KP Components Bolt-On
Watts Link
For 1988-1998 Chevrolet & GMC
C-1500 TrucksJanuary 18,
2006
While the Watts link has been in existence for
over 300 years, its name has only recently entered the custom truck
lexicon. Named for its inventor, James Watt, this mechanism was
originally designed to keep the piston rod centered on a steam engine.
The design has also been used in the last 50 years, mostly on race
cars, as a means to center the rear axle.
The Watts link serves the same purpose as a
panhard rod, which locates the rear axle on a 4-link suspension. But
the Watts link has one distinct advantage -- practically zero side-to-side
movement. A panhard rod can cause the rear axle to shift an inch
or more throughout the suspension's range of motion, which can cause
problems when trying to tuck large wheel and tire combinations.
While there have been several Watts link kits
available on the market, they have been in a do-it-yourself format.
For the inexperienced, the careful measuring, fabrication, and welding
to install such a kit has deterred many from using a Watts link. But
all that is about to change.
Enter KP Components, the innovators of the
bolt-on custom suspension system. KP Components makes a variety of
bolt-on four-link and cantilever suspension systems for Chevrolet and
Ford trucks. Using their vast knowledge of suspension and design, the
team at KP Components has designed a true bolt-on Watts link kit.
The initial kits are designed for the 1988-1998
Chevrolet and GMC trucks. They fit all trucks using the factory
10-bolt rear end. Future kits will be developed for both newer and
older trucks.
Kit Features:
- 100% Bolt-on design
- Laser cut and CNC formed steel
- Grade 8 mounting hardware
- Complete wrap-around differential bracket
with vertical and horizontal supports
- Watts Link bars made from DOM tubing
- Four 3/4" heim joints
- Detailed instructions
The Watts link kit works with existing KP
Components 4 link and cantilever systems, and it is also compatible
with most other aftermarket parallel 4 link kits on the market.
The first model, for 88-98 GM Full-size trucks, is be available as of
February 6th, 2006 from KP Components Inc. Retail pricing will be
$450.00 for the complete kit as listed above.
99-05 GM Full-size trucks will be available
March 6th, 2006, and 73-87 GM Full-size trucks will follow the 99-05
kits for a future release.
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