Exactly what does a Panhard Rod do on the front, and what are the advantages?

[timberstone]

Seeing numerous previous references in this forum to use of a Panhard Rod on the front axle in conjunction with steering and handling improvements, this post is an attempt to determine the mechanical basis of, and advantages for, installation in our T series Autos. Note that exhaustive rebuilding and replacement of all steering and suspension parts has been completed, on this posted TC with great success, but for an apparent problem at speed on rough pavement.
Notably, Mike Sherrell mentioned the installation of the Panhard Rod ('More p.38) in his TC, with reverse orientation, with notably improved results. There was no explanation for why or how this result was obtained, but prominently mentioned was "... the secret of the TC's handling... is the whippy chassis." ('More p.33)
Being one who might do an installation of one 'Rod, as an attempt to control wander when going over rough roads at speed, could some explanation come forth?

Octagonally yours, BOXLEY (Robert & MGTC0820)

[Steve Simmons]

The job of a panhard rod is to prevent the chassis from moving side to side in relation to the axle. It solidly locates the axle to the chassis while still allowing up and down movement of the axle. The leaf springs twist and flex as do the bushing / shackle assemblies. The panhard rod eliminates all of this. The end result is sharper steering response, but in my experience it will not notably improve straight line stability unless the bushings are worn out. Some people claim a night and day difference in handling after installing a panhard rod but I found only a small difference personally. But my front end was already set up perfectly and with polyurethane bushings, so maybe others were installing on a worn or incorrectly set up car.

[Ray White]

I have installed a Panhard Rod because from a design perspective the combination of leaf springs and a beam axle generally requires it. What the rod does by locating the axle to the chassis is prevent lateral movement of the axle.

The original design may have lacked the refinement of a Panhard Rod... and fitting of one to a car with two parallel front springs may be considered something of a luxury.! The difference is most noticeable, however, on cars where a single transverse spring is used; for example; Austin Sevens and some Fords - which, in their original form, leave much to be desired.!

[Tom Lange, MGT Repair]

Can anyone provide installtion instructions or tips for a Panhard rod?

Tom Lange
MGT Repair

[Tim Jackson]

From the TABC library:
http://www.mg-tabc.org/library/panhard.htm

[Steve Simmons]

Tom, there isn't much to it. The rod consists of two brackets and the rod itself. One bracket goes under the left side bump stop. I like to shorten the rubber by 1/4" to account for the thickness of the bracket. The other side replaces the RH shock link plate. Then attach the rod between them.

There will be a very slight arc to the movement of the rod as the axle goes up and down, so keep this in mind when tightening the rod, so that the center of the arc is where the axle is centered under the chassis.

[Rob Zucca]

I installed the same pan hard rod as Steve. It was a simple job. Like Steve describes, the difference is nuanced. Not a big difference, but to me it just feels more solid in the twisties and gives me more confidence to fling it into a turn. Maybe a bad idea tor me........
In the image, the right side is tied solidly to the chassis then runs diagonally to the spring pan on the left, the triangulation keeps side to side flex of the suspension from occurring. Only up and down. The heim joints allow the rod to bow a bit as Steve mentioned. The heim joints have a left and right thread like a turnbuckle. After installation, set the car back on its wheels and centralize the rod between the joints. Then lock the nuts.