I think I've got that book... it's called Advanced Race Car Suspension and I got it from Pace Publications in Wanganui.

dubvious benefit even in race car applications. There's an awful lot of very competitive leaf sprung race cars that do not incorporate any lateral link systems.

A Watts link will allow you to set or adjust roll centre height at the rear, but unless you really know what you're doing, you're probably just adding an unneccesary layer of complexity in setup. Same overall balance can be achieved by changing front roll centre to alter roll axis inclination.

For a road car, there is absolutely no need for a lateral linkage.

Hey Guys,

Thanks for the tremendous feedback on this subject. Obviously a few different ideas of what's do

Found the link re leaf springs.....

http://datsun1200.com/modules/myalbum/photo.php?lid=3643

The purpose of Watts linkage or Panhard Rods is to prevent lateral movement in the back axle. It is a definite requirement when coil-overs are used.

What you've got to look at is how much suspension movement you are going to have. If it is small, say 25mm down and 50mm up, then Panhard rod is the way to go. For suspension travels more than that, and especially on heavier vehicles, Watts Linkage is superior.

Like most other things, the compromise is what you have to look at.

To summarise, I reckon that the score is as follows:-
Panhard Rod. Advantages--- Light, minimum unsprung weight addition, simple to make and fit, simple to adjust rear roll centre by altering pick up points. Easy to fit.
Disadvantages---Corners better one way than the other, especially when suspension travel is bigger.
Watts Linkage. Advantages---Back axle moves vertically up and down rather than an arc with radius equal to the length or the Panhard rod, so mudguard(=fender for Dave Gonzales) and body tyre clearance is minimised. Very strong.
Disadvantage--Higher increase in unsprung weight. More complicated. Harder to fit.


Conclusion:---If its a light car like a small Datto, Panhard rod is the way to go.

StewMcK