What is the difference between the SPL RTR F3X traction link and the SPL RTA F3X toe arm?

These are two separate arms for two different positions in the F2X/F3X rear multi-link suspension. The RTR F3X is the traction (guide) link; it controls the longitudinal position of the rear wheel and is the primary arm addressed for wheel hop reduction and braking stability. The RTA F3X is the toe link; it controls rear toe angle and is the primary arm addressed for toe adjustment range and precision. Both use the same SPL construction standard and can be installed together for a more complete rear suspension upgrade. They are separate purchases.

How does the SPL RTR F3X reduce wheel hop on hard launches?

Wheel hop occurs when the rear wheel bounces under power because the suspension cannot maintain consistent contact with the road surface. One contributing factor is longitudinal compliance at the traction link; when the rubber bushing deflects under hard acceleration, the rear wheel moves slightly rearward, changing toe and disrupting the suspension's geometry at the moment it needs to be most stable. The FK spherical bearings in the RTR F3X hold the traction link in position without deflecting, keeping the rear wheel planted and reducing the toe change that contributes to hop.

What does adjusting the length of the traction link actually change?

The length of the rear traction link affects two geometry characteristics: rear bumpsteer and anti-squat. Bumpsteer describes how much toe changes as the suspension moves through bump and rebound; adjusting the traction link length can minimize that toe change for a given ride height, reducing the unpredictable steering effect that bumpsteer creates through rough corners. Anti-squat describes how much the rear squats under acceleration; adjusting the traction link length changes the instantaneous center of the rear suspension, which affects how much squat the car exhibits under power. Both adjustments are most relevant for track builds where these characteristics are being optimized deliberately.

Does the SPL RTR F3X require a full alignment after installation?

Yes. A full rear alignment is required after installation. Adjusting the traction link length changes rear bumpsteer and anti-squat characteristics, and the alignment should be checked and confirmed at the desired target settings after the arm is installed.

Are replacement rod ends available for the SPL RTR F3X?

Yes. Replacement rod ends for the RTR F3X are available from SPL Parts. Contact SPL Parts directly or use the link on the SPL Parts product page.

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Description

SPL Parts Adjustable Rear Traction Links for F2x / F3x BMW 1, 2, 3, and 4 Series

The SPL Parts RTR F3X adjustable rear traction links address this directly. Gun-drilled 2024 aluminum center links replace the factory arm with a lighter, stiffer structure, and FK spherical rod ends manufactured in Connecticut use self-lubricating, self-cleaning Teflon liners to replace the rubber bushing entirely. The bearing articulates freely without deflecting, holding the traction link in position under hard acceleration, hard braking, and sustained load without the compliance that rubber introduces. Wheel hop is reduced on hard launches because the rear wheel isn’t moving longitudinally mid-launch. Braking stability improves because the wheel isn’t moving forward under deceleration forces.

Features

Replaces factory rubber-bushed rear traction links with FK spherical rod ends; eliminates bushing deflection under hard acceleration and braking
Reduces wheel hop on hard launches by preventing longitudinal wheel movement during high-torque acceleration events
Improves braking stability by maintaining traction link position under deceleration forces
Length adjustable; allows fine-tuning of rear bumpsteer and anti-squat characteristics beyond the factory geometry
Gun-drilled 2024 aluminum center links, clamps, and clevises; black anodized for corrosion resistance; gun-drilling reduces unsprung weight
SPL exclusive 360-degree rotating clamp with 6061-T6 aluminum clamp body and blue anodized titanium socket head cap screws; locks settings without jam nuts; single allen key adjustment
FK rod ends manufactured in Connecticut; self-lubricating, self-cleaning Teflon liner chemically bonded to inner race; zero deflection under load
Teflon liner operating temperature range: -65°F to 325°F; reliable for sustained street and track use without maintenance
Designed for high-performance street and race vehicles

Specifications

Body Material: 2024-T351 aluminum (gun-drilled, black anodized)
Bushings: PTFE-lined FK USA spherical bearings
Adjustment: Anti-squat (via included spacer set)
Origin: Made in the USA

