Best rear trailing arms/Watts links & why...

[fordmike65]

First of all, I don't want to create a war between vendors on who's is the best. I would like recommendations on real-world experience with the arms you tried out & hated or loved & are still on your ride. $800 is a lot of ca$hola for me, so I would like to make an educated purchase. I'm in Cali, so rust isn't a huge issue out here as it it may be back East. I've dealt with polygraphite bushings on my Fairlane's rear leaf springs. They handle much better that stock, but the squeaking drives me nuts. I know of only 2 different manufactures so far. If there are any others out there, please post. Thanks in advance for the help! Mike

Suspension Arms

Sparta Performance(CHE)
http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/Marauder/spartaarms_zpsddacbb83-1.jpg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/Marauder/spartaarms_zpsddacbb83-1.jpg.html)
https://id144237.webhosting.optonline. net/spartaperformance.com/merchantmanager/product_info.php?products_id=1 73

Metco
http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/Marauder/metcoarms_zps9261dcdb.jpg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/Marauder/metcoarms_zps9261dcdb.jpg.html )
http://www.metcomotorsports.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MCA0016&cat=114




Watts Links

Sparta
http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/Marauder/spartalinks_zpse9a2173d.jpg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/Marauder/spartalinks_zpse9a2173d.jpg.ht ml)
https://id144237.webhosting.optonline. net/spartaperformance.com/merchantmanager/product_info.php?products_id=1 97

Metco
http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/Marauder/metcolinks_zpsf6fcd38e.jpg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/Marauder/metcolinks_zpsf6fcd38e.jpg.htm l)
http://www.metcomotorsports.com/proddetail.asp?prod=MWL0304&cat=114

[fordmike65]

Found another choice:

Heinous
http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/Marauder/Heinousmilledarms_zps313cac1c. jpg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/Marauder/Heinousmilledarms_zps313cac1c. jpg.html)
http://www.adtr.net/store/index.php?route=product/product&path=73_83&product_id=113

[fastblackmerc]

I love my Metco's

Rear control arms
Watts link
Drive shaft hoop

[fordmike65]

Suspension Arm Votes

Metco 1

[lifespeed]

The Delrin/poly/steel pin combination is very appealing. That said, I have not used the Sparta arms, although I have used Delrin bushings on other cars I've owned.

I use the Metco arms. They do what they're supposed to with the help of some grease. I am curious as to whether the Sparta bushings would make any difference in the supple-ness of the rear suspension, but not enough to buy another set of control arms.

[fastblackmerc]

The Delrin/poly/steel pin combination is very appealing. That said, I have not used the Sparta arms, although I have used Delrin bushings on other cars I've owned.

I use the Metco arms. They do what they're supposed to with the help of some grease. I am curious as to whether the Sparta bushings would make any difference in the supple-ness of the rear suspension, but not enough to buy another set of control arms.

I grease my Metco's twice a year with synthetic grease.

[Blown3.8]

I chose the CHE cause the long arm was lighter than the Metco.:D

[fordmike65]

Suspension Arm Votes

Metco 1
Sparta 1

[Baconbit]

Has anyone used the Heinous Arms? I'm kinda curious about them now.

[RubberCtyRauder]

Quite a few Crown Vic guys over on CV.net have Heinous C/A. Purchase thru ADTR.net. one of their vendors. I've heard of no complaints.

[lifespeed]

Suspension Arm Votes
Metco 1
Sparta 1

The problem is you need data from somebody has used more than one brand, and due to the nature of expensive car upgrades you are unlikely to get that bit of information.

Obviously they all work . . .

[Mr. Man]

We have the Sparta CA's and Watt's link on one of our MM's.

No greasing.

I did the Addco swaybar, Watt's link and CA swap at the same time and noticed an improvement in spirited driving but it wasn't the night and day experience like the tune was for the car. The factory set up isn't bad for day to day driving, in fact modding may make the car feel a bit harsher. I do notice a difference between our two cars. One has the suspension mods and the other is stock.

The OEM CA's and Watt's link are stamped out of some sort of single wall metal and in sporty driving they can twist or deflect from their original shape thus handling can suffer. The Metco's and CHE parts eliminate or greatly reduce the twisting, flexing and deformation of the OEMs.

To be honest I think the larger swaybars made the biggest difference in the handling. The Addco's are a few millimeters thicker and a few millimeters in girth can make a big difference. (Go ahead Doomie you know you want to ;))


Not sure if Henious still sells their parts for the Panther platform. You'd have to look into that.

