Ford Custom - add Watt's link to OEM rear axle (leaf spring)

[mompracen_bs]

Good morning, since Raptor F150s have been popular in Europe every time I see one in the column (with their watt-link), I wonder how much real benefit adding a watt-link to the rear axle of my L2H2 Ford TranistCustom could bring.

Maybe recovering the whole system from Astra-J and welding it to the centre of the original Transit custom axle and aligning the pivot to the wheel centre-line.

I have my doubts that the 60mm leaf springs on the Transit Custom (and their smaller bushings) create much more variation in wheel geometry than the big Transits with 76mm (or more / or multi-sheet-leaf) leaf springs.

https://www.offroadxtreme.com/image/201 ... 40x670.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4vDucwvLZY

[knobby1]

If they needed a "Watts" link, they'd already have one.

Unless you're racing your van, I suspect it's a waste of time and money.

Lord Knobrot

[mompracen_bs]

If they needed a "Watts" link, they'd already have one.

Unless you're racing your van, I suspect it's a waste of time and money.

Lord Knobrot

Medium-sized vans have not mounted rear lef-springs for several years now (Trafic/Viviaro, Proace, Scudo) the systems adopted drastically reduce side gaps by their very nature.

Ford will produce a van in 2020 and beyond without a rear sway bar, because it is not needed.
However, having it added really improved the stability of the vehicle, so much so that it made driving less tiring even on straight roads (side wind, Tir turbulence).

Proof that certain construction choices are not always common sense, but more made to keep money in hand.

[OrvalBlanco]

Good morning, since Raptor F150s have been popular in Europe every time I see one in the column (with their watt-link), I wonder how much real benefit adding a watt-link to the rear axle of my L2H2 Ford TranistCustom could bring.

Maybe recovering the whole system from Astra-J and welding it to the centre of the original Transit custom axle and aligning the pivot to the wheel centre-line.

I have my doubts that the 60mm leaf springs on the Transit Custom (and their smaller bushings) create much more variation in wheel geometry than the big Transits with 76mm (or more / or multi-sheet-leaf) leaf springs.

https://www.offroadxtreme.com/image/201 ... 40x670.jpg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4vDucwvLZY

Adding a Watt link to your Transit Custom could potentially improve lateral axle control and reduce side-to-side movement, especially under load or during cornering. While the leaf springs do provide stability, the additional control from a Watt-link might offer noticeable benefits, particularly for handling and stability. Recovering a system from an Astra J and adapting it could be a creative and cost-effective approach, though ensuring proper alignment and structural integrity will be key.