Applications

BMW 116d: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 118d: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 120d: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 125d: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 114i: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 116i: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 118i: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 120i: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 125i: F20, F21 | 2012-2019
BMW 135i: F20, F21 | 2012-2016
BMW 128ti: F20, F21 | 2019-2019
BMW 220d: F22, F23 | 2014-2021
BMW 225d: F22, F23 | 2014-2021
BMW 220i: F22, F23 | 2014-2021
BMW 228i: F22, F23 | 2014-2016
BMW 230i: F22, F23 | 2016-2021
BMW 240i: F22, F23 | 2016-2021
BMW 316d: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 318d: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 320d: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 325d: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 330d: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 335d: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 330e: F30, F31 | 2015-2019
BMW 316i: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 318i: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 320i: F30, F31 | 2012-2019
BMW 328i: F30, F31 | 2012-2016
BMW 330i: F30, F31 | 2016-2019
BMW 335i: F30, F31 | 2012-2015
BMW 340i: F30, F31 | 2015-2019
BMW 420d: F32, F33, F36 | 2014-2020
BMW 425d: F32, F33, F36 | 2014-2020
BMW 430d: F32, F33, F36 | 2014-2020
BMW 435d: F32, F33, F36 | 2014-2020
BMW 420i: F32, F33, F36 | 2014-2020
BMW 428i: F32, F33, F36 | 2014-2016
BMW 430i: F32, F33, F36 | 2016-2020
BMW 435i: F32, F33, F36 | 2014-2016
BMW 440i: F32, F33, F36 | 2016-2020
BMW M135i: F20, F21 | 2012-2016
BMW M140i: F20, F21 | 2016-2019
BMW M235i: F22, F23 | 2014-2016
BMW M240i: F22, F23 | 2016-2021
BMW M340i: F30, F31 | 2019-2019

Notes

Installation Instructions
Replacement rod ends available from SPL Parts please contact us
SPL components are made-to-order in the USA; build time will be confirmed at the time of order.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the SPL RTR F3X traction link and the SPL RTA F3X toe arm? These are two separate arms for two different positions in the F2x / F3x rear multi-link suspension. The RTR F3X is the traction link; it controls the longitudinal position of the rear wheel and is the primary arm addressed for wheel hop reduction and braking stability. The RTA F3X is the toe link; it controls rear toe angle and is the primary arm addressed for toe adjustment range and precision. Both use the same SPL construction standard and can be installed together for a more complete rear suspension upgrade. They are separate purchases.
How does the SPL RTR F3X reduce wheel hop on hard launches? Wheel hop occurs when the rear wheel bounces under power because the suspension cannot maintain consistent contact with the road surface. One contributing factor is longitudinal compliance at the traction link; when the rubber bushing deflects under hard acceleration, the rear wheel moves slightly rearward, changing toe and disrupting the suspension’s geometry at the moment it needs to be most stable. The FK spherical bearings in the RTR F3X hold the traction link in position without deflecting, keeping the rear wheel planted and reducing the toe change that contributes to hop.
What does adjusting the length of the traction link actually change? The length of the rear traction link affects two geometry characteristics: rear bumpsteer and anti-squat. Bumpsteer describes how much toe changes as the suspension moves through bump and rebound; adjusting the traction link length can minimize that toe change for a given ride height, reducing the unpredictable steering effect that bumpsteer creates through rough corners. Anti-squat describes how much the rear squats under acceleration; adjusting the traction link length changes the instantaneous center of the rear suspension, which affects how much squat the car exhibits under power. Both adjustments are most relevant for track builds where these characteristics are being optimized deliberately.
Does the SPL RTR F3X require a full alignment after installation? Yes. A full rear alignment is required after installation. Adjusting the traction link length changes rear bumpsteer and anti-squat characteristics, and the alignment should be checked and confirmed at the desired target settings after the arm is installed.
Are replacement rod ends available for the SPL RTR F3X? Yes. Replacement rod ends for the RTR F3X are available from SPL Parts. Contact Bulletproof Sales Team

