Parallel vs Wishbone and Watts vs Panhard - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

blime81 · 07-09-2009, 05:18 AM

Not trying to lay frame, just wanna ride nice and low running 275/60/15s out back. Truck is a daily driver leaf sprung 72. Plates and cups on stock arms up front.

Thinking about buying a parallel 4 kit and panhard or watts link.

I know lots of guys are running the wishbones. I like those too (I run one on my Jeep) but the parallel seems to be an easier install with no cross member. I'd like to stay away from the angle issues of tri 4s (am keeping the 12 bolt).

Anyone have some pics of a parallel install? I am especially interested in how you set up the bag brackets and shocks. Over axle, behind axle etc.

I know the simple route would probably be a bridge and that would solve the C notch if bought in a kit (like suicidedoors). I'd have to cut or raise the bedfloor which I'd like to avoid.

Also interested in thoughts on watts link vs panhard bar.

Thanks

PBFAB.COM · 07-09-2009, 10:52 AM

Each of the different locating methods (panhard, watt's, etc.) have their advantages and disadvantages. I would recommend going with a long panhard bar in your situation. Depending on the width of the wheel you are running, you may be able to use a sleeved bag (Firestone F9000) and keepm it all on the outside of the frame rails.

When using a long enough panhard bar, axle shift is minimal, and you can keep a lower roll center.

blime81 · 07-09-2009, 07:55 PM

Thanks Nate. Honestly had not considered sleeve bags before. I was only thinking convoulted and running them between the rails. That would make bag brackets a cinch. I'll do some searching on that.

How long would you suggest on the panhard? If I go with the panhard, I was planning frame rail to midway on the opposite side axle tube (used to have my Jeep setup same way before the wishbone). Are you talking longer than that?

In know lots of drag cars have diagonal links? Any thoughts on these? Any binding issues?

Thanks again!

XXL · 07-09-2009, 11:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blime81

How long would you suggest on the panhard? If I go with the panhard, I was planning frame rail to midway on the opposite side axle tube (used to have my Jeep setup same way before the wishbone). Are you talking longer than that?

Longer.

The ECE Super Track Bar goes from drivers' side frame rail to passenger side frame rail. The longer you can get this bar, the less side travel you'll see.

hotrodhomi · 07-10-2009, 02:48 AM

Watts link= zero side to side movement

07-09-2009, 05:18 AM	#1
blime81 Laid Lo Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oceanside CA Posts: 277	Parallel vs Wishbone and Watts vs Panhard Not trying to lay frame, just wanna ride nice and low running 275/60/15s out back. Truck is a daily driver leaf sprung 72. Plates and cups on stock arms up front. Thinking about buying a parallel 4 kit and panhard or watts link. I know lots of guys are running the wishbones. I like those too (I run one on my Jeep) but the parallel seems to be an easier install with no cross member. I'd like to stay away from the angle issues of tri 4s (am keeping the 12 bolt). Anyone have some pics of a parallel install? I am especially interested in how you set up the bag brackets and shocks. Over axle, behind axle etc. I know the simple route would probably be a bridge and that would solve the C notch if bought in a kit (like suicidedoors). I'd have to cut or raise the bedfloor which I'd like to avoid. Also interested in thoughts on watts link vs panhard bar. Thanks __________________ Semper Fi, Jeff '72 C10 - lays frame '07 Sand Rail - ecotec powered '05 2500HD - tows stuff '67 VW Bug - gas saver '01 Jeep TJ - rock crawler

07-09-2009, 10:52 AM	#2
PBFAB.COM Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Mesa,Az Posts: 3,981	Re: Parallel vs Wishbone and Watts vs Panhard Each of the different locating methods (panhard, watt's, etc.) have their advantages and disadvantages. I would recommend going with a long panhard bar in your situation. Depending on the width of the wheel you are running, you may be able to use a sleeved bag (Firestone F9000) and keepm it all on the outside of the frame rails. When using a long enough panhard bar, axle shift is minimal, and you can keep a lower roll center. __________________ www.PorterbuiltFabrication.com Phone: 480-297-2621 E-mail: sales@pbfab.com Find us on FaceBook under Porterbuilt Fabrication Specializing in Chassis and Suspension Components for your Classic Chevrolet Truck. We offer components from the following manufacturers: Porterbuilt Accuair Ridetech (Air Ride Technologies) Air Lift Wilwood Intro Unisteer ECE Gotta Show Air Lift Borgeson CPP Supporting this forum since 2003!

07-09-2009, 07:55 PM	#3
blime81 Laid Lo Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oceanside CA Posts: 277	Re: Parallel vs Wishbone and Watts vs Panhard Thanks Nate. Honestly had not considered sleeve bags before. I was only thinking convoulted and running them between the rails. That would make bag brackets a cinch. I'll do some searching on that. How long would you suggest on the panhard? If I go with the panhard, I was planning frame rail to midway on the opposite side axle tube (used to have my Jeep setup same way before the wishbone). Are you talking longer than that? In know lots of drag cars have diagonal links? Any thoughts on these? Any binding issues? Thanks again! __________________ Semper Fi, Jeff '72 C10 - lays frame '07 Sand Rail - ecotec powered '05 2500HD - tows stuff '67 VW Bug - gas saver '01 Jeep TJ - rock crawler

07-10-2009, 02:48 AM	#5
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Re: Parallel vs Wishbone and Watts vs Panhard Watts link= zero side to side movement __________________ '72 2wd blazer, bagged w/ watts link & EDC '72 C10 "Lowered Farm Truck" STOLEN 5-18-11 '66 impala ht



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.