Lowering rear on 74

[1974dodgecharger]

Any recommendations on how to lower the rear of a 74 SE model? I would like it leveled with the front at least.

[HPP]

Hmm, usually not a problem for 40 year old springs. Do you know if they have they been changed out over the years?  A 74 would have the large rubber iso-clamp system on it. Does yours still have this? The best way to drop the height is to install a lower arch spring.

[Chryco Psycho]

lowering is easy , just install a lowering block between the diff & spring with longer U bolts , you can buy different height blocks or have them machined to the height you need , you can also correct the pinion angle at the same time if needed

[1974dodgecharger]

lowering is easy , just install a lowering block between the diff & spring with longer U bolts , you can buy different height blocks or have them machined to the height you need , you can also correct the pinion angle at the same time if needed

hm, didnt think of that thanks for the info.

[HPP]

Unfortuantly, on a 74 it may not be quite that easy. Since you have the iso-clamp set up, you will need to ditch all the stock clamshell and rubber isolators, replace the leaf spring centering bolt with a smaller diameter unit, and then convert it all over to a pre'73 set up with a shock mount plate with u-bolts and pre'73 shocks with eyes on both ends instead of the eye/bayonet mount. This is a better arrangement overall, but not quite as easy as simply bolting in a spacer.

[lisiecki1]

Unfortuantly, on a 74 it may not be quite that easy. Since you have the iso-clamp set up, you will need to ditch all the stock clamshell and rubber isolators, replace the leaf spring centering bolt with a smaller diameter unit, and then convert it all over to a pre'73 set up with a shock mount plate with u-bolts and pre'73 shocks with eyes on both ends instead of the eye/bayonet mount. This is a better arrangement overall, but not quite as easy as simply bolting in a spacer.

There was a major suspension difference between 73 and 74?

[HPP]

I might have my years mixed up, but the iso-clamp rear end is significantly different. I thought '74 had them, but it might have been later when those rolled into B body production.

[lisiecki1]

I just ask because I thought the 73 and 74 were the same.  At one point in time i had lowering blocks on my 73 and didn't have any issues like the ones listed above.

[flyinlow]

I think 73's and later have the torsion quite ride isolators. My 73 had them origonally.

[dangina]

just get new rear leaf spring bracket that have the 2 or 3 hole settings and use the top hole - usually lowers your rear by 1-1.5". cheap.

[HPP]

Okay, double checeked with a friend of mine that has a '74. His leaf spring arrangement is the same as the 71-73 B bodies. The iso clamp rear arrived in '76 on F bodies and '78 on B bodies. So I was incorrect. I thought the rear iso-clamp system arrived at the same time the torsion quiet isolated front suspension arrived, but evidently it was later.

I'd second dangina's recommendation. Install an adjustable front hanger. That give you more options for ride height selection.

[lisiecki1]

Okay, double checeked with a friend of mine that has a '74. His leaf spring arrangement is the same as the 71-73 B bodies. The iso clamp rear arrived in '76 on F bodies and '78 on B bodies. So I was incorrect. I thought the rear iso-clamp system arrived at the same time the torsion quiet isolated front suspension arrived, but evidently it was later.

I'd second dangina's recommendation. Install an adjustable front hanger. That give you more options for ride height selection.

Thank you for clarifying that information. 

[Nacho-RT74]

the isolation began on B bodies by 73 and the only differences between 73 and 74 on suspension and steering are:

-Bigger bushing on front eye at rear spring, so smaller size bolt to the hanger, making a diff front hanger too just for the bolt hole. Note the thicker diff was made toward inside not outside, so spring remains the same

-LCA ball joint being threated on 73s and pressed in on 74s

-Steering column shaft, being with an intermediate shaft on 74. The rubber puck isolation is closer to firewall on 74s, then a shaft, then the coupler. On 73s the rubber puck was mounted to the steering box side.

[74calicharger]

how far do you want to lower it? i brought my rear down with a front spring hanger from firm feel. it has a stock mounting hole and one above that which lowers it 1" - 1.25". somewhere on here i posted the part # but i cant find it.

[74calicharger]

looks like this with 17" rims and stock springs

[Tom Q]

The proper way is to use the adjustable front hanger, but for some reason the improper way-lowering blocks-keeps being suggested a a legitimate fix.  I just don't understand it.

The tires look too big on the rear to put the car over it's tires properly for proper handling and no interference.
Everyone thinks bigger is better when it's not.  These old cars are not designed for huge tires but everyone insists since they look cool it must be ok. 

[Nacho-RT74]

the use of adjustable front hanger &/or, upside down the stock one is the pinion angle is being modified. Would need to be corrected with wedge ships

These old cars are not designed for huge tires but everyone insists since they look cool it must be ok. 

however its at each own

[Chryco Psycho]

I find it weird that every 4x4 has lift blocks with no issues that put more leverage on the system than & simple 1" lowering block would + you can correct pinion angle with a lowering block , I do agree that moving the suspension mounts is the best way 

[1974dodgecharger]

looks like this with 17" rims and stock springs

WOW thats badass right there I LOVE that look man 

[AmadeusCharger500]

I'm going through the same questions with my 73, and yes it has the isolation bushings.
Great post!

[dangina]

looks like this with 17" rims and stock springs

is this your charger? what brand of rims are you running? are they steel or aluminum?

[74calicharger]

thank you 74. dan those rims are cragar soft 8s from summit racing. they are steel. 17x8 up front and 17x9 out back.

[1974dodgecharger]

thank you 74. dan those rims are cragar soft 8s from summit racing. they are steel. 17x8 up front and 17x9 out back.

just the info needed brother now time to save up for the same setup you have man I personaly dont the stance on the 3rd vs the 2nd, but with your tire combo and rims MAN that makes it look so MEAN!!!! 

So yes I plan to copy your setup 

[74calicharger]

thanks 74. i had to learn the hard way about lowering the front. basically my alignment guy told me the 73/74 shouldnt be lowered as far as 71/72 or it will eat up lower ball joints. so that is the lowest he was comfortable with. and he suggested the adjustable rear hangar over the lowering blocks. also, i didnt want a 40 series tire because of the crappy streets around here. so those are 50 series. that limits tire selection. 245,255,and 275 were what i found. so i have 245 up front on 8" and 275 out back on 9". personally i think it rides better now than with 15" rims and 60 series tires. hope that helps with your decision.