Fays2 Watts Link parts?

[Pumpkinfish]

Today I was swapping rear springs and stripped the bolt and the threaded part of axle tube clamp on the right side (the one that is angled down). Do I have to go directly to Jim or does any vendors here sell parts? I attached a photo to show what I need.

 

[Sam Strano]

Today I was swapping rear springs and stripped the bolt and the threaded part of axle tube clamp on the right side (the one that is angled down). Do I have to go directly to Jim or does any vendors here sell parts? I attached a photo to show what I need.

You stripped both the clamp and the bolt? A bolt can be found locally. The clamp cannot, that's something I'd have to get from Fays2 directly.

 

[Pumpkinfish]

Yea, I stripped both. I think the rear was hanging just a little too low and I was rushing to get done and just started in with the impact...you know the perfect recipe for disaster, lol!

I talked to my local speed shop and he thinks he has a 3/4" tap that we can try and use. He might also have the 3/4" grade 8 bolt. I called Jim and left him a messgae and heard nothing back so far. Is he on vacation this week?

 

[DusterRT]

Heli-coil?

 

[pcdrj]

John,

Try McMaster Carr

http://www.mcmaster.com/

 

[Sleeper_08]

After having mine apart a couple of times I know how easy it would to strip the bolt but to be safe would suggest you get the correct parts from Jim.

 

[RolloTomassi]

Any word on this? Did you get it back together alright?

 

[Dread53]

That kills me every time I see your screen name. The guy that gets away with it.

On topic: I just got my kit and it will be some time before I can install it. If push comes to shove and you need it NOW, I can send you mine and you can have the replacement shipped to me at some later date.

 

[raynman83]

For those of you who have a watts link rear end, how much of an improvement is it for cornering over the stock "3-Link" system we have?

 

[Pumpkinfish]

I totally forgot to update this thread. Jim sent the parts out asap and I had them a day or two later. He truley does care about his customers. Since I had one of the first ones he sold, we talked a little about how I liked it, how it was aging and what adjustments I played with.

For some unknown reason to him, all the users in the field that track their cars use the lower holes and Shelby America likes the top holes. I will play with the top holes this spring to see what the effect is on my car. I have been using the middle to lower holes and prefer the hole one up from full bottom for my setup. Anyone here try the upper holes?

raynman83: Think surgical. The car feels so much more precise to me. Anytime I have had it at a track, the instructors are very impressed with the feel and how planted the car is. Granted there is more at work than just the watts link, but it is part of the equation.

 

[Liftedbronco]

fwiw my friends steeda watts had a bolt break. 6 months, no snow yet...rusted like a sob (duno what their problem is...well i kinda do...) he broke a rusted bolt off right in the center pivot thing.

Not to hijack but does anyone make a watts link thats not disposable?

 

[Sam Strano]

For some unknown reason to him, all the users in the field that track their cars use the lower holes and Shelby America likes the top holes. I will play with the top holes this spring to see what the effect is on my car. I have been using the middle to lower holes and prefer the hole one up from full bottom for my setup. Anyone here try the upper holes?

Well, I'm not Shelby American... I'm am a "user in the field". I prefer a higher roll center.

 

[SD07GT]

fwiw my friends steeda watts had a bolt break. 6 months, no snow yet...rusted like a sob (duno what their problem is...well i kinda do...) he broke a rusted bolt off right in the center pivot thing.

Not to hijack but does anyone make a watts link thats not disposable?

Its called Griggs !

 

[Pumpkinfish]

Well, I'm not Shelby American... I'm am a "user in the field". I prefer a higher roll center.

Please explain what changes you noticed in handling when going from the lower to higher settings. Does the rear feel "scarier"? What setting will get the best mechanical grip balance?

 

[Sam Strano]

Its called Griggs !

Here we go again.....

 

[Liftedbronco]

griggs is nice, but it doesnt play well with others. in other words...most of their stuff works as a system and is not compatable with other mods you already have. at least thats what stopped me. And im not about to drop 20 grand all at once on a street car. Ok i did but that was on the motor...lol.

 

[Sam Strano]

Please explain what changes you noticed in handling when going from the lower to higher settings. Does the rear feel "scarier"? What setting will get the best mechanical grip balance?

The lower the RC the "tighter" the car gets. Lower height are best used for guys with really big rear bars, or those looking to make sure the rear end moves as little as possible. I want/need a car that's more nimble and willing to rotate, but not loose or scary to drive. The Watts link makes the car more trustworthy to me and I prefer the balance at the higher RC height for what I do/the bar setup I prefer.

 

[Dread53]

Thanks Sam, I was wondering about that same thing.

 

[Liftedbronco]

^ so well described. Having driven my car with the stock panhard and my friends otherwise stock suspended with a watts...the rear end communicates better as to what its doing. you can drive it closer to its limit without feeling like you dont know when you're gonna lose it. He's only had his roll center adjustment in the middle. we never got to adjusting it yet.

also, just so you know, the fays website has some great reading if ur interested.

 

[raynman83]

Thanks for the discussion. I think I would enjoy the benefits of this piece