a Spitzer double slip joint car that was really smooth at 203 mph..... the 4-link cars are really comfortable, but you need to watch the weight if you want to go fast...... and also compare the costs........

[Mark Schmidt]

My only concern with a hard tail T/D is the finish line and handling issues. I haven't driven a slip jointed car at those speeds so I can't say if they're the way to go or not. Light is good when you want to go fast.

[Rakhouse]

We had a four link S/C car and when we decided to build another strictly for top dragster, we went with a slip joint. We have been as fast as 193 mph and haven't had any issues with hanlding, etc. You will definitely save weight and $ with the slip joint.

Nick

I have owned both,if you dont intend to drive the top end and drive the car into the chute you will be happy with a double slip car.I belive that the suspended cars extra 80 lbs is worth the safety.Its worth the extra money just for driving around the pits.when i changed from the slip car to the 4-link swing arm i did some small things like synthetic oil,step headers and basicaly saw now et difference between the two cars.
just my opinion. Ray Fordyce Jr 1533 s/c adv/et t/d

[S/G4611]

Originally Posted by diceman1530

I have owned both,if you dont intend to drive the top end and drive the car into the chute you will be happy with a double slip car.I belive that the suspended cars extra 80 lbs is worth the safety.Its worth the extra money just for driving around the pits.when i changed from the slip car to the 4-link swing arm i did some small things like synthetic oil,step headers and basicaly saw now et difference between the two cars.
just my opinion. Ray Fordyce Jr 1533 s/c adv/et t/d

I am leaning more towards the 4-Link / Swing arm set up in that most of my racing will be bracket racing. In T/D I will be able to run NOS to make the class if needed. Thanks for the information fellas.