Tripple watts link (not Z link)

[cerial]

What handling characteristics would having 3 watts links cause. In theory it should not have the axle arch at all. The pinion angle would be set and the watts linkages uppers on either side of the axle would be welded to the uppers making the pinion angle remain true throughout travel

I searched and seen this discussed but I believe it was confused for a Z link setup. I am not talking about a Z link check the bad sketch below(both sides are the same so I only drew one side).



link http://s398.photobucket.com/albums/p...ttslink2-2.jpg


I imagine this is not used because of the sheer height required above the axle to make this work. I have space to do this setup if it would work. I was planning on using ruff stuff 1.25 heims on all the link points.

Is it going to bind like a mother or cause some freakish on road quirks? This is the rear axle.

[bigford]

Looks like a bunch of moving parts to get sloppy and wear out. If you are going to go through all that trouble, take a look at a normal 4-link designs, when they are set up correctly there is very little arch or axle steer. The key to any link style suspension including what you have drawn out, is it being set up right. I suggest you do some searching in the normal Gen4x4 section and just read. You will learn so much here by sitting back, getting a coffee or beer and reading.

Whats the intended use for the vehicle you are wanting to put this on? How much travel are you wanting?

[mj]

I dont see anything in that drawing to locate the axle pinion angle
it would roll around your 2 reduntant fore aft watts pivots

what is your goal with all those extra linkages?
'axle arch' is what?

looks like a ton of work for no gain to me

[cerial]

Originally Posted by bigford

Looks like a bunch of moving parts to get sloppy and wear out. If you are going to go through all that trouble, take a look at a normal 4-link designs, when they are set up correctly there is very little arch or axle steer. The key to any link style suspension including what you have drawn out, is it being set up right. I suggest you do some searching in the normal Gen4x4 section and just read. You will learn so much here by sitting back, getting a coffee or beer and reading.

Whats the intended use for the vehicle you are wanting to put this on? How much travel are you wanting?

Originally I was going to 3 link the rear with the above center watts link and place the bag mounts on the lower links. The motor is in the rear and as low as I place it so a 4 link is out. Using 2 8" bags stacked atop of each other on the lower link and located 1/4 down from upper mount should give more travel then I need while giving a great street ride.

Then, the more I looked at the watts link the more it seemed like a very basic setup. Center the axle, run the links parallel to the ground, the upper link vertical, and go. While this would reduce my overall travel significantly it would allow me to mount the bags in a safer location using the vertical link as a pivot point. But, with never doing or seen this done I went seeking advise on here in the hopes that someone may have tried it before.

But, your totally right. I completely forgot about the wear aspect. The 3 link is the better choice for this buggy. I might try this later on on something like a rat rod pickup having the watts run around the typical tiny bed. It would be just to stand out more then anything though.

Thanks for the advise.

[cerial]

Originally Posted by mj

I dont see anything in that drawing to locate the axle pinion angle
it would roll around your 2 reduntant fore aft watts pivots

what is your goal with all those extra linkages?
'axle arch' is what?

looks like a ton of work for no gain to me

The pinion angle is fixed by the upright mounts being welded to the axle. As the vertical links move closer and away from the driver the axle rises and falls. Because, the axle is only moving vertically the pinion angle would remain the same throughout travel. It would make changing the pinion angle after the fact a PITA though. It is in there but very hard to see sorry for that.

[bigford]

So you want to bag it. No problem, mine is on bags. 4-link front and back. No watts links at all. I would recommend using the rolling lobe style bag as they have plenty of travel without being so large in diameter. If you have never bagged anything before pay very close attention to the things around the bag, any rubbing at all and they will get a hole in them.