Rear end hopping...

[dafirebird]

Re: Rear end hopping...

^^sounds like a nice Christmas list....

[Mark42]

Re: Rear end hopping...

If all the hopping around on uneven surfaces bothers you that much, then the solution is a watts linkage kit to replace the pan hard rod.



This one is from Lakewood for Mustang ($400), but I'm sure you can find one for the Fbody. If not, go to the salvage yard and pull one out of the rear of a '98 and up Lincoln Town Car. Cheap, and heavy duty for the F body.

The watts linkage prevents the axle from having to move side to side as it moves up and down. By eliminating the side to side movement, the tires grip the road better and the hop is reduced or eliminated.

A neat device, if you can afford it.

EDIT:

OK, here is a basic Watts kit that will work with the fbody coil over and torque arm design. It's just the linkage needed ( and not the big red bar pictured above, not sure what that was for). The two black rods bolt to the body towards the outside using the heim joints. The pivot link attaches to the read, usually with a bracket that bolts to the back of the differential or a brace welded to the side. Bingo, a Watts likage that keeps the rear centered and eliminates hop. This kit is only $69.00



The mustang linkage above is kind of weird. But imagine the center pivot point is on the differential, and the left and right rods ends attach to the body undercarrage. Thats the setup. Or just stick your head under the back of a late model Town Car.

EDIT AGAIN!!!

I just couldn't give up... Here is a kit installed that fits gen 3 and 4 fbodies. Its not cheap, about $600. Now I know what the big red brace does, they are using the red brace to hold the pivot point and attaching the rod ends to the axles. This must be a heavy duty setup, because it is exactly backwards from the traditional setup with the pivot on the differential, and the rod ends attached to the body. Then no brace is needed (like with the $69 kit above) .


So there you have it. Bolt in watts linkage for the fbody.

http://www.fays2.net/fays2_watts_link_21_.html

[pace2006]

Re: Rear end hopping...

He won't need a Watt's Link to eliminate wheel hop. It would definitely help keep the rear end planted, but I'd keep that as a last alternative after trying out some good shocks and Moog lower control arm bushings. If he wants it to help in cornering and backroads, then I'd recommend one. But starting at the suspension's weaker spots (ie shocks and worn bushings) would be a more effective way of reducing wheel hop before throwing expensive parts at the car.

[Mark42]

Re: Rear end hopping...

He won't need a Watt's Link to eliminate wheel hop. It would definitely help keep the rear end planted, but I'd keep that as a last alternative after trying out some good shocks and Moog lower control arm bushings. If he wants it to help in cornering and backroads, then I'd recommend one. But starting at the suspension's weaker spots (ie shocks and worn bushings) would be a more effective way of reducing wheel hop before throwing expensive parts at the car.

You are absolutely right. He needs to start with a safe and sound rear suspension, or adding performance parts is a waste of time and money. I am assuming that the bushings, sway bar ends, and shocks are all in good working condition.

I can tell you that my firebird with (now) only 30,000 miles, hops on washboard roads, especially on turns like exit ramps. It will also hop sideways on the highway if it runs over pot hole or expansion joint just right.

Too bad GM didn't put a watts linkage in instead of the panhard rod in the last few model years. You would be seriously impressed with the change.

[pace2006]

Re: Rear end hopping...

I can tell you that my firebird with (now) only 30,000 miles, hops on washboard roads, especially on turns like exit ramps. It will also hop sideways on the highway if it runs over pot hole or expansion joint just right.

Too bad GM didn't put a watts linkage in instead of the panhard rod in the last few model years. You would be seriously impressed with the change.

Are you running anything other than the stock suspension? Even with as few miles as 30k, the OEM DeCarbons have junky valving.

I agree it's a shame they couldn't put a Watt's Link on. Fortunately, like you pointed out, there is an aftermarket version available in pretty much bolt-on form. I've had my eye on it for a while and hope to try one out in the next couple months.

Interestingly enough, from what I heard there were plans at one time of making the 4th gen an IRS setup back in the day.

[dafirebird]

Re: Rear end hopping...

You are absolutely right. He needs to start with a safe and sound rear suspension, or adding performance parts is a waste of time and money. I am assuming that the bushings, sway bar ends, and shocks are all in good working condition.

I can tell you that my firebird with (now) only 30,000 miles, hops on washboard roads, especially on turns like exit ramps. It will also hop sideways on the highway if it runs over pot hole or expansion joint just right.

Too bad GM didn't put a watts linkage in instead of the panhard rod in the last few model years. You would be seriously impressed with the change.

My Firebird has 74,000 rounds on it, and it drives, feels and hops just the same as it did with 30,000 and exactly as you are explaining. This car doesn't see winter, and all bushings, sway bars, and shocks are all in good condition.

This thread has lots of good idea's for my next mod's.

Thanx guys,
Paul