1965-79 Ford F-100 Truck RideTech Rear 4-Link

The RideTech Rear 4-Link Suspension System for 1965–1979 Ford F-100 / F-150 Trucks is a high-performance bolt-in chassis upgrade engineered to replace restrictive, heavy factory rear leaf springs with a parallel 4-link and Panhard bar geometry. Designed to work with either RideTech Coilovers or ShockWave Air Springs, this system establishes a aggressive lowered stance while preserving full bed floor utility and heavy-duty load capacity.

Key Features & Design Highlights

• 50 lbs Weight Reduction: Eliminates heavy OEM leaf spring packs, shackles, and bulky frame brackets.

• Proven Parallel 4-Link Geometry: Features optimized anti-squat and roll-center dynamics (60% anti-dive front/rear balance) to eliminate axle wrap, wheel hop, and rear-end side slip under hard acceleration.

• Patented R-Joint Rod Ends: High-articulation R-Joints on all four link arms and the Panhard bar deliver quiet, bind-free suspension movement without the sloppy flex of rubber or squeaking of standard polyurethane.

• Reinforcing Bolt-In C-Notch: Included frame C-notch plates tie directly into the F-100 frame rails to increase chassis torsional rigidity while providing critical axle tube clearance for low ride heights.

• Zero Bed Modification (1965–1972): Direct bolt-in fitment requiring no sheet-metal cutting on 1965–1972 short and long bed trucks.

• Minimal Rail Modification (1973–1979): Requires minor bed support rail notch trimming on 1973–1979 models (completely hidden from the top side of the bed).

• High-Grade Finish: All structural steel brackets and links are finished in a durable, satin black powder coat.

Suspension & Shock Options: Coilover vs. ShockWave

Both spring packages utilize RideTech’s Fox Factory monotube gas shock technology featuring impact-forged aluminum bodies, large 1.834" pistons, heavy-duty 5/8" shaft diameters, and 24-position rebound dampening adjustment.

1. RideTech Coilover System:

   • Stance Drop: Lowers static ride height by approximately 5 inches compared to stock leaf springs.

   • Springs: Includes high-tensile, easy-to-swap Hyperco coil springs with threaded body adjusters for fine-tuning corner weights and ride height.

2. RideTech ShockWave Air Suspension System:

   • Stance Drop: Lowers ride height by 5 inches at driving height, with the ability to dump an additional 3 inches (8 inches total drop) when parked for a fully "aired-out" stance.

   • Versatility: Allows instantaneous adjustments to spring rate, vehicle leveling, and load-carrying capacity using onboard air pressure.

Technical Specification Matrix

Critical Installation & Fitting Notes

• C-Notch Frame Cutting: Installing the heavy-duty C-notch requires measuring, clamping, and cutting the original steel frame rail section directly above the axle tubes before bolting in the RideTech gusset plates.

• Axle Housing Welding: The lower 4-link axle brackets and Panhard bar axle tab must be precision-aligned and welded directly to the rear Ford 9-inch (or Dana) axle housing tubes.

• ShockWave Clearance Check: When opting for ShockWaves, ensure adequate clearance around fuel tank straps and exhaust tailpipes throughout the full 8-inch range of suspension travel.