PT Cruiser Watts Link

[rixtrix1]

Happened to notice a conventional watts link under a PT Cruiser the other day. Left before I got a chance to really examine it. Has anyone gotten a chance to check it out, yet? Thanks.

Ric

[Eric Howell]

Here is a pic of one on ebay for 79.99 plus shipping. One thing I do not like is it is single sheer and uses tierod ends.

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=32604&stc=1&d=1253000955

Quote from auction. (google search shows they are a dealership)

This is a very common problem among the PT Cruiser, if you hear a rattle coming from your rear suspension, this link is most likely the problem.http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/PT-Cruiser-Rear-Watts-Link-Suspension-Stabilizer-01-07_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQitemZ160358369919QQsspagename ZRSSQ3aBQ3aSILFQ3aBEQ3a105

I built my own for about $35 and and hour or so of time.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s177.photobucket.com/albums/w235/87wildside/S10Planet/?action=view&current=000_0349.jpg)https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif (http://s177.photobucket.com/albums/w235/87wildside/S10Planet/?action=view&current=000_0348.jpg)

[rixtrix1]

Interesting. What do you use for bearings, and how do you retain them in the sleeve? Thanks

[Eric Howell]

I used sealed ball bearings, 0.750 ID x 1.750 OD x 0.500 wide. Can't find the load specs at moment. This should answer any other questions.
https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showpost.php?p=511872&postcount=5

[rixtrix1]

That is great! Thanks for sharing. Looked at Fays2's site, also. Very informative.

[Pzary3233]

You might also want to take a look at the durango setup.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/showthread.php?t=55215

Though it is still a single sheer linkage in the middle.

[rixtrix1]

Thanks, Paul. I actualy got to see one of the Durango's on the shop yesterday, and while it's a little more HD than the PT,. I like the one that Eric showed above in his thumbnail and I think the idea of a frame mounted wishbone will work better for a beginner who doesn't have a lot of time for multiple trials and adjustments. I'm sure those that work with thses all the time would know better. I suppose the Durango one could be used for a R&D piece, Ya think the rear cover could be made to fit an 8.5???lol

[Marcus SC&C]

I`ve looked at the PT Cruiser, Durango and Crown Vic watts links and they`re all made of very flimsy stuff. Typical OE. IMO you`re a lot better off with a frame mounted bellcrank/propeller anyway. It lets you add an additional crossmember which contributes to better chassis stiffness. It eliminates the need for custom diff covers and such and best of all it couples the RC to the CG, keeping the moment arm between them exactly the same at all times which is a huge contributor to linear and predictable suspension behavior.
Even knowing the benefits of a watts on paper I was honestly stunned by the improvement in our test car when I added a Fays2 watts link. It made a car whos rear suspension, by OE design had always been somewhat quirky, very smooth and linear. It`s really easy to push the car right up to it`s maximum limits now and there`s no penalty in ride quality. I`ve become a big believer in watts links since so I`m glad to see them getting the attention they deserve. Mark SC&C

[silver69camaro]

Single shear isn't a bad thing as long as the safety factor is high enough. I wouldn't discount that type of design, the loads aren't astronomically high there anyway.