What is this and what does it do?

[SID210SA]

I took these pictures yesterday while getting the new tires on....this is attatched to the rear axle on the top side of it.... and then there is a plug connected to what looks like a steering mechanism...what is it...

click the pics

http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/9/4/3/undercarriage006_thumb.jpg (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=6819&c=3&userid=3943) http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/files/3/9/4/3/undercarriage007_thumb.jpg (http://www.mercurymarauder.net/showcase/showimage.php?i=6820&c=3&userid=3943)

Mike

[merc]

Looks like the Watts link and ride height adjustment.

[Haggis]

Looks like the Watts link and ride height adjustment.

Yeppers, thats what it look like.

[Marauder386]

...Precisely that it is ! Hmm...time for some Addco/Metco ? :)


:cool:

[KillJoy]

Looks like the Watts link and ride height adjustment.


:up:

KillJoy

[SID210SA]

What is the Watts link for....Keep the rear stiff? For body roll?

[merc]

Obtain wisdom here

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Watt's_linkage

[Marauderjack]

Uh......It attempts to keep ya on the pavement and right side UP!!!:beer: :bows:

[Canadasvt]

Ride Height Adjustments

<META content="Ride Height Adjustments" name=tps_proctitle>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=3 width="50%" border=1><CAPTION>Special Tool(s)</CAPTION><TBODY><TR vAlign=top><TD>http://www.fordtechservice.dealerconn ection.com/pubs/auxf/~WS-V-B/1615/ST2332A.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top>Worldwide Diagnostic System (WDS)


Vehicle Communication Module (VCM) with appropriate adapters, or equivalent diagnostic tool
</TD></TR><TR vAlign=top><TD>http://www.fordtechservice.dealerconn ection.com/pubs/auxf/~WS-V-B/1641/ST2671A.gif</TD><TD vAlign=top>Gauge, Ride Height "D" Dimension
204-164 (T90P-5995-B)</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
http://www.fordtechservice.dealerconn ection.com/pubs/auxf/~WS-V-B/3836/ani_caut.gif WARNING: Do not remove an air spring under any circumstances when there is pressure in the air spring. Do not remove any components supporting an air spring without either exhausting the air or providing support for the air spring to prevent vehicle damage or personal injury.
http://www.fordtechservice.dealerconn ection.com/pubs/auxf/~WS-V-B/3836/ani_caut.gif CAUTION: The suspension height D dimensions are for reference only. The vehicle attitude must be controlled by the correct dimensions to prevent vehicle damage.
NOTE: Improper air suspension ride height D dimension can be caused by an air suspension system that is incorrectly set.

Position the vehicle on a level surface over an open repair pit.
Open the luggage compartment and verify that the air suspension switch is turned on.
Turn the ignition switch to the RUN position and wait at least two minutes.
Position the special tool on the rear axle.http://www.fordtechservice.dealerconn ection.com/pubs/auxf/~WS-V-B/1565/GF1502A.gif
Measure the ride height D dimension.
Release the set screw.
Pull the sliding post and scale up until it touches the bottom of the inboard frame rail and lock the set screw.
Measure the ride height D dimension.http://www.fordtechservice.dealerconn ection.com/pubs/auxf/~WS-V-B/1571/GF1503A.gif
If ride height dimension D is not within specification, use the diagnostic tool to vent or fill the air suspension to the correct dimension.http://www.fordtechservice.dealerconn ection.com/pubs/auxf/~WS-V-B/1901/A0051856.gif
Use the diagnostic tool to monitor the suspension height sensor voltage PID.
Loosen the height sensor ball stud bracket retaining nuts.http://www.fordtechservice.dealerconn ection.com/pubs/auxf/~WS-V-B/1871/A0051753.gif
Slide the ball stud bracket until the height sensor voltage PID is equal to 2.80 volts.http://www.fordtechservice.dealerconn ection.com/pubs/auxf/~WS-V-B/1879/A0051754.gif
Tighten the height sensor ball stud bracket retaining nuts.http://www.fordtechservice.dealerconn ection.com/pubs/auxf/~WS-V-B/1887/A0051755.gif
Save the height settings using the diagnostic tool at this position.

[DEFYANT]

I had no idea adjusting the ride height was such a PITA. I thought you could "eye" it??

[magindat]

In simple terms, the watts link keeps the rear end centered. It works like a panhard rod, but instead of the rear moving to the side a bit as it travels (panhard) it truly centers the rear by allowing up/down travel while maintaining a constant distance from the center to either side's attachment points.

It's important we have one so that the rear doesn't 'float' on the air bags. Given the size and compliance of the bushings on the control arms, the rear would be able to float nearly 2 inches (in my estimation) from center without it.