Building/setting up a watts link

[BoostedSport]

Anybody have any pointers or links on how to build a watts link and or how it's set up? I've done some searching but it all turns up very vague. Thanks ahead of time

[jerome]

Is your question how to determine roll center height desired or how to fabricate it?

If it is how to find the height you desire, more details on what type of rear suspension you are running are required.

If it is how to fabricate it, I would look at the FAYS2 watts link for ideas.

[Bryce]

I built my own you can read through my build thread for ideas and ask specific questions.

There is a chassis mount pivot and a axle housing mounted swivel. Both have pros and cons. Packaging will probably be your determining factor for your watts link. I chose a chassis mounted pivot point.

I made mine from aluminum and it weighs 8.4lbs.

[mitch_04]

I think one of the main things I've always wondered is where to get the bearings and link ends, etc etc. I'll jump to your thread and check it out, but I'm always hoping someone throws me a bone on how to choose, bushings or roller bearings, etc etc.

[Bryce]

I am using bronze bearings from McMaster carr. My end links are aluminum rod ends from aurora. my center bell crank is a bolt together design I made. Works great.

[BoostedSport]

I am using bronze bearings from McMaster carr. My end links are aluminum rod ends from aurora. my center bell crank is a bolt together design I made. Works great.

Which build thread are you talking about and around what page?

[Bryce]

the build thread in my signature... https://www.pro-touring.com/showthread.php?58842-1965-ford-falcon-pro-touring&highlight=

[Bryce]

it starts on post 282 and ends at 882

[Antti66ht]

Have you checked Street or Track´s new watts link. I installed one to work with my own design 3-link. I only have one track event, which was finally ruined by failed Toploader, but until then, the suspension worked better than I could ecpect. Shaun is great guy to deal with. Best service I have recieved...

Antti

[iadr]

you can even build a watts link horizontally below the axle pumpkin. Google "modernbeat watts link" for pics of that.
Also Google Mumford link

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/slngsht/modernbeat/modernbeat/DSCF1321.jpg

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/slngsht/modernbeat/modernbeat/DSCF1322.jpg

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/slngsht/modernbeat/modernbeat/DSCF1323.jpg

[mitch_04]

The modernbeat watts link seems like it would be limited in overall travel before the link ends would bind, but it is a very neat concept! I could be wrong, it happened once...

[iadr]

The modernbeat watts link seems like it would be limited in overall travel before the link ends would bind, but it is a very neat concept! I could be wrong, it happened once...

You know I re-googled it myself and have to say I forgot a little how it was designed. But as far as how it works...It looks like suspension travel also rotates the propeller just like any other design? Both ends attach to the frame.
Now one thing with that car it's on- a Lotus 7 replica with motorcycle engine - I think there was a need for a very low roll center, as the car has such a low center of gravity, you want an extreme low roll center so there is some roll, to allow the driver to feel what it's doing and also to allow some degree of tunability. It would be too easy to set that car up and end up with almost no roll.

http://bossmustangsonline.com/index.php?topic=3140.0 is a good thread with some photos and links.
I'm surprised how short they make the "propeller" as I call it. I used to have a bit of enthusiasm for Euro rally cars (Volvo's mainly) and they had very long propellers, I guess for extreme suspension travel? Actually (EDIT) the rpropellor turns less than you'd think:
http://fays2.net/fays2_watts_link_22_.html

Again, do look into Mumford links. They allow setting the roll center even lower (below ground if you wanted).

[mitch_04]

There is a great thread on Mumford links that Exwestracer started. Would have to dig a little, but it's interesting.