I would suggest if money is a concern you drive an MM with the mods and see if you like it vs. what you already have. When I get around to doing my other MM I may do it piece meal starting with the swaybars. I do want to do the control arms as Sparta does give color choices if you are willing to wait til his manufacturer is working on that color.

I'm sure if there is any rusting on any of Sparta's product Tommy will do whatever he can to fix the problem. I have met him personally and he has told me he stands behind his products 100%.

I have no experience with the Metco products. Not sure if it's forged or cast aluminum. Many members use them and I haven't heard anyone complain about them other than the periodic greasing they seem to need. I believe they are more costly and if you wanted the control arms a color other than raw aluminum you'd need to powdercoat them at additional cost. :)

[fordmike65]

True. Just hoping to gather a bit of info before taking the plunge.

[Bradley G]

Then the OEM boxed is an inexpensive option.
I made several sets in years past and have upper & lower and Watts links on both Panthers.

[REAL4WD]

I love my Heinous arms.

Cameron's 99 Vic also uses them and he has a Turbo'd 5.3L ls style engine. Runs mid 6s in the 1/8 mile.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aPXWj4NVPeg

There's a Panther Wrenching meet happening this Sunday in Santa Fe Springs if you wanna see some Heinous and Metco control arms installed on Panthers. There's also some test drives and rides supposed to happen.

[lifespeed]

I did the Addco swaybar, Watt's link and CA swap at the same time and noticed an improvement in spirited driving but it wasn't the night and day experience like the tune was for the car. The factory set up isn't bad for day to day driving, in fact modding may make the car feel a bit harsher. I do notice a difference between our two cars. One has the suspension mods and the other is stock.

I would add that worn or incorrectly valved shocks can make the Marauder (or any Panther, especially w. air springs) drive like a buckboard! I have looked at this more closely than I want to admit. It is not always that obvious which part of the suspension is causing the harsh ride. I don't think Metco control arms are a big contributor to harshness. The sway bars definitely will add harshness over one-wheel bumps, but are pretty benign otherwise. Don't forget to drill and tap your rear sway bar mounts and bushings for grease fittings.

Shocks are a huge part of ride quality, and for some reason matching them up to our stiffer air springs is quite the trick. And just because they are non-adjustable does not necessarily mean they are correct for our cars.

[Ms. Denmark]

_____________________

[BUCKWHEAT]

The problem is you need data from somebody has used more than one brand, and due to the nature of expensive car upgrades you are unlikely to get that bit of information.

Obviously they all work . . .

I have used the Mac & Zack after the factory & then bought the Spartas which are on the car now. They did, along with the Sparta Watts links, cut down some of the squirrley rear end movement in turns.

[fordmike65]

Well so far I'm leaning towards the Sparta(CHE) arms & links. I too like the design & not having to grease the bushings. I've dealt with polygraphite lower control arm,leaf spring & sway bar frame bushings on my Fairlane. Sure the noise goes away when greased, but it gets messy & there's still a rubbing noise present(at least on my application). Plus they're a bit cheaper & no one seems to have anything negative to say about them. Just gotta wait 'til they're in stock again. That'll just give me more time to save up.

[fireandice9008]

FWIW I'm running Metco arms and watts, as well as Addco sway bars and love it. Now, to be fair, they were on the car when I bought it, and the only other Panther I've driven stock was my CVPI.

I think whatever route you go with you'll be happy, most companies that bother to make upgrades/performance parts for the Panther platform tend to care about the product they're putting out.

[Mr. Man]

I would add that worn or incorrectly valved shocks can make the Marauder (or any Panther, especially w. air springs) drive like a buckboard! I have looked at this more closely than I want to admit. It is not always that obvious which part of the suspension is causing the harsh ride. I don't think Metco control arms are a big contributor to harshness. The sway bars definitely will add harshness over one-wheel bumps, but are pretty benign otherwise. Don't forget to drill and tap your rear sway bar mounts and bushings for grease fittings.

Shocks are a huge part of ride quality, and for some reason matching them up to our stiffer air springs is quite the trick. And just because they are non-adjustable does not necessarily mean they are correct for our cars.Great point.

I forgot to mention I did the rear shocks along with all the other changes. I did order OEM shocks which were supposed to be Tokikio brand. As I did these mods 3-4 years ago I'm not sure if I got the
'real' OEM or the replacement that Ford thought would work. I'd assume and could be wrong that the replacement shocks are the police ones. They may ride a bit firmer in the MM due to the valving involved and our cars use of airbags instead of springs. I'll use KYB's next time.

[BLACKMAGIC03]

Sparta. ftw!!!!

