Frame stiffener and watts link

[bjkttr]

What are you guys running for frame stiffening? And watts links?

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by bjkttr

What are you guys running for frame stiffening? And watts links?

Member 88Stanger ordered this frame brace kit from Summit:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...2&postcount=35

As for a Watts set-up, most use whatever is designed by their 'kit' manufacturer. Panhard bars work fine for these trucks as long as there is not an excessive amount of suspension travel. Get an aftermarket long-bar, set it level @ ride height, & you're good to go.

But, AVS, Thorbecke Bros, Speedway Motors, nfamus metal, Michigan Metalworks, & FAYS2 have universal set-ups.

[theastronaut]

Here's a good vid on the pros and cons of a watts link. I'm going with a panhard instead on my '66 since it's simpler and has less drawbacks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Olac1vHKc4

[SCOTI]

Originally Posted by theastronaut

Here's a good vid on the pros and cons of a watts link. I'm going with a panhard instead on my '66 since it's simpler and has less drawbacks.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Olac1vHKc4

I agree on the principles & theory of the 2 & how they compare. Which is "better" is kind of dependent on the specific application. In that video, the discussion driving the facts/decisions was based on making Mustangs handle better utilizing bolt-on kit parts.

For functionality (just driving/cruising around) on these 2wd Chevy trucks, I feel picking one over the other is a wash. Both will work. Both can be tuned enough to be competitive vs. the other for those doing more than just cruising.

The Panhard Bar is easier to set-up but doesn't have the 'wow' factor for some.
The Watts is more complicated but 'better' when it comes to the limited real estate between tires & sheet metal for guys that just want to center their rear end housing on a bagged truck.

[bjkttr]

Thank you for all the information. I am bagging my truck so I am leaning towards a watts link

[88Stanger]

As Scoti mentioned and as you have asked me about the frame stiffener, the summit kit is nice honestly, easy install and adjust ability is good, it also comes with tranny mount for just about any tranny and Engine mounts. With that all said, i am running a pan hard bar, the long version that is mentioned. It goes from the existing frame mount all the way to the other side, bottom of the trailing arm mount. I bought a new aluminum rear diff cover and learned the hard way that a brand new standard pan hard bar will not work. LOL so i have a new long and bent arm on the way from CJ Pony.
I have certainly learned that sometimes we learn the hard way, costs a little money, but in the end we learn alot. At least i sure have.