watts link on a 12 bolt c10

[no1udknow]

Anyone running a watts-link? I found this one and am interested after seeing one in action. This unit is a bolt on over a 12 bolt. I was just wondering if anyone used one and if it had a noticeable difference on body roll/side shift.

http://www.airassisted.ca/u2/gm-63-72-c10-truck-bolt-on-watts-link-12-bolt-rearend.html

[RobNoLimit]

I run a Watts linkage on the Hellboy C10, but not for the 'Watts linkage' factor. I did it layed under the diff to get the roll center as low as
I could. When I swapped from a 32" Panhard bar to the Watts, there was no gain in smoothness or tire centering, but I did feel an improvement in corner entry and roll. In comparison to the average Watts set up, I think my lower Panhard handled better. Most 'kit' Watts don't seam to get the roll center low enough - for me anyway.

[wendell]

I agree w/ Rob. 9/10 you want your RRC lower than a vertical mounted watts can achive. Add to that the increased packaging trouble and the general wonkiness of mounting one to a 12/10 bolt. There's no good reason to run a watts as opposed to a panhard.

[Ant]

Rob do you have photos to show your system? Very interested in running/making something above average.

[RobNoLimit]

check the last pages of the "HellBoy - No Limit C10" build thread pages 6 and 7 I think.

[no1udknow]

Rob,
I cant tell if I am looking at the pictures wrong, but it looks like the mounting bolt is verticle, is that correct? if so, how does that work properly? the if the suspension moves up and down, and the outer eyelet is mounted to pivot horizontally, the eyelet only pivots so far, so the eyelet is restricting vertical movement of the rear end right?

[RobNoLimit]

Yes, the Watts lays flat. I used a rod end with good travel, so there is no binding. Rear suspension travel is 5.2" total, 3.1" compression, and 2.1" droop. Trust me, it works. :)

[no1udknow]

Yes, the Watts lays flat. I used a rod end with good travel, so there is no binding. Rear suspension travel is 5.2" total, 3.1" compression, and 2.1" droop. Trust me, it works. :)

I believe you, I've seen the videos of your truck in action, but I guess it's probably due to the 5.2" travel, I guess the ball end eyelets would have enough travel to accomadate that amount of travel with a 12-15" radius (the length of the arm). Please do not think I am disregarding your knowledge, you are an accomplished builder, I am just a tractor mechanic lol, It's just when I see it operate in my head, I figured it would work better if the eyelet were a fixed eye and the pivot bolt were horizontal. I would think that with a ball eyelet, the range of motion is in all directions, whereas a fixed bushing/eyelet would limit it to vertical or horizontal pivot only depending on which way the pivot bolt is mounted, but I assume the other suspension links limit any other unwanted travel.

[Carl @ Chassisworks]

The Watts link that you linked is made by us. It's part of our KP Components line of truck suspension. It is a really good locating device, easy to install, and pretty stout - it's all laser cut and fixture welded. There are different kits depending on what year your truck is. It was designed for trucks with air suspension so the roll center location matches the middle of the axle tubes. You can download the instructions for the 63-72 12-bolt kit here: https://www.cachassisworks.com/Attachments/Instructions/7927-WLBC31.pdf

Details For All Applications: https://www.cachassisworks.com/c-1238-watts-links.aspx

[MuscleRodz]

The Watts link that you linked is made by us. It's part of our KP Components line of truck suspension. It is a really good locating device, easy to install, and pretty stout - it's all laser cut and fixture welded. There are different kits depending on what year your truck is. It was designed for trucks with air suspension so the roll center location matches the middle of the axle tubes. You can download the instructions for the 63-72 12-bolt kit here: https://www.cachassisworks.com/Attachments/Instructions/7927-WLBC31.pdf

Details For All Applications: https://www.cachassisworks.com/c-1238-watts-links.aspx

Im glad someone posted this as I am in need of one for an air ride equipped truck. Rear end just moves too much side to side for my liking even with the long panhard bar when we air it out.

[Carl @ Chassisworks]

Im glad someone posted this as I am in need of one for an air ride equipped truck. Rear end just moves too much side to side for my liking even with the long panhard bar when we air it out.

Glad I could help!

[GEARBOXGARAGE]

Another option is the Global West Rear C10 Suspension set up...

http://www.globalwest.net/c-10-classic-pickup-rear-suspension-1963-1964-1965-1966-1967-1968-1969-1970-1971-1972-global-west.html

It incorporates a watts link and coil overs with replacement trailing arms, crossmembers and bolt in c-notch pieces.