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Customs 32 Ford Decision: 4 bar/Panhard Bar or Ladder Bars

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Jiminthearena, Mar 15, 2024.

  1. Jiminthearena
    Joined: Mar 15, 2024
    Posts: 9

    Jiminthearena

    Rookie here planning a build. Deciding between 4 bar/panhard bar or ladder bars. Why would you choose one over the other? Difference in performance? Do ladder bars restrict exhaust placement?
     
  2. RodStRace
    Joined: Dec 7, 2007
    Posts: 5,642

    RodStRace
    Member

    Jiminthearena and ekimneirbo like this.
  3. ekimneirbo
    Joined: Apr 29, 2017
    Posts: 4,755

    ekimneirbo

    4 Bar.......allows rearend to stay in same vertical relation as it moves up and down and doesn't bind and it's easy to adjust the verticality to control traction application. Thats what I'm putting in my 32.
     
    Jiminthearena likes this.
  4. alchemy
    Joined: Sep 27, 2002
    Posts: 21,500

    alchemy
    Member

    I like ladder bars and wishbones. You can fit the exhaust around anything if you plan it out. They all have benefits and/or drawbacks.
     
  5. 1971BB427
    Joined: Mar 6, 2010
    Posts: 9,134

    1971BB427
    Member
    from Oregon

    Either doesn't really restrict exhaust location, at least not so much that it makes it tougher. The exhaust will run parallel to the ladder bars, or a 4 link, and once over the axle there's nothing behind the axle to restrict how the exhaust exits except the gas tank.
    A panhard bar does add a restriction sideways, but unless your 4 link is triangulated you'll have a panhard bar with either setup.
     
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  6. 19Eddy30
    Joined: Mar 27, 2011
    Posts: 2,804

    19Eddy30
    Member
    from VA

    Triangular No pan bar needed

    Exhaust needs and cures


    IMG_1368.png
     
    Just Gary and Jiminthearena like this.
  7. You didn't indicate what rear suspension you are using; buggy spring or coil over shocks.

    Mine has buggy spring and the P&J triangulated ladder bars. Exhaust was not a problem. Car rides and handles fine. It is used for long distance road touring.

    Here are my suggestions for a road car:
    If you use a buggy spring, the triangulated ladder bars (or wishbone) is what I suggest.

    If you are using coil over shocks, I like the triangulated four bar setup, which doesn't need a panhard bar.

    Good luck with your build, and welcome to the HAMB.
     
  8. Jiminthearena
    Joined: Mar 15, 2024
    Posts: 9

    Jiminthearena

    Thanks! Coil overs. Great insight!
     
  9. Jiminthearena
    Joined: Mar 15, 2024
    Posts: 9

    Jiminthearena

    Thanks! Appreciate it.
     
  10. Jiminthearena
    Joined: Mar 15, 2024
    Posts: 9

    Jiminthearena

    Got it. I need to research triangulation 4 bar setup.
     
  11. Cgrgrspt10
    Joined: Mar 22, 2014
    Posts: 85

    Cgrgrspt10
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Ladder bars, Panhard and coil overs works good on my '32 (my avatar in cars for sale). There isn't a whole lot of travel; long Panhard radius works fine on a lot of applications, and is pretty simple. But its true that a watts link or 4 bar keeps things squared up.
     
  12. SEAAIRE354
    Joined: Sep 7, 2015
    Posts: 549

    SEAAIRE354
    Member

    Another consideration is the visual aspect of the build. I personally don’t care for the look of a 4 bar on an open car even though as mentioned there superior in design. On full fender cars they get hidden fairly well.
     
  13. Bandit Billy
    Joined: Sep 16, 2014
    Posts: 13,817

    Bandit Billy
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    I am not a big coil over fan especially on open cars so I went a different option, ladder bars, Panhard bar and quarter ellipticals. The ride is excellent.
    upload_2024-3-18_10-0-34.jpeg
     
  14. ekimneirbo
    Joined: Apr 29, 2017
    Posts: 4,755

    ekimneirbo

    Gosh.............even your lift is shiny. :D
     
    SEAAIRE354, vtx1800 and NJ Don like this.

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