Crown Victoria front suspension for my 70 Charger

[cptjohn]

Has any one on here tried installing the coil-over suspension with rack and pinion and 12" discs from  2003-05 Crown Victoria on their Charger?   Looks like it would be a neat package if not too inane to install?  Less expensive than an after market setup.

[Baldwinvette77]

Alot of guys suggested that to me, it looks neat, but with it being aluminum, your only option is to bolt it in place, simple enough, but im more comfortable with steel, Just incase things need to be persuaded into place 

[cptjohn]

Do you know of anyone who has actually check it out as Fars a fitment?

[Mike DC]

  
Less expensive than an aftermarket setup . . . and probably less effective than just making some smart changes to the stock suspension.  

Decent steering feel and decent size discs are totally achievable from the stock setup if you do it right.  

[Ghoste]

100% agreed.

[Kern Dog]

Different isn't always better.
Setting aside the fact that I'd be REALLY hesitant to put any FORD parts in my car, the factory suspension in our cars can be competitive with some aftermarket parts. Bigger Torsion bars, stiffer bushings, Bilstien shocks, bigger sway bars and a Firm Feel rebuild of your steering box will have you smiling more than you ever expected.

[cptjohn]

I was just looking at the Ford suspension due to the low initial purchase price of $500-750 for the complete system including rack and pinion plus craziness of installation.  Thanks for the input.

[jaak]

I haven't personally used one myself, but it seems like that's beginning to become a popular front suspension for hotrodders. It's cheap, dependable, and because CV are fleet vehicles, parts are readily available and cheap! I would love to see a thread installing one!

Jason

[JR]

The objection I have to this idea is that the Crown Vic suspension is well know to have crappy geometry and isnt regarded to have good handling even in a stock crown Vic. It's basic geometry dates back to the late 70s.

You'd basically be hacking out your crappy, outdated Chrysler suspension, just to fit crappy, outdated slightly newer Ford suspension. Not to mention killing a huge chunk of resale value of your car to begin with.

There was another member here looking at fitting the rear IRS from a 350z on the rear of his 68. I was on board with that idea as it could actually improve handling/drivability. Although, granted it too kills the collectibality of the car.

If you're OK with the idea of spending 750, plus labor to fit the tuna boat suspension on your car, you should look at the cost of a standard suspension rebuild, thicker T bars, and subframe connectors. You'll be well ahead.

Also, you should really drive a Crown Vic (or any Panther chassis) just to be sure. I promise the experience will remove any lingering thoughts of the idea.

[cptjohn]

Thanks JR.  That's the kind of information I am looking for.  Will do some more saving and stay with aftermarket improvements to the stock setup improvments.

[myk]

Hotchkis.net

*shocks-$500
*sway bars-$600
*torsion bars-$400

Pricier than the Crown 'Vic setup, but I can almost guarantee that with just those parts your Charger will meet or outpace a Crown 'Vic in the handling department; assuming of course that your brakes and wheel/tire combo are up to snuff as well...

[Ghoste]

I bet it could outhandle it right now if the stock stuff was properly rebuilt and set up.

[polywideblock]

super duper shocks etc are well and good but don't forget a comprehensive rebuild kit from PST or one of the other makers   

          this is the one I got for mine     http://www.ebay.com/itm/130963099097?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649