[RacerX]

Anyone else notice that the ADTR website listing for the Heinous Billet CAs actually states that Metco Motorsports makes these for them? :)

[fordmike65]

Anyone else notice that the ADTR website listing for the Heinous Billet CAs actually states that Metco Motorsports makes these for them? :)

Yeah, forgot to mention that.

[Mebot]

Has anyone taken two OEM rear control arms and weld them together? Musclemerc? I think? I can't remember

sent from Seattle

[fastblackmerc]

Has anyone taken two OEM rear control arms and weld them together? Musclemerc? I think? I can't remember

sent from Seattle

You must have missed post #14.

[boatmangc]

Not to hijack but I use a product called Tef Gel for many work applications.
I put it on my Addco bushings in 09 roughly 25000 miles ago, not a peep out of them.
I grease my Metco C/As annually with Amsoil Marine Grease, it's made to stay put in water.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=tef+gel&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=31556466197&hvpos=1t2&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=291966896221320500&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=t&ref=pd_sl_8g3xwrzfs3_e


http://www.amsoil.com/shop/by-product/grease/synthetic-water-resistant-grease/?code=GWR3P-EA

[babbage]

Got the Henious arms which have the graphite impregnated bushings. No grease, no squeak. Makes a good improvement in handling. Have had for over 30K no issues. These are billet strong and lighter than the others.

[fordmike65]

Anyone seen this? I've used ARP fasteners on several applications, so I'm sure their usual quality is there. Looks interesting, but sure is pricey.

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/Marauder/ARPWattsLinkStud_zpsbb532d6c.j pg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/Marauder/ARPWattsLinkStud_zpsbb532d6c.j pg.html)

http://www.adtr.net/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=196

[whitey]

05crownsport has the heinous ones, i cant tell you how they act, but they look sweet as hell. If i ever get CA, itll be those.

[fastblackmerc]

Anyone seen this? I've used ARP fasteners on several applications, so I'm sure their usual quality is there. Looks interesting, but sure is pricey.

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/Marauder/ARPWattsLinkStud_zpsbb532d6c.j pg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/Marauder/ARPWattsLinkStud_zpsbb532d6c.j pg.html)

http://www.adtr.net/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=196

40 to 50% stronger than the OEM bolt.....

That means you'll destroy whatever the bolt attaches to instead of just the bolt shearing off. Who has ever had the OEM bolt shear off?

IMHO... it's not needed.

BTW..... the torque specs on the OEM bolt is somewhere in the neighborhood of 200 ft lbs.

[fordmike65]

In 14yrs here at the Dealer, I've only seen 2. Not a big problem. Both cars were high mileage taxis, over 300k miles.

[Blackened300a]

My car is the first car to have Sparta control arms and the watts link installed way back in 2008 or 2009, :confused: It's been a while.
So far zero complaints, very quiet, big handling improvement and maintenance free. The poly/Delrin bushing is holding up great to numerous track meets, spirited driving and hard street/track launches. The difference over stock is tremendous. Before installing, push on the rear quarter and see how much left to right movement the body has, then install the arms and try again. The difference is very noticeable and you'll notice it taking turns at speed. The rear feels more stable then with the stamped oem parts.

Anyone that have used Sparta suspension parts have never been disappointed.

[cj7chris]

I have the Metco control arms, but that is only because they were in stock and the Sparta arms were not when I ordered. I am sure that either are an improvement. The Metco's took .15 off of my ET, so pretty happy with that.

This probably comes down to minor price differences and parts availability when you are shopping.

[Joe Walsh]

Anyone seen this? I've used ARP fasteners on several applications, so I'm sure their usual quality is there. Looks interesting, but sure is pricey.

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/Marauder/ARPWattsLinkStud_zpsbb532d6c.j pg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/Marauder/ARPWattsLinkStud_zpsbb532d6c.j pg.html)

http://www.adtr.net/store/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=196

Holy high torque bolts Batman!!!!

....a bill fifty for one bolt!!....:eek:

ARP makes great stuff, but that is a tad bit salty.

I wonder what the torque spec is on the ARP bolt....

BTW: They claim a higher tensile strength, but shear strength would seem to me to be more important in the Watts Link bolt application....:dunno:

[Krytin]

BTW: They claim a higher tensile strength, but sheer strength would seem to me to be more important in the Watts Link bolt application....:dunno:

Ding, ding, ding!!!
We have a winner!
You'd have to slam into a curb sideways at pretty high speed to generate enough force to snap off the OEM stud.
If you did that you'd have a lot more to worry about than a busted stud!:lol:

[Blackened300a]

I argued that the stud isn't needed and a swarm of crown Vic owners chimed in saying there are 100s of cars that have snapped this stud resulting in having to change the diff housing. Perhaps this was a issue with earlier year model Panthers or non-air bag equipped cars. I still can't remember a single marauder snapping this stud.

