Watts Link: Installation
CAUTION:
When installing the link, DO NOT attempt to turn the ball joint end of the link independently.
- Making sure the ball joint end is positioned properly for mounting to the bell crank (Figure ), install the link into the bracket on the body of the vehicle.
- Install the bolt (and flag nut for upper link) securing the link to the bracket, but do not fully tighten it at this time. It must be tightened when the vehicle is at curb height.
- Install the upper or lower link to the bell crank (Figure ). Install the nut on the ball joint stud and tighten it to a torque of 14 N.m (10 ft. lbs.) plus an additional 180° turn after torque is met.
- If the lower link is the link being installed, perform the following, otherwise proceed to the next step.
- Slide the bell crank pivot bolt all the way through the axle.
- Place the washer and nut on the end of the pivot bolt and tighten it to a torque of 149 N.m (110 ft. lbs.).
- Verify the words "BACK UP" can be read on the bell crank from the rear over the top of the axle (Figure ). If they cannot be read at this position, the link or bell crank is not installed properly and must be removed and reinstalled so that the words "BACK UP" can be read on the upper rear of the bell crank once installed.
- Lower the vehicle to the ground.
- Place the vehicle on an alignment rack or drive-on hoist.
- With the suspension at curb height, tighten the link mounting bolt at the body bracket to a torque of 92 N.m (68 ft.lbs.).
NOTE:
The upper link extends from the right side of the vehicle to the upper end of the bell crank while the lower link extends from the left side of the vehicle to the lower end of the bell crank.
CAUTION:
Although both ends of the bell crank appear to be the same, they are not. When installing the watts links or bell crank, make sure the bell crank is properly positioned. When mounted properly, the words "BACK UP" should be able to be read from the rear over the top of the axle (Figure
).