Panhard bar or watts link for 65 Elcamino??

[BSER]

I have completed most of the suspention for my Elcy project but ran into a centering issue on the rear end. The rear sits about 3/4 an inch to the driver side and with the wide wheels I am running i can barely slide a dime between the tire and out sheet metal. The rear end is a moser 12 bolt with all new top of the line suspention components from SC&C.

I have to get this centered up before I hit the road. I like the simplicity of the panhard bar but with the limited clearance I have the dead center loacting ablity of the watts link is appealing.

I haven't been able to locate a panhard bar set up for my ride but SC&C has a watts link for it.

If there is any other way to solve this problem I would love to know about it. All advice is welcome on the pros and cons of bar/link choices.

Though I have spent literaly 100's of hours reading, absorbing and applying knowledge from this site this is my first technical post so be gentle.

[jerome]

I like the panhard bar better because if setup correctly, it can counteract the driveshaft torque on corner exit. Watt's doesn't do this. Watt's is also heavier and more complicated, with less ease of height adjustability.

What kind of rear suspension are you running? link? leafs?

I assume you are going to make the phb or watts yourself, so see how long you can make the phb, then calculate what the deviation from center you will have at max travel. If the amount of lateral travel is enough, I would do the PHB.

[BSER]

The torque issue never entered my thoughts...thanks.

I have links; adjustable uppers, currie lowers with johnny joints on both.

I will probaby end up fabricating the panhard bar (there are fab kits available)the watts link is a bit out of reach of my skill set.

Since I replaced the entire rear suspention including the rear end could the upper links be use to center the differential? Or is that more just a pinion angle adjustment. I am concerned about the rear end being out of allignment if you use the upper links to center the diff.

My philosophy is if you aren't sure what you are doing with suspension or brakes get help or let a pro do it. Body work, interior etc. even engines (though you my not go far) isn't gonna kill ya.

[jerome]

If either set of arms converges at around 45 degrees (each) from top view, that will sufficiently locate the rearend. A separate locating device (like phb) will not be necessary and may mess things up.

It sounds like your upper arms are angled, so you should use those to center the rearend. Your lowers are probably parallel then, and the bushings should be fine with a little bit of misalignment.

A picture would help us understand what you're working on.

[GetMore]

Yes, you need to adjust the upper links to center the rear.