News:

It appears that the upgrade forces a login and many, many of you have forgotten your passwords and didn't set up any reminders. Contact me directly through helpmelogin@dodgecharger.com and I'll help sort it out.

Main Menu

Suspention rebuild

Started by justcruisin, January 08, 2012, 05:33:32 AM

Previous topic - Next topic

justcruisin

Looking at getting my suspension up to par. Not going crazy, just renew/replace keeping it stockish. Can anyone suggest what shocks and torsion bars to use, any upgrades that that are worth while that don't deviate to much from stock. Car will be 99% street use - 71 R/T Charger, 440 auto 8 3/4  3.23. Haven't decided on wheels/tyres yet. Probably 15". Thanks.

Chryco Psycho

well for a modern feel you need to get 1" or bigger T bars & shocks are basically you get what you pay for , spending more than $80 each will get you into a good shock , Eddy & Bilstein are two of the better shocks , KYB seem to be too firm , harsh

Budnicks

Yep I use Edelbrock IAS all 4 corners & Just Suspension 1" torsion bars the rest of my set up would be way past your wants, but the poly bushing every were with stock A-arms work well & will help some keep a little less movement at the bushings, if the proper lubrication is done & installed correctly... Some larger sway bars might help also...
"fill your library before you fill your garage"   Budnicks

justcruisin

Ok sounds good, where is the best place to get a poly bush kit and bars, Just suspension? And can you get a bush kit that is complete with all bushings? Is there much gain from a rear sway bar.

Budnicks

Quote from: justcruisin on January 08, 2012, 08:13:21 PM
Ok sounds good, where is the best place to get a poly bush kit and bars, Just suspension? And can you get a bush kit that is complete with all bushings? Is there much gain from a rear sway bar.
Torsion bars buy from Just Suspension, Master Poly Bushing kit from Mancini Racing, Sway Bars there many brands to choose from, Hellwig, Addco, Hotchkis & many, many more, I used Summit Racing for the Edelbrock shocks & sway-bars, front 1-3/8" & 1" rear... you don't need to go that big... The rear sway bar will help for sure, helps flatten the car less body roll in corners, Just don't go too big, 3/4" - 7/8" in the rear {1" max}, use a middle or light setting on the rear sway-bar 1st, then stiffen/adjust if needed...
"fill your library before you fill your garage"   Budnicks

mpdlawdog

"Life is Tough...It's even tougher when you are stupid"  -John Wayne-

justcruisin

Great, thanks for the advice, I think that will be all I need for how I use the car. I may go to some larger wheels if the budget will stretch, not sure if I want to change the original look, Ill think on it. Thanks again.

Budnicks

"fill your library before you fill your garage"   Budnicks

Chatt69chgr

I'm working on a 69.  I decided to go with .96 inch torsion bars.  Am using Moog rubber for all the bushings.  Decided to use the offset bushiing in the UCA to get additional caster.  Probably not necessary but I got the adjustable strut rods to allow the alignment mechanic more adjustment ability.  Am working on strengthing the K-member right now.  Basically doing what Firm Feel does.  Also bought a bigger front sway bar and a 3/4 rear sway bar and recently got the Firm Feel piece to help with sector shaft deflection.  Plan on getting the new Firm Feel Idler arm that uses Torrington bearings when it becomes available in a few months.  Had Firm Feel rebuild the steering box to Stage 2. You didn't ask but I will be replacing the lower radiator support with one from Auto Rust Technicians made from 11 gauge steel to give more rigidity to the front unibody.  Final changes will be torque boxes and weld in frame connectors.  Have not selected shocks yet.  Many say to buy the Monroes's and paint them black.  They say that some of the others were too harsh and that pot holes would rattle your fillings out of your teeth.  I'd like to get the shock business figured out and get them ordered.

Budnicks

Quote from: Chatt69chgr on January 09, 2012, 08:07:44 PM
I'm working on a 69.  I decided to go with .96 inch torsion bars.  Am using Moog rubber for all the bushings.  Decided to use the offset bushiing in the UCA to get additional caster.  Probably not necessary but I got the adjustable strut rods to allow the alignment mechanic more adjustment ability.  Am working on strengthing the K-member right now.  Basically doing what Firm Feel does.  Also bought a bigger front sway bar and a 3/4 rear sway bar and recently got the Firm Feel piece to help with sector shaft deflection.  Plan on getting the new Firm Feel Idler arm that uses Torrington bearings when it becomes available in a few months.  Had Firm Feel rebuild the steering box to Stage 2. You didn't ask but I will be replacing the lower radiator support with one from Auto Rust Technicians made from 11 gauge steel to give more rigidity to the front unibody.  Final changes will be torque boxes and weld in frame connectors.  Have not selected shocks yet.  Many say to buy the Monroes's and paint them black.  They say that some of the others were too harsh and that pot holes would rattle your fillings out of your teeth.  I'd like to get the shock business figured out and get them ordered.
Sounds like a good set up... The Bilstiens or Edelbrock gas shocks would be just fine, no harsh ride in mine anyway, even with the, 1" tor.bars, poly bushed tubular A-arm stuff & heavy sway-bars...
"fill your library before you fill your garage"   Budnicks

Inspector71

I hope you don't mind me glomming onto your great thread post. I am facing the same question this spring or summer. I was wondering if I might as well switch over to disc brakes at that time. Any opinions?

Budnicks

Quote from: Inspector71 on January 10, 2012, 04:24:57 PM
I hope you don't mind me glomming onto your great thread post. I am facing the same question this spring or summer. I was wondering if I might as well switch over to disc brakes at that time. Any opinions?
Sure, especially if your already got everything tore apart all ready, it's the perfect time to do a disc. brake conversion...
"fill your library before you fill your garage"   Budnicks


nvrbdn

 :scratchchin: got diaberticullosis and cant eat popcorn. so i gotta scratch. :D
70 Dodge Charger 500
70 Duster (Moulin Rouge)
73 Challenger
50 Dodge Pilot House