Hunter Gill
May 29th, 2024
What is a Panhard Correction Kit and Why Do You Need One?
If you've started looking into suspension for your Toyota SUV or Truck, you've probably come across the term "Panhard Correction Kit," or PCK for short. This item is very rarely included in a suspension kit, so the obvious next question is; "Do I need one?"
The answer? Probably. Join us as we go through what a panhard bar is, what the correction kit does, and why it's a valuable addition to your upgraded suspension.
Note: Toyota trucks with a leaf spring rear suspension do not have a panhard bar (95-23 Tacomas, 00-21 Tundras). 22+ Tundras and 24+ Tacomas switched to a 4 link rear suspension and now have a panhard bar.
What is a Panhard Bar?
A panhard bar, also called a track bar, is a link between your rear axle and the frame of the vehicle.
It serves 2 important purposes;
1. It centers the rear axle under the vehicle
2. It provides lateral (side to side) stability for the rear of your vehicle.
In the picture, notice that the angle of the bar is almost flat. The flat angle increases the effectiveness of the panhard bar in reducing body roll and lateral axle movement.
What happens to the panhard after a suspension lift?
The panhard bar is a fixed length. As the distance from the rear axle to the frame increases with your suspension lift, the panhard bar increases in angle.
With this increase in angle, the axle is pulled slightly off center. In addition, the increased angle of the panhard bar reduces it's ability to provide lateral stability. The larger the lift, the larger the effect.
The increase in angle can cause increased body roll, reduced rear stability, and a feeling like the rear is wandering while driving at higher speeds.
Compared to the first picture, you can see the increased angle of the panhard bar after the vehicle is lifted.
That's where the Panhard Correction Kit comes in...
The panhard correction kit is a weld on bracket developed originally by eimkeith that raises the axle side mount of the panhard bar and in certain applications, lowers the frame mounting side.
The bracket provides 2 additional mounting points. Depending on your lift height, either one can be used. The bracket is pre cut to fit on the existing panhard mount perfectly.
The eimkeith panhard correction kit bracket is shown here. The precut bracket is easy to weld on, even for beginners.
The different mounting points allow for adjustability for different lift heights.
When installed, you want to adjust the bar to be as flat as possible, like the picture shown here.
Be sure to check your angles on the ground rather than with the vehicle in the air.
Typically, a mild lift of 1-2 inches will use the first mounting point on the PCK. A lift of over 2 inches typically will require the top mounting point.
What about an adjustable panhard bar?
Great question. While an adjustable panhard bar can be used to recenter the axle, it does little to improve the angle of the panhard bar. Ultimately, a panhard correction kit is a more cost effective and more effective solution.
An adjustable panhard bar does have it's uses; it's a great tool to use with long travel rear suspensions to prevent the driveshaft from contacting the gas tank skid. For stability and centering the axle, however, a panhard correction kit is the way to go.
Conclusion
A panhard correction kit is a great tool to maintain factory ride quality on a lifted vehicle. If you're researching a lift, consider adding one to your parts lift. If you're already lifted and experiencing body roll and weird handling, a PCK might be the solution for you.
If you have questions about a panhard correction kit or questions about lifting your Toyota, give us a shout. Our staff has the experience to help you get your suspension set up correctly the first time around, saving you time and money.
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