View Full Version : Rear Control Arms and Watts Link Replacement
VMARAUDER
08-03-2013, 10:52 AM
First I want to say that you guys here on MM.NET are always very helpful and resourceful and I think no other forum is better. Of course we always say things like that when we want something.
I just received my rear suspension parts
control arms and watts link and just wanted some input on installing them. Basically since I am working on the ground in my garage it may be a little challenging for me. Specifically after I get them on and the car needs to be lowered to ride height ( mine is 16" ) before torqueing to specs.
The watts link did not have any instructions but it looks pretty straight forward
Loco1234
08-03-2013, 11:27 AM
It is pretty straight forward. depending on how uyou drive (use) the vehicle you can purchase upgarde bushings for them. Metco provided me with 1/2 Race upgarded bushing & 1/2 performance bushing. I have installed them so each connection use's one on 1 side & the other on the other side... so 1 & 1 per connection... soo far I am very happy with the feel etc... I have yet to get marauder to track since the install...
As far a install... The Watts link can only fit on car 1 way...
I got car on blocks & connected center first. Then used a jack to raise the tires on each side till the watts link bolt could be slide thru on the outer connections... remember your rear air bags are near the outer connections so i kept that in mind when i ran my outer bolts thru the connection points. The air suspension height sensor is attached to the watts link just to the driver side of the watts link from pumkin. simply shut it off with swicth in trunk before disconnecting it from watts link & reattach to new watts link in same location. (unless u wanna raise/ lower rear's normal ride height. after reconnected turn back on air suspension at switch... let rear fill up & take for drive around block then check to make sure u like the rear ride height... if to high or low for your preference... re-adjust the sensor at watts link...
FYI if you wanna keep the ride height you had at the start measure the height of the car from ground to wheel well at top center on each side while on flat surface... do after having driven around the block & with nothing heavy in trunk... take same measurement after complete install of watts link...
fastblackmerc
08-03-2013, 11:28 AM
Turn off the air suspension
Remove the old arms
Install new arms keeping the same orientation of the nuts and bolts.
Leave the nuts loose
Lower the car and torque the nuts wth weight on the suspension
Grease the arms, if required, using the recomended grease
Turn on the air suspension
justbob
08-03-2013, 04:17 PM
I suggest doing one arm at a time..
Self proclaimed Builder Of Badassery.
Buy it, Break it, Build it BETTER.
"Since 2004"
SpartaPerformance
08-03-2013, 05:42 PM
Control arm install (http://www.spartaperformance.com/mmarms.htm)
Watts link install (http://www.spartaperformance.com/wattsinstall.htm)
GreekGod
08-03-2013, 07:40 PM
Those are nice instructions from SpartaPerformance, BUT be advised, the OEM shop manual calls for all new hardware (fasteners/bolts/nuts).
========
SpartaPerformance
08-03-2013, 09:10 PM
ΓρεεκΓοδ
rofl.
1stMerc
08-03-2013, 09:12 PM
Hope you have good luck with the control arm bolts. A couple of mine were a capital B to remove.
VMARAUDER
08-11-2013, 07:12 PM
OK
Got the rear upper and lower control arms as well as the watts link done today. No major glitches...just one glitch and that was I could not find my 15/16 socket for pivot and had to run get one. All I could find on such short notice was a 12pt socket and behold it slipped and I was fortunate not to bang anything. My ride height before was 16" and when done it was 15 1/2. I am just going to leave it like that. Also there were 2 bolts that were rusted to the point that I felt should be replaced. Amazing thing is that the local parts stores did not have anything and I found them at Menards. Well 2 glitches after all its done :beer:
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.