October 2014

Response to Questions Regarding Watts Link Single Shear Mounting of Center Links

To clarify what is mounted in single shear and why:

The Bell crank itself is mounted in double shear, as we use a stabilizing plate behind it.

The Links that are attached to the ends of the Bell crank are the only parts in single shear. These links are mounted in Double shear at the chassis mounts.

To explain why we single shear, this is found in the description on our website:

 “… The single shear design on the Watts link bell crank pivot itself is a designed failure point should hard lateral contact be made against the rear wheels. The bell crank will twist and/or fail before destroying more expensive parts of the chassis system, reducing repair costs in such an event…”

Further still we use an intermediate (blue) plate to which we attach the Bell crank, rather than directly to the differential cover. This offers one more line of defense before damaging the more brittle, weaker cast cover. The plate has much stronger threads than a cast cover would, which if broken on a crash could dump 3 quarts of gear oil on the track.

The rod ends we selected under impact loading will also yield a considerable distance before breaking without disconnecting.

These features have proven valuable to many.

All of these features are a potent energy absorbing defense against damage to the chassis brackets, the frame of the car and rear axle housing and diff cover from lateral impacts against the rear wheels. Of course if the impact is severe enough, there will be additional damage. But in many real world cases these features have proven quite helpful in getting the car back on track quickly, often the same day, with little expense. We offer a center link service kit for this purpose which has been an effective cost saver for our customers in incidents on track and on the street.

All of our Watts Link features and options can be viewed at: GR40 Watts Links

Our 100 years combined racing experience includes not just as competitors road racing Mustangs, but also oval track, with open wheel and stock cars, both on pavement and dirt. This vast experience helps us understand what the user needs in both cost effective performance and damage control. In all our products there are many subtle features that reflect this experience.