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Author
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Topic: Anyone played with a WATTS LINK
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a69Fcode
Journeyman Posts: 20
From: SLC, Utah
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 08-21-2003 11:53 AM
   
Looking at the posts it seems this site is predominately strip guys. But... Does anyone here have experience with a WATTS LINK?? Pros - Cons???
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ukracer
Gearhead Posts: 166
From: South Wales UK
Registered: Apr 2003
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posted 08-21-2003 12:13 PM
Before I get into this, can I ask why you want one and what you want it to achieve?
Cheers, Martin.
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steve'66
Gearhead Posts: 9489
From: Sonoma,CA,USA
Registered: Mar 2000
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posted 08-21-2003 12:14 PM
Here's some info on them,http://www.spitzracing.com/watts_link.htm SteveW
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SundanceKid
Gearhead Posts: 1273
From: UT
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 08-21-2003 05:35 PM
They are better then a panhard bar for sure. they will raise the axle centerline unless it's mounted below the axle. The brackets can be very tricly to make both light and strong. You'll want to make it adjustable too. Look at circle track vendors for pre-fabbed gear. There are plenty of brackets available for a Ford 9" other axles may require more fabrication work. The question is why? Watts links are mainly for coil spring rears. The only real good reason I see to use a watts or a panhard setup on a leaf sprung car is to adjust the axle center height. Basicly it will be alot of work for very little return. [This message has been edited by SundanceKid (edited 08-21-2003).]
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a69Fcode
Journeyman Posts: 20
From: SLC, Utah
Registered: Aug 2003
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posted 08-22-2003 11:06 AM
Explaination >> I am building a road race platform. The thing I really like about a Watts Link is how the movement is restricted to a "Y" coordinate. As I see it one weakness to a solid axle using leaf springs is latteral movement along the "X" coordinate. A panhard bar would also eliminate that but then creates an arc in the "Y" coordinate. The Watts Link I have been drooling over mounts solid to the frame rails then uses Heim joints to the axle.HOWEVER, I do not intend to race this car. Only to run a few track days (one per year). So.. it's all about the COOL FACTOR. Speaking of cool factor, at the IMAFS I saw an independat rear suspension set that the fabricator claimed was from 1965'ish Ford design. They even had drawings to support that statement. Cost is 7 to 9K
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Mpcoluv
Gearhead Posts: 1333
From: Charlotte NC usa
Registered: Apr 2001
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posted 08-22-2003 02:08 PM
quote:
Originally posted by a69Fcode:
Explaination >> I am building a road race platform. The thing I really like about a Watts Link is how the movement is restricted to a "Y" coordinate. As I see it one weakness to a solid axle using leaf springs is latteral movement along the "X" coordinate. A panhard bar would also eliminate that but then creates an arc in the "Y" coordinate. The Watts Link I have been drooling over mounts solid to the frame rails then uses Heim joints to the axle.HOWEVER, I do not intend to race this car. Only to run a few track days (one per year). So.. it's all about the COOL FACTOR. Speaking of cool factor, at the IMAFS I saw an independat rear suspension set that the fabricator claimed was from 1965'ish Ford design. They even had drawings to support that statement. Cost is 7 to 9K
Who makes the Watts link kit you are looking at?
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SundanceKid
Gearhead Posts: 1273
From: UT
Registered: Feb 2001
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posted 08-22-2003 05:34 PM
If you use a panhard bar you'll actualy end up with more lateral movement then you would without because of said arc. In a car with a panhard bar you actualy feel the rear squat to the side (that's how it feels to me) IMHO it will drive you nuts! The squat feel realy makes the car less confident to drive at 10/10ths. With a Watts link you won't have the squat to the side feel. While it will lateraly locate the rear it realy doesn't help the handleing of the car unless you use it as a tunning aid for roll center. That said, the added complexity and the possibiliy to bind will actualy hurt the cars handleing, Money would be better spent elsewhere. Independant rear suspensions won't necesarily get you around a track any faster then a live axle rear. Late model Mustangs are good proof of that. What an independant rear will do, is give a much better ride quality.
Most tracks are flat and the added anti squat and grip a solid axle can provide actualy evens the scales between the two. I prefer a live axle rear suspension over independant rears for strength, anti squat, parts availability, and just plain old simplicity. If you want the added bling bling, an aluminum 9 inch rear with 13" disc brakes, Torsen differential, fiberglass leaf springs, delrin/aluminum bushings, and a de-coupleing torque arm would be the way to go.  [This message has been edited by SundanceKid (edited 08-22-2003).]
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