Torque Arms

The torque arm suspension system is simple but very effective. It consists of a long suspension member called a torque arm that is mounted between the differential and the chassis or transmission, a pair of lower control arms, and a panhard rod or watts linkage to laterally control the axle. This system reduces wheel hop to improve traction for better acceleration from a standing start and when exiting corners. First used in the 1930s, torque arms have been original equipment on some recent sports coupes, and they remain proven solutions for improving traction.

Wheel hop and tire spin are caused by excessive axle housing rotation when power is applied. While traction bars and ladder bars are effective at reducing wheel hop, in some applications they can make the suspension too stiff and negatively affect handling and ride quality. The torque arm provides a solid connection between the chassis and axle that prevents axle rotation without affecting suspension operation. A torque arm will not only help your tires’ bite for improved acceleration, it will improve handling and ride quality too.

We offer torque arm setups that improve original equipment torque arm systems as well as aftermarket torque arms that replace OE components. While the torque arm is a superior design, the flex inherent in flimsy original equipment materials can negate its advantages, plus the factory setup lacks adjustability. Our performance torque arms are a significant upgrade, with strong tubular steel construction and polyurethane bushings. You can also choose an adjustable torque arm with spherical rod ends that allows pinion angle adjustment. For selected vehicles we offer relocation kits that improve on the OE design by moving the torque arm front attachment location to a stronger mounting point.

Performance torque arms for vehicles not originally equipped with this design usually eliminate the need for the upper control arm links in the suspension. The torque arm provides a much more solid link between the axle and chassis, which plants the tires better, and the panhard rod or watts link that must be used with the torque arm does a better job at laterally controlling the axle, for an improvement in handling. Like our OE upgrade torque arms, these arms are also made of superior materials, are adjustable, and feature firm polyurethane bushings or spherical rods ends. The easy bolt-on installation procedure requires no welding.

As noted, a torque arm must be used with a panhard rod or watts linkage to locate the axle within the body and prevent lateral axle movement. The torque arm requires removal of the upper control arms, which in the original design are usually angled to control lateral axle movement. A panhard rod or watts linkage is much better at controlling this movement. You not only get a more solid feel, but most aftermarket setups are adjustable, so you can perfectly center the axle and ensure tire clearance is the same at each side of the vehicle. You’ll find a huge selection of panhard rods and watts linkage in our Panhard Rods & Track Bars section. They’re constructed from thick wall tubing and made from material like chrome moly steel, and feature firm polyurethane bushings or spherical rod ends.