Suspension Basics 03: Watts Link, Triangulated Four Link and Panhard Bar Explained

There are multiple ways of keeping a rear axle centered under a vehicle frame. Using a miniature truck frame we show 3 of the most common designs used to locate an axle and keep it from moving side to side.

Also in this video:
How the Watts links work and a demonstration on why the Watts link does NOT cause the axle to move up and down.
How triangulated 4 links work and why you should build one.
How panhard bars work and their side effects.

My Wife's Mighty Max will be getting a parallel 4 link with a Watts link.
Subscribe to see the construction!

The Tools Featured in This Video:

NONE!!

The Video Production Equipment I Use:

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Cameras:

Sony A7iii Mirrorless Camera

Lumix G7 Mirrorless Camera

Audio Equipment:

Rode Wireless Go Lav

Giant Squid Lav

Sound Recorder Zoom H4n Pro

Tripod Manfrotto

Tripod Head

Neewer Camera Slider

Teleprompter

Lighting:

Flashpoint Ring Light

Phottix Nuada R3

[thepwee]

I’ve been doing suspension for 30 years now... I’m pretty sure I couldn’t explain it better... well done sir...

[superiorfleetsolutions]

You are an Einstein as far as explaining complicated subjects in a simple way

[joshreese]

I'm definitely not tired of these "school" type videos. I find them very helpful and your models and drawings are amazing.

I know how much time they take. I really appreciate them.

[bryanb]

How do you only have 26.1K subs? RIGHT?
This information is so accurate and understandable all while being articulated very well. Thanks for sharing!

[GarageGeek]

I am an offroader that usually watches jeep related channels. Yet you provided the best explanation of a triangulated four-link that I have ever seen. Thank you!

[BOBANDERSON]

When I'm fabbing something, I refer to it as a "Shopping Cart Handle" to keep people guessing. It's especially satisfying when someone agrees with me.

[designandbuild]

Knowledge is among the greatest gifts that can be given, and you have a gift for giving it. Love that visual aid! Almost want to go build one just to play with. This channel is gonna be a huge success.

[ashleyhall-hemsath]

I'm fairly dense without visually seeing so the fact that you took the time to create the model is awesome very clear and easy to understand and follow along.

[BUZZKILLII]

I stumbled on your channel . All I have to say is WOW. Just got a new Youtube channel set up. No content yet. A friend and I will be just showing what we enjoy from Rats and Mini Trucks : ME and 4x4 and Odd rides : Him. Please do not change from showing the educational things. This is so needed. Im 56 and loved mini trucks sense my first one in 1984. 100 show placements . Have not touched a truck in 30 years. A lot has changed . Never welded a thing. We plan to show even at 56 and 58 years old you can start a new and have fun. I just want to thank you for being willing to teach . Not everyone can or will. May GOD richly bless you for doing this.

[kaylamccall]

THANK YOU for this video. I have to go back and watch 1 and 2. My gfs and I are so lost on this custom build. It's just this one little pice of science...

Amber and I along wit Rachel, handing us tools & supplies (& lunch!) took a 2001 Ford Ranger, tossed out the v6 motor and trans (after replacing 4 v6 sohc engines!!!), removed the front torsion bars and cut off their mounts, and now we threw a built fuel injected 302 and c6 trans in to the frame, converted the front suspension to coilovers instead of torsion bars and shocks, and now the rear is getting a triangulated 4 link and coilovers instead of leaf springs and shocks.

But honestly I have never built a rear 4 link before and so just this video alone already helps me understand a little of the geometry!

[RecklessRegal]

DUDE! That scale model is a GREAT idea to demonstrate how each of these types of suspension work. One that I didn't see mentioned is the parallel 4 link with a wishbone (what I'm running in the Buick). It's a combination of the parallel 4 link which gives you more adjustability for traction and the triangulated 4 link which centers the housing in the vehicle. None the less, this is a great explination.

[mikewebb]

I have to say, I’ve built countless rear suspension setups and this video was amazing! Not sure there is a better way to break it down and explain it!

[RetroAnachronist]

Your videos are great. I thought I knew enough to do my parallel 4 link install with what I knew. I think in two short videos you just saved me some major mistakes and haven’t increased the difficulty of my plans at all. Thank you.

[vchance]

This was easily one of the easiest to understand videos i’ve ever watched

[thomasjohannesen]

This was insanely informative. I'm a freshman mechanical engineering student and this reminded me why I'm interested in the first place. Thank you!

[tunnelmot]

Love the tech, illustrations and editing. Keep it coming!

[andreygeiserman]

you are the king of explanations. took your info to the rc cars world, I am very new to this. thank you

[treborheminway]

Really great overview. I watch a few off road fabrication channels, and they usually don't get anywhere near in-depth as you on this stuff. See lots of panhard bars too! (I'm surprised how many given these vehicles have a fair bit of travel.) One common upgrade to the high end builds is a triangulated 4 link. Now I understand why. I always thought it was just for more travel.

[rodboadwineiii]

Man, I am so glad I found you. Next year I'm going to bag my 06 chevy 4d 4x4, built lbz duramax 3500 dually. I'm going to have to learn more about that shopping cart. I really enjoyed your video. YouTube university thank you. I'm learning.

[loganpigeon]

well I just found one of my new favourite channels