[guspech750]

I'm a stud.


Sent from The White House on taxpayers dimes.

DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom

[fastblackmerc]

I argued that the stud isn't needed and a swarm of crown Vic owners chimed in saying there are 100s of cars that have snapped this stud resulting in having to change the diff housing. Perhaps this was a issue with earlier year model Panthers or non-air bag equipped cars. I still can't remember a single marauder snapping this stud.

Maybe it's because we don't generate as much torque as those 2V's.......... :D:

[fordmike65]

Maybe it's because we don't generate as much torque as those 2V's.......... :D:


Or Marauder's just flat out handle better, so we're not clipping curbs like a loose CV?;)

[Joe Walsh]

Ding, ding, ding!!!
We have a winner!

You'd have to slam into a curb sideways at pretty high speed to generate enough force to snap off the OEM stud.
If you did that you'd have a lot more to worry about than a busted stud!:lol:


I argued that the stud isn't needed and a swarm of crown Vic owners chimed in saying there are 100s of cars that have snapped this stud resulting in having to change the diff housing. Perhaps this was a issue with earlier year model Panthers or non-air bag equipped cars. I still can't remember a single marauder snapping this stud.


:hmmm:.............Let's ask Dom about this.

[Krytin]

I argued that the stud isn't needed and a swarm of crown Vic owners chimed in saying there are 100s of cars that have snapped this stud resulting in having to change the diff housing. Perhaps this was a issue with earlier year model Panthers or non-air bag equipped cars. I still can't remember a single marauder snapping this stud.

I could see a high mileage cv/retired fleet vehicle having the bushing on this stud "freeze-up" and the twisting torque generated breaking the stud.
The solution isn't a stronger stud - check your suspension once in a while!

[Mr. Man]

I'm a stud.


Sent from The White House on taxpayers dimes.

DTR + 4.10's + Eaton swap = Wreeeeeeeeeeeeeeedom
Legend in his own mind :P

[drobin]

I have never regret installing the Metco upper/lower rear control arms and watts link combo. There is no comparison in the handling characteristics of this heavy beast once the Metco's were installed. Definitely a most do mod!!

drobin (Donald):banana::banana:

[loud2004marquis]

Has anyone ever tried out "Megabite" control arms on a Marauder? Heard of them mentioned in the Mustang world.

[REAL4WD]

I thought HPM went under?

and how would Mustang control arms work on a Panther platform car? (of course anything is possible with enough money)

[jsignorelli]

I also have the complete Sparta Performance package. It provides a firm ride on the highway and hold the car at the track. Only complaint is a little hash on bumpy roads, but that is to be expected.

[fordmike65]

Thanks to a PM from Tommy alerting me that they were now in stock, my Sparta arms & links have been ordered and hopefully on their way here soon! Good thing I jumped on it, cuz both the arms & links are out of stock again.

[fordmike65]

My new Trailing arms & Watts links showed up today. They really tightened up the rear and best of all...No Noise! Thanks again Tommy!

http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/IMAG1395_zpsd054ed1c.jpg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/IMAG1395_zpsd054ed1c.jpg.html)
http://i754.photobucket.com/albums/xx183/fordmike65/IMAG1398_zps977140d3.jpg (http://s754.photobucket.com/user/fordmike65/media/IMAG1398_zps977140d3.jpg.html)

[fordmike65]

Also wanted to thank everyone for their input in helping me make a choice on which arms to purchase. Can't wait to take her out and put her to the test...

[SC Cheesehead]

I'm running boxed OEM control arms from musclemerc.

[chief455]

Also wanted to thank everyone for their input in helping me make a choice on which arms to purchase. Can't wait to take her out and put her to the test...
Any driving yet? I'm considering upgrading as well.
This was a must read for a newbie like me on the mod squad ;)

[fordmike65]

Loving them! Definitely more planted around corners during normal day to day street driving. Went out for a bday drive down the 110 freeway here in the L.A. area. Took the turns a lot faster than before the install. Still no noise! Highly recommended.

[VMARAUDER]

I got the Sparta CA and Watts link and installed them right b4 MV11, 3000 miles while touring the southeast and back home to South Holland...vast improvement in handling
Doing yourself make sure you get the torque right and recheck after a couple thousand miles