MidwestChassis2

iTrader: (1)

We haven't discussed it but it could be done however there would be a lot involved in doing so and the cost may exceed our current set up.

dojob

Understood. Thanks.

M4N14C

iTrader: (3)

We all know the handling benefits of replacing the panhard setup with a watts link but could you elaborate more on how the watts link changes the dynamics of the car when going over bumps? Right now on my Koni/Strano setup it rides fine most of the time except when going over small bumps. The front suspension soaks it up fine but sounds like someone fired a gun from the back of my car when my rear suspension goes over any small bump in the road at speed. Will a watts link alleviate some of this or is this just something that comes along with owning a car with a live rear axle?

MidwestChassis2

iTrader: (1)

There is no correct answer to this considering every bump in the road and every vehicle is different. Should it improve it over a panhard bar, yes because it removes the downfall of the panhard bar.

MidwestChassis2

iTrader: (1)

Just went and weighed our entire watts link with the bolt on brackets and it only weighed in at 20.8 for everything including hardware.

Chrisingermany

Before the watts link the front end would go over bumps and granted I had Strano spring/bilstein setup and recently went to the afco/UMI coilover setup, but you could feel the front suspension handle the bump and do it's job. When the rear would hit the same dip or bump in the road it felt like there was no suspension travel at all and would just bang/slam it's way through the bump. I even replaced my rear bump stops and got new rubber ones as well thinking that was the problem, it still didn't help. When I went over big bumps or rail road tracks it felt like the rear wanted to go one way and the body wanted to go another and still felt like it was bottoming out or something. Now granted I had the panhard relocation bar as well and the two bars would contact over big bumps and mess with suspension travel big time. After the watts install it really feels the same over the bumps when the front goes over and the rear. I can feel the shocks and springs doing their job instead of a big bang type feeling I was getting before.

MidwestChassis2

iTrader: (1)

That's good to hear and thank you for sharing your particular experience.

M4N14C

iTrader: (3)

Yes thank you! Just pulled the trigger on one myself, can't wait!

Chrisingermany

Nice! I assume you went with a MWC one? You won't be disappointed.

MidwestChassis2

iTrader: (1)

If this is the screen name that matches the order you will have tracking information here in a little bit and thank you for your order.

eb110americana

iTrader: (4)

MWC, get this guy a T-shirt or something. I will be getting the MWC 9" and Watts link as well, as my current build will require a new rear end. I currently have the Strano springs/bars/Koni yellow setup with 1LE Moog bushings and a MWC adjustable panhard. The setup is good, but the rear feels out of sync with the front going over sweepers with dips at speed. The rear is also more harsh than the front, so hopefully this will improve that--as much as live axle can, anyway. If the rear end was as stable as the front, I would be thrilled.

MidwestChassis2

iTrader: (1)

Good to hear and when you are ready just give us a call and we can go over your order with you.

2QuikTA

When I got my fab 9" I chose the watts brackets welded on. I have no 2nd thought about it!

JD_AMG

This sounds more like a bumpstop issue or something else, like the axle is hitting something or the LCA's are causing harshness or something.

M4N14C

iTrader: (3)

Bumpstops are fine and LCA's (UMI roto-joint) don't seem to be binding. This is greatly exaggerated under braking... maybe pad knockback?

Anyways, Watts link came in and just finished installing it. It was lighter than I expected but very solid. Here's a before/after shot:






Still have to fab up some solution to get the sway bar mounts back on but I love it. Can't wait to tinker with the various settings at the track. Once my Meziere water pump gets here I can go for a test drive, will post a video/review here when I do.

Badazz 97 TA

iTrader: (18)

Does it not work with standard sway bar mounts? Or do you have a wierd type? Im currently running the UMI sway bar mounts so they are longer per say than stock. Will those work?

Chrisingermany

The axle clamps for the watts link will interfere with the sway bar. I had to get some longer u-bolts and add a 1/4" spacer to lower the sway bar to clear the clamps.

Badazz 97 TA

iTrader: (18)

Ok great! Looks like an easy solution.

Hows the ground clearance when the suspension is loaded? I noticed from some pictures when searching this topic that certain brands look like they hang way low in the middle by the pumpkin. Im on the fence with both brands right now. MWC and fays.

Chrisingermany

Not the greatest angle. It hangs about even with the rear diff cover.

Badazz 97 TA

iTrader: (18)

Thats not bad at all. A lot better than other pictures i have seen. Thanks for the picture!