Description
Please Note: This kit includes our updated panhard design found here.
The Mustang Panhard Rod and Rear Sway Bar Kit helps lock down the side-to-side movement of the leaf springs, and allows for the driver to feel exactly when the rear of the car wants to break loose. During cornering, the leaf springs and bushings bear the side load of the chassis. This can flex the leaf springs up to 2” side to side giving a very unsettled feel during cornering (not to mention the potential tire rub). The MOD panhard rod kit takes this side-loading off the leaf springs and applies it to the panhard rod. Since there is no more side movement, you get immediate response to your inputs without waiting to see how the car might react.
By including an adjustable rear sway bar, we’re getting the ability to further dial in the feel that we’re looking for. Adjusting the bar allows for finite tweaks to rear body roll and overall grip. The panhard rod gives you the ability to further tune the rear roll center. This effectively allows for raising and lowering rear end grip when hard cornering. Pair this with a set of our leaf springs and a good shock, and you have an awesome, affordable setup that installs easily and performs excellently.
This kit includes
- MOD Panhard Rod Assembly
- MOD Rear Sway Bar
- MOD DS Leaf Spring Plate
MOD Panhard Rod & Sway Bar Kit features:
- Vertical adjustment on both chassis and axle brackets for tuning
- Unique leaf spring plate design with panhard rod mount and sway bar mount
- Weld in chassis bracket
- Bolt in axle bracket with shock mount
- Sheetmetal drivers side spring plate with shock & sway bar mount
- Urethane sway bar bushings
- Turnbuckles for sway bar adjustment
- Adjustable sway bar for ultimate tune ability
Don’t panhard rods move the axle side to side and isn’t that bad?
Yes, the shorter the panhard rod is, the more the axle is thrust side to side. This is why we make our panhard rods 35” long. The misalignment is roughly 1/8”. Considering the flex of the tire and the previous 2” movement, it becomes a non-issue.
Why did you choose to do a panhard rod vs. a Watts link?
Watts links are wonderful but we took into consideration multiple aspects when deciding on the panhard rods, including price, function, installation, exhaust, roll center height and tuning ability. When installing a Watts, it is difficult to mount it low enough. The lower the lateral controls device (Watts of panhard rod), the lower the roll center. The lower the roll center, the more the car can lean on the outer spring driving the tire into the ground. Manufacturing a Watts link also is a lot more costly. This does not help the budget for the rest of the car.
Chassis tuning is also a little simpler with the panhard rod. To raise and lower the roll center (panhard rod or Watts pivot) dictates how much leverage the chassis has on the outer springs. However, when raising and lowering the roll center, you want to keep the arms level. If the panhard rod or Watts arms are not level, they can input a jacking force into the chassis (not always the best thing). This can free up or tighten up the car upon steering input. The panhard rod is the easiest to keep level when adjusting.
Running exhaust is also easier with the panhard rod assembly. Making our lives easy is an important part of having a good time with our cars.
Brett Busch (verified owner) –
Very well made, easy enough to install, sway bar slick design. Initially purchased just to increase my side to side tire clearance for 295/40/18s. Pleasantly surprised to find rearend tracks much more predictable, without all the leaf spring recoil. Where I used to “send it” at 40mph , I’m now crossed up at 50 or more.
Only downside is I had to remove my exhaust from the mufflers back.