About SPL Parts

SPL Parts is a USA-based manufacturer of high-performance suspension components engineered for both professional racing and demanding street applications. Built on the core principles of strength, lightweight construction, low friction, and precision, SPL Parts products deliver the adjustability and alignment performance required by top race teams and discerning enthusiasts alike. Every component is produced using USA-sourced, certified materials and machined by experienced local shops to exacting tolerances. Professional TIG welders ensure maximum weld integrity, while each part is hand-fitted and treated with anti-seize and 3M internal panel coating for lasting protection. SPL Parts conducts all research and development in-house, allowing the team to leverage firsthand product knowledge and deliver unmatched customer support. Their suspension components feature innovative adjuster designs for quicker, more precise alignments, and utilize spherical bearings with Teflon liners that are self-cleaning, self-lubricating, and built for long service life. From concept to assembly, SPL Parts is made with pride in the USA by skilled machinists and welders who are committed to quality, innovation, and performance.

Additional Information

The Bulletproof Automotive website contains many thousands of products purchased in multiple different currencies. All of the prices are entered manually and accurately at the time of entry. Due to the consistently fluctuating international exchange rates, at times prices may not be able to be honored at their original intended rate. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause, unfortunately our website is unable to compensate dynamically for what can at times be volatile changes in the cost of items due to currency values fluctuating, changes in prices from suppliers, changes in shipping and import duties, and other factors. Rest assured that any order you place on line will be at zero risk to you in this area. If in the event your order cannot be fulfilled at the original intended website price we will offer you a 100% refund, no questions asked. We will continue to do our best to maintain updated prices and we will always continue to offer our price match guarantees as well to ensure our prices are always the best for you. In short, prices may change without notice. It is always advised to give us a call prior to placing your order online to confirm availability and to confirm current pricing.

Shipping Policy

Items that are in stock in the US, either at Bulletproof’s warehouse or at a supplier’s warehouse, are generally delivered within 7-10 days. Special order items from overseas take considerably longer. As a courtesy Bulletproof offers delivery estimates to our customers which take into consideration manufacturer availability and shipping schedule. These estimates represent our best guess based on previous orders from the manufacturer and do not in any way imply a guaranteed delivery window. Many manufacturers work in a “just in time” inventory system and often take 2-20+ weeks to produce an item once an order is submitted. All deliverable items are then sent to our Japanese warehouse. Bulletproof ships a minimum of one full ocean freight container every month from Japan, oftentimes more than one a month. Ocean freight takes an average of 4 weeks. Typically it breaks down to one week in Japan for paperwork and customs, two weeks by boat and one week in US customs/clearance. Due to the wide number of variables between manufacturer and shipping schedules, delivery estimates are simply just that – estimates. We attempt to estimate conservatively and we usually deliver faster than our estimates suggest. It is not Bulletproof’s policy to guarantee delivery time of any special order item, this is impossible for us to do. By ordering you acknowledge that there is no required delivery ETA and an order may not be canceled or altered due to manufacturing or shipping delays, all ETA’s are provided as a best guess only. Please review the full Terms & Conditions here.

BP Pricing Difference

We do pricing a little differently on our JDM brands and we believe in making things simple and clear. No hidden fees or surcharges. Every price you see includes the shipping cost to our office in Los Angeles, California and all the associated taxes/duties/fees for bringing the products into the US. The only shipping you ever pay is from our facility in the US to your location. Be wary of resellers that don’t include the cost of international shipping in their pricing on JDM parts. While we believe we’ll always have the lowest all-in price on JDM products, we offer a price match guarantee for all authentic parts purchased from authorized dealers as well. For many international customers, it’s much more affordable to ship from the USA than from Japan directly, as the air freight and ocean freight costs are typically much less. However, for customers looking to ship directly from Japan outside of North America, or domestically in Japan, we can provide pricing specifically for that scenario. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any pricing questions or concerns. Please email us at sales@bulletproofautomotive.com with any inquiries.

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SPL Parts Adjustable Rear Traction Links for F2x / F3x BMW 1, 2, 3, and 4 Series [SPLRTRF3X]

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SPL Parts Adjustable Rear Traction Links for F2x / F3x BMW 1, 2, 3, and 4 Series

Features

Specifications

Applications

Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

About SPL Parts

Reviews