has anyone done a 3-link and a watts set up on a auto-x, or road race ranger, could even be a stock one, just wanting to see if anyone has ever done one. im very interested in researching more to see how i could do it, only reason i want a 3-link is because its very adjustable.

 

I could do one, they are very similar to a lifted application, if not even easier. Lets see some pictures of what you have in mind. Remember I am only an hour away.

 

this is more then what im thinking but here ya go. watts in the rear, but not on a seperate frame, but actually right on the back of the axle. then the 3-link. i would have multiple mounting holes on the bracket so i can adjust the angle for a define setup, the for street and one for auto-x when i get into it next year.



heres a better pic of the rear setup

 

yeah i understand the different mounting points for adjustment

going coil overs? i dont know all the advantages of a watts link over a panhard setup.

 

panhard still has some play in it, the axle shifts depending on compression and rebound. the watts link keeps the axle from moving and keeping it located under the compression

PHB are more for circle track setup where only left hand turns are taken. the setup is asymmetrical because it favors one side more then the other

 

and yes coilovers would be put in

 

That's some wild stuff there. Does it act like a super swaybar?? lol

 

no it keeps the axle centered.

I understand the added benefit but if you can make your panhard flat it would take a lot of travel to throw it off.

 

a sway bar is a "anti-roll" bar, it reduces body roll from side to side.

a panhard bar or watts link is designed to control the side to side movement of the axle.

 

yes if the bar is flat, there wont be a significant diff number wise since the bar is almost parallel to the ground. and being the bar is flat the RC wont change much, but its still a change in RC in my eyes. i am willing to spend the extra money for a symetrical setup. it might now be worth it but hell im still learning too! for lowered trucks either way will work just fine. there is a lot of road course guys using the PHB

 

its cheap and effective that is why. but yeah if you have the cash why not!

I dont really think a watts is that hard to setup.

What about a good 4 link, if you do a good 4 link you wont even need a PHB or a Watts. Or you shouldnt.

 

since ive been researching you dont even need a PHB or a watts link if you have a wisbone 3-link. i learn new things everyday, a nice 4 link would be nice but would it be easier? hmm r we thinking bags zach, lol im jk

 

lol...

you can get a good 4 link with coilovers.

a 3 link wishbone is nearly the same as a 4 link, its accomplishing the same thing. You just need 45* on the uppers and around 10-15 on the lowers, the uppers control the side to side movement more than anything from my understanding.

you would have a ton of adjustment in a 4link, just as much as the others.

 

you could do a cantilever coilover setup, with a triangulated 4 link.

 

reeeeeeeeally....well then, would the coilovers be mounted the same? if anything wouldnt u want them further away from the pumpkin to help with roll. instead of straight up and down, have them angled in. nothing too dramastic

 

a cantilever setup would lay the coilover on its side. you would mount them on the side of the frame rail

 

but is it nessesary for my truck i mean im sure it would be easy to set ride height and **** but is that just for looks or function?

 

some for function, sometimes you cant stand your coils up because there isnt enough room. I dont think that will be an issue with a ranger though.

 

I need to come down there to Lima and see this for myself.

 

you can buy a watts link for $500

 

ive looked into the mustang ones. a lot of money for them. but i can make my own using the tools in my high performance suspension class that im taking, this is how this idea came about. i wanted to do somin a lil diff then the rest of the guys out there. building one isnt the easiest but itll save money. or i can buy one a tweak it like you said D.

 

also wouldnt i have to consider a fuel cell? a 4 link would get in the way. is there a way to fab one to be in a diff location. idk just ideas

 

Some of the bagged guys have done a reversed 4-link, to avoid relocating the tank, but I don't know how that might affect the handling.

 

You can do a 3 point 4 link that won't affect the tank.