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View Full Version : Switch to a Watts Links or get a new Panhard Bar?

Physh1
11-08-2004, 02:36 PM
Ok, I've gotten my AirRide upper 4 links bar brackets fixed now. For those of you who remember, the 4 tabs all bent or sheered off due to the wicked axle deflection I have now on my modded ART 1 ton AirBar after I modded it slighty to lay frame.

OPTION 1: Should I just get a longer panhard bar? The stock one with the AirBar goes from the frame to the top of the pumpkin...not very long but it probably worked fine for what AirRide had intended it for. This would be the least expensive and probably easier than option 2.

OPTION 2: I've been pondering the TP watts link. For 1, I'd completely ditch and further deflection issues and I won't worry about busting off any more bracket tabs. TP does make custom ones, and I think they'll need to do that to get their "boomerang" to clear my 14 bolt.

This isn't really a question on what each do or work and the pro's/con's of each.....just tossing around these 2 options...I think a Watts setup would be nice and different but it costs more.

What do you guys think. Would the performance benifit of the Watts be worth the extra cash?

Cameron
Izzy
11-08-2004, 02:43 PM
Why not build one? You could make something similiar to the TP with all the tools you have. :D
Physh1
11-08-2004, 02:56 PM
I guess I could:think:...never thought about that....lol

Cameron
thecodeman
11-08-2004, 03:22 PM
Make me one too while you're at it. R&D, and then sell them to everyone else:smokin:
Mike
11-08-2004, 04:00 PM
I know you could make one for a fraction of the cost of the TP one. It wont have a shiny billet pivot, but it would still function.
OKLAGMCRUISER
11-08-2004, 04:18 PM
Tell me what length of pipe or tubing you need and I can grab some from work and bring it with me..then you will just need to put the end on it and tap the other end for a heim joint...heck if you know the tpi I can have it tapped here at work before I come down.
Physh1
11-08-2004, 05:01 PM
Tell me what length of pipe or tubing you need and I can grab some from work and bring it with me..then you will just need to put the end on it and tap the other end for a heim joint...heck if you know the tpi I can have it tapped here at work before I come down.B). I'll start fumbling with some dimensions....sounds like I'll be making mine:D

Cameron
OKLAGMCRUISER
11-08-2004, 05:07 PM
B). I'll start fumbling with some dimensions....sounds like I'll be making mine:D

Cameron
ight...lemme know the thickness of wall you'd prefer too...
Jimmy P
11-08-2004, 08:02 PM
on one hand my long panhard works just fine with hardly any side deflection. I have it as long as it can be and still between the frame rails. But on the other hand if you can make a watts or afford a tp version id do that. You have your bed cut out right? Would be a pretty cool piece to show off.
Physh1
11-08-2004, 08:35 PM
on one hand my long panhard works just fine with hardly any side deflection. I have it as long as it can be and still between the frame rails. But on the other hand if you can make a watts or afford a tp version id do that. You have your bed cut out right? Would be a pretty cool piece to show off.Yeah, my bed is cut and I'm not gonna throw a cover on it so a watts will likely make a cool impression....not to mention it's functionality and coolness factor:D

Cameron
Tyus4
11-08-2004, 09:40 PM
With normal driving conditions you'll see almost no difference switching to a Watts from a Panhard especially if your panhard is long as possible and parallel at ride height..But if you want the "show" look or be different and have optimum performance, I would suggest the Watts..With the watts, you will will get absolutely no movement at all.. If you really want to be different, maybe try making a Jacobs Ladder...It is alot more complicated to make but will give ya a very different look... here is a pic

http://www.spitzracing.com/images/jacobs_ladder.gif
Jimmy P
11-08-2004, 09:48 PM
http://www.spitzracing.com/images/jacobs_ladder.gif

good god!! That would take some thinking to set up correctly
Physh1
11-08-2004, 09:55 PM
http://www.spitzracing.com/images/jacobs_ladder.gif

good god!! That would take some thinking to set up correctlyA .lot of math:banghead::LOL:. I've seen a few around....pretty cool but overkill for what I want and I dunno if it would fit with the other things I have planned :happy:. I think I'll just do the watts :D

Cameron
thecodeman
11-08-2004, 10:12 PM
I want one too!!!:D:D
HegsZ-71
11-08-2004, 11:10 PM
Dudes first post and he's a genius!!!
Physh1
11-09-2004, 08:21 AM
Dudes first post and he's a genius!!!Ummmmm....okey. He didn't post a revolutionary idea.
Izzy
11-09-2004, 08:28 AM
:word: That has been posted before.
dueprocess
11-09-2004, 08:33 AM
:whatever:
Physh1
11-09-2004, 08:34 AM
:whatever:Huh? Wanna explain?

Cameron
dueprocess
11-09-2004, 08:50 AM
:whatever:

the 3 posts before mine.
sorry, if you r offended
dueprocess
11-09-2004, 08:56 AM
:whatever:

the 3 posts before mine.
sorry, if you r offended
Physh1
11-09-2004, 09:00 AM
Not at all...just curuous :D

Cameron
thecodeman
11-09-2004, 11:00 AM
So cam are you seriously going to make a watts? Because I seriously might pay you if you do.
alteredimage
11-09-2004, 11:43 AM
I was on the tp site and there's are 80 bucks. I have a freind that is a salesman there on the road right now but when he gets back in town he's going to hit me up with a price on the basic one and the one with the billet.
Physh1
11-09-2004, 01:24 PM
So cam are you seriously going to make a watts? Because I seriously might pay you if you do.Yeah, I'll attack making one. I'll see how it goes....shouldn't be hard :D.

Cameron
btanner
11-09-2004, 06:44 PM
I understand your problem. I just finishd my notch and parallel four link and my panhard ened up being 15.5 inches long and the axle deflects nearly an inch between max inflation and drop. I am very interrested in a watts linkage for the 14 bolt. I have thought of a lot of different center applications and I wanted something that looked good too I think that a spherical ball bearing would look pretty good. I re-did my frame rails so I don't have a c frame any more it is completely boxed so most kits won't work for me anyway so I have to make something also. There is a significant difference between a panhard and a watts linkage and you wouldn't gain anything with a jacobs ladder. The axle deflection (rear steer) is eliminated with a watts (or jacobs) but with a panhard the further the axle travels with a shorter panhard the more the axle will move side to side. So it is not a looks thing it is a functionality thing. Keep us posted on your's especially pics as I will probably change mine later on.

-ben
Drgn20's
11-09-2004, 11:09 PM
i was going to make one myselft but instead of hiem joints maybe go with the super piviot joints from jason at suicidedoors.com they are more expensive but last longer
btanner
11-10-2004, 01:23 AM
yeah those joints aren't bad they are the same as johnny joints or x joints they are used often in the off road world. I am curious what size bolt those joints accept. Most of the ones that I have seen are 5/8ths or better but you can't really tell from the picture on his website. where is the website for the watts linkage that is all ready built specifically the non billet one. Always looking for ideas.

-ben