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?
I'd ask the source, or at least one of the top places to get both options. https://www.peteandjakes.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/3100-Instructions-32-Ford.pdf
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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