Re: 1st gen Watts linkage

Rex B wrote:
> 	
> I pulled the rear suspension out of my '85 Spec7 to loosen it up and repaint.
> I took a quick look at the watts linkage before disassembling, but when I get it
> back together and installed the axle is too far to the left for the trailing
> arms to line up.  
>     So, I'm RTFMing after the fact. It says to not the painted marks on the long
> and short lateral arms, and locate them outboard and facing front.  Of course,
> those are hidden by the new paint. Short of paint thinner, is there a way to
> detemin corect orientation?   They look to be simple rods with a 90-degree
> bushing eye at each end.  What does the painted mark indicate?
>
> Also, the bell-crank itself. I recall the longer arm was pointed down, and it
> appears that way in the manuals.  Can anyone confirm?

You must first align the rear axle at normal ride height, and only then 
install the Watts linkage. The horizontal links will then be horizontal 
and parrallel, and all three links should fall into place easily.

If they do not, (a) you have shortened the springs, causing the 
horizontal links to droop toward the frame mounts and a new vertical 
link, shorter at the top and longer at the bottom, should be fabricated, 
or (b) you have changed the tire radius, see a, or (c) you have a bent 
link or mount.

The vertical link should rotate freely on its pivot, but should have 
zero movement fore and aft at the link ends. Check the frame mounts for 
cracks, especially at the welds.