Well, links always get the "cool" factor. I think that's the only reason I did it :roll:
Departure angles are non existent anymore- big plus
Build adjustability into your link mounts- bigger plus, it's nice to be able to play with the kind of traction and stability you want for the particular trail you're running that day.
Axle wrap non existent- already said but still a big big plus
Fabrication time- big minus, but I like building as much as I like wheelin' so it's no minus for me
Materials expense- definately way more expensive to run linked over leaves- still worth it to me, the high school chicks at the mall totally dig it
You've gotta decide how you'd want to suspend the rear, i.e. coils, 1/4 ellip, coilovers. You know what I chose, mainly did it cuz I was running out of time and didn't want to waste days playing with spring packs. I have yet to see a coil sprung rear xj that works well and is stable. I don't think it's so much the coils fault as it is the suspension geometry.
If you link it up, I highly recommend the james link. I've never driven anything so stable in all my life. It climbs like a mutha too, but that's due to the weight being all up front.
This is probably as buggy as you can get without being a buggy: