Panhard rod on Roadster

[h_m_cumming]

Has anyone fitted a panhard rod on a Marina rear axled Roadster. How did you mount it and was it successfull? Did it make much difference to the handling?
I've tried all of the suggestions mooted in the "TrackRod" forum over the years but still find the handling somewhat twitchy. All the "obvious" things seem to be in order, so any help please!

[lil_red_roadster]

Re: Panhard rod on Roadster

I've got one...fitted the factory option back in 1986 when I originally built my Roadster. It runs side to side, hanging off a bracket welded to the underside of the main rear cross-member to the near-side axle lowering block, which is tapped to accept the mounting bolt.
It certainly eradicates rear-wheel steer, which Marinas were notorious for (amongst many other things..), but I'm not sure it reduces twitchiness as I've never driven a non-Panhard Roadster and always felt mine was a bit twitchy even with the Panhard..!
I'd be more inclined to reconsider the "usual suspects"...first up get the front tracked and balanced. You shouldn't be running rear tyre pressures over 20 psi (I run about 18-19) and the rear dampers need to be set to the softest... It took me a while to experiment but I've found these settings work pretty well, although the lightness of the car inevitiably means a degree of bounce..! You could also try Superflex shackle bushes - I've noticed a distinct handling improvement since fitting. You can also get poly spring pads (Escort Mk1 I think as there isn't a Marina option) although they can be a bit harsh, or so I've heard.

[AndrewKB]

Re: Panhard rod on Roadster

I have a Panhard rod on my trials-prepared Marina-axled Roadster. I'm not totally convinced it's made much difference but I don't intend to remove it to try a before-after-before again comparison! ... and it doesn't seem to have cured an ongoing problem of the universal joints rubbing against the inside of the transmission tunnel when 'pushing-it' on fast right-hand bends. It was fitted by Steve Holder of Fortune Engineering (see my website at http://www.wheelspin.org.uk) and it goes from the N/S suspension pick-up to under the O/S body framework.

[h_m_cumming]

Re: Panhard rod on Roadster

Thanks for your help although you sound a bit non committal. Might give it a try.
Hugh.