Front shocks/struts 68-72 v 73-74

[redgum78]

Can anyone tell me what the difference is between 73-74 front struts/shock absorbers compared to the earlier Chargers? Can the earlier ones be made to fit on a 73/74?

Thanks

[Nacho-RT74]

earliers are way longer

[HPP]

Earlier struts are bayonet ends on both ends that are interference fit on the control arm and bushing fit on the front. Later struts have a 45* bolt on tab to the control arm and bushing fit on the front and are a different length than the earlier struts.

Earlier shocks are 9.87-15.75 in length and are stem and bushing mounts. Later shocks are 8.125-12.125 and are stem and loop bushing mount.

[redgum78]

Thanks guys, so thats explains why most of the after market sell struts up to 72 model 

[Nacho-RT74]

KYB ( just GR2s which are tock replacements, no Gas-A-Just to fronts thought ), Monroe... and on performance world, RCDs are the only option ( Bilstein ). Around $200 for each pair ( front and rear )

there is a member who fit some KYB Gas-A-Just piece for Chevy and modified a bit his 73 LCA to fit a bit lower the shock. He posted pics on here.

[HPP]

I did a similar trick on one of my Mopar F bodies to allow use of 1st gen GM F body shocks. Added gussets to the bottom of the lower control arm to allow the bolt in tab of the GM shocks to line up with the arm which then gave them the correct length to mount. They both had the stem type of upper mount. Opened up a whole new world of shock choices.

[randy73]

Problem with modifying is that if you change the shock angle, you could open up a whole new can of worms.

[HPP]

In my case, it did not change the angle, but, F body lowers are wide enough for the shock body to pass through them. I  don't think B body lowers can do that.

But, numerous shock manufacturers have catalogs with  bunches of shocks that are exact or near bolt in and have appropriate lengths. Browse them to see. Sometimes a slight mod is all that needed or a different  mounting method can be added to a shock. High end shocks have a lot more flexibility in mounting methods than over the counter parts store shocks.

[randy73]

Been thinking about going aftermarket suspension for my 73, so I can get better shock options.

[HPP]

Go here, flip to page 31, build your own shock. Chose stroke, body diameter, end types.

https://issuu.com/afcoperformancegroup/docs/pro2018catalogweb?e=26852565/56315370