New suspension is on and in place!!

Gibbo

Gibbo

Gibbo

OcUK Staff
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17 Oct 2002
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Hi there

Well some of you may remember I ordered a Saleen watts-link for the car, well spent last couple of nights fitting it, had some right ball aches of nuts not wanted to go in certain areas and due to working cramped space on driveway with just axle stands a 4 hour job became more like a 6 hour job but I did have plenty of drink breaks I guess. :D

The kit:-

2005-2008 Watts Link Suspension

10-1007-A16241-2.jpg

10-1007-A16241-1.jpg


The Watts-link was made famous in the classic Parnelli Jones 302, but Saleen modernized it for the Saleen/Parnelli Jones Limited Edition. The Saleen-Link system replaces the factory live-axle set-up with a reinforcded rear differntial cover, billet-aluminum pivot, steel control arms, upgraded swaybar and high-duromerter bushings.

Improves the handling dynamics of the car by giving the live axle a true live-center. This allows the axle to pivot through the center of the differential and move up and down without the tires scrubbing side to side. This keeps the tires flat to the ground, enhancing grip and control. Expect an improvement of corner speeds by 2% and quicker lap times.




Some pictures from my install

The bits in the kit
mmfp_0806_watts_10_z+s197_watts_link_rear_suspension_install+saleen_watts_link_kit.jpg



My old bits off, Adjustable panhard bar, panhard brace and Steeda rear swaybar, new swaybar is 2mm thicker
sus1cz1.jpg


Differential cover removed
sus2ku7.jpg


Close up of rear gears and LSD
sus3de5.jpg


New Saleen watts link setup bits
sus4gl2.jpg


New bits all fitted, now just waiting for oil
sus5qd0.jpg



A better pic of the finished job on someone elses car
mmfp_0806_watts_23_z+s197_watts_link_rear_suspension_install+.jpg




So bet your all wondering, how much better is it? Well I don't know as I still don't have the oil yet for the differential, waiting for it too arrive so the actual road test will have to wait. Once oil arrives, need to fill, check for leaks and if no leaks have fun. If leaks gotta take differential cover off again which means dismantling the saleen link arms and redoing the gasket seal on the differential cover.

Guys in the US claim its night and day different especially across bumpy surfaces as the car no longer jumps and hops about when it hits a bump and it also great improves off the line traction and keeps the car pointing forwards.

I guess I shall have to wait too find out, it is kinda annoying to having to now wait for something as simple as oil because so few places seem to have 75-140 on sale.


Next job is new engine pulleys, supercharger pulley, intake, injectors etc, hopefully in time for the rolling road this weekend.
 
that axle could do with a lick of paint.

the surface rust on it looks ugly. Bit difficult to post anything else constructive as you've not said if its made any difference yet !
 
Should be interesting to see what improvement it makes as your original modifications made in 20x better anyway.

Still it meant we got a ride in the H.M.S BMW today.:D
 
Been reading a bit about this, seems to be getting very good reviews. What was the cost if you don't mind me asking?

Slightly off topic but attended the Atlantic Sports Car open day on Saturday, lots of very nice Mustangs, some with stupid amounts of power and also some very nice Saleens there.
 
MrLOL said:
that axle could do with a lick of paint.

the surface rust on it looks ugly. Bit difficult to post anything else constructive as you've not said if its made any difference yet !
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Hi there

Yep I have thought about removing the axle and giving it a coat in hammerite to make it look nicer or could even have a go with it still attached.

I am contemplating removing the Saleen struts/shocks for some Tokica-D spec adjustable as they are going for $500 at the moment for full set in US sales and they get top reviews and been adjustable makes them great for fine tuning.

Only other suspension mods I might do is something to dial out the understeer as the rear has got so good that the front understeers unless you purposely induce oversteer. Will see how this new setup effects things though, if its as good as they say I think I will be happy.
 
Gibbo said:
I am contemplating removing the Saleen struts/shocks for some Tokica-D spec adjustable as they are going for $500 at the moment for full set in US sales and they get top reviews and been adjustable makes them great for fine tuning.
Click to expand...
Any link as these are top of my parts wish list? :)
 
GSXRMovistar said:
Been reading a bit about this, seems to be getting very good reviews. What was the cost if you don't mind me asking?

Slightly off topic but attended the Atlantic Sports Car open day on Saturday, lots of very nice Mustangs, some with stupid amounts of power and also some very nice Saleens there.
Click to expand...


This Saleen kit is $995 from JDM. I got a package deal, the suspension, new pulleys, new CAI, new tensioner, new injectors, new plugs, new MAF, new belt and tuning all for £1400 delivered. :)

If I go for the Tokico struts/shocks will get them from www.steeda.com as they are giving them away at $500 plus I will get the bump steer kit along with some other goodies for front end to try and dial out the understeer, be about $1000 shipped for those bits. Am just trying to speak to other guys with Saleens who have removed the Saleen shocks/struts for the Tokico and if they got a decent improvement, am still waiting on replies as no point in buying anything if the Saleen ones do a good enough job.
 
Neo4 said:
Gibbo can i ask what is your ultimate plan for this Mustang?
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Hi there

Kind of already there really, its my hobby and my big toy I guess. Most people would be more than happy with how it is, I just like to keep playing.

A little more power, which is in hand, closing onto 600BHP area which with my tune is safe. If forbid she blows, well guess I spank the credit card and put a 5.0 stronger lump in there rated for 800BHP and go with that, but one is hoping she will be fine as the guys in the states run that BHP and more on stock engines without issues.

Handling wise, its damn good really, if I can get the understeer reduced that will be great and I might but only might consider a set of smaller lightweight alloys as the Saleen ones probably weigh nearly 40-50kg each with tyres at a guess but they look damn nice and the car has the torque to spin them.

May uprate brakes further as they seem poor to what I remember them but that maybe due to some crappy American pads now been in, I need to get some DS2500's back in there.

Thats it, happy with looks both internal and external.
 
I'm pleased to hear you've got the car back Gibbo - as has been said before am sure many people (myself included) will be wanting to see some new pics of the Mustang when you've got it fully up and running :cool:

Off Topic - what are you using to run around in while the Mustang's off the road?
 
Sonea Fifer said:
I'm pleased to hear you've got the car back Gibbo - as has been said before am sure many people (myself included) will be wanting to see some new pics of the Mustang when you've got it fully up and running :cool:

Off Topic - what are you using to run around in while the Mustang's off the road?
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Hi there

The BMW 525i SE I have had now for many years, 210,000 miles on clock, can't get rid as far to reliable and great fun as those will say who saw it going round Donnington a couple years back.
 
Gibbo said:
Only other suspension mods I might do is something to dial out the understeer as the rear has got so good that the front understeers unless you purposely induce oversteer. Will see how this new setup effects things though, if its as good as they say I think I will be happy.
Click to expand...

The thicker rear anti-roll bar will reduce understeer, or at least promote oversteer as it loads the rear tyres more heavily during cornering.
 
nice carpet :D

are we going to get more vids of it once its up and running again? Are you going to track it or is the extra power for road use?
 
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