It's Time for an OVERHAUL!

[NYCMille]

Well... it's been about 38,000 miles since I did anything to the suspension of Charger. I knew everything was worn, beat up and just plain old, so I figured it was time to go through everything from front to rear. I also just entered into the One Lap of America next month so I figured I'd best get the Charger back to tip top shape. This is supposed to be the toughest road going event in the United States. It's 8 days and 4000 miles, hitting and racing on 8 different racetrack around the United States and since I want to do well, I figure I'd spring for a suspension rebuild.

The diagnosis... is not pretty, but no more than I expected. I also remember the day I brought the Charger home. Seriously, you could eat off it, it was perfect on top as well below. Now everything is just plain old with A LOT of foot to the floor, beat it to death miles. The undercarriage is completely covered in road grime so for those with a week stomach - look away now.

The following is in need of replacement before the event and these pics were taken today.

• All shocks
• All bushing from front to rear - and yes, polyurethane does in fact wear out.
• New brake pads - went with the Hawk HP Plus instead of the HPS Pads
• Flushed brake system and put in new Motul RBF 600 fluid
• Replaced rear swaybar bushings,
• Replaced lower control arm bushings
• Had a leak in the radiator so that's getting pressure tested and fixed.
• New Plugs / Wires / cap & rotor
• Full transmission / Gear Vendor service
• New high flow water pump
• New belts
• New Yokohama ADVAN Neova ADO8 tires
• New header / Collector gaskets
• Transmission Pan gasket / Redline Fluid
• Oil Pan gasket / K&N Filter / 8 quarts mobil 1 15w50
• Rear end gasket
• Felpro Valve cover gaskets

hmm... I think that's it. Keep in mind that thing has beaten on mercilessly for the last 6 years and has never given me any issues, so with that being said, I am looking forward to MR. ANGRY getting some new shoes, new pads and some much needed suspender upgrades. I'll keep everyone posted.

[NYCMille]

more pics...

[NYCMille]

more...

[RD]

sounds like a lot of "FUN" and tedious (FUN) work to do!!! when does the supercharger get put on?

[Back N Black]

For 38,000 miles it looks dam good. Let us know how it handles with all the upgrades.

[WHITE AND RED 69]

Even dirty, it still looks great! Your chargers color combo and stance will always be one of my favorites.  

[7chargers]

Also one of my favorite Chargers!! Good work Mr. Anger... Say what kind of rims and what size does MR. Angery WEAR?

[NYCMille]

Rims are 17x8 front / 18x10s rear 255/45/17 - 285 / 40/18

[69bronzeT5]

Looking good Mike!!!! I need to do an overhaul of my Duster's suspension and etc before summer. Not as full board as yours but bushings, shocks and gaskets need to be replaced for sure.

[Charger440RDN]

My favorite black Charger , it's nice to see a classic MOPAR that is actually driven and used for what it was built for

[tan top]

 

[Smokey Bear]

Good time to add a baffled pan like a "402". Then again, you must not be having any problems with oil. Good lesson for those who have to spend mega dollars on all the best - a car that gets driven harder than virtually all of them gets by with a plain-jane stock pan!

[Hemidog]

Great work Mike!

[NYCMille]

Good time to add a baffled pan like a "402". Then again, you must not be having any problems with oil. Good lesson for those who have to spend mega dollars on all the best - a car that gets driven harder than virtually all of them gets by with a plain-jane stock pan!

Yep, stock oil pan... keep in mind though that I do have a 3 quart Accusump on top, one of the best things you can do to prevent oil starvation!

[HITMAN 149]

hey mike...
did you have to take your fenders off to put on those XV braces?!?!?

[MichaelRW]

It's threads like this one that has me wishing sometimes to have a car like yours instead of my matching numbers car. If I had to do it over again I would get a non-numbers matching car and have more fun with it.

[NYCMille]

did you have to take your fenders off to put on those XV braces?!?!?

I would definitely recommend that you do, as it's SOOO much easier with the fenders off. Also, if you're going to do the inner fender well braces also make sure you do the radiator support as well. I did these mods 4 years ago and you'd be amazed at how well they work to stiffening up these cars.

It's threads like this one that has me wishing sometimes to have a car like yours instead of my matching numbers car. If I had to do it over again I would get a non-numbers matching car and have more fun with it.

Dude, all my suspension and brake stuff is all bolt-on. No reason you can't do that and still play.

[8WHEELER]

Keep up the good work on that car. I still can't believe that car lived 15 minutes away from me here in WA,
and I only saw it one time, and that was just driving past me I never saw it stopped, I don't think he
ever evan took to a car show, next thing I know it was on Ebay..........

Maybe I am missing something, but with the driving you do, and all HP engines came with them, why
aren't you running a baffled pan? I know you have an upgraded oiling system, but I ran into big problem
30yrs ago not having one in my charger.

Dan

[Rolling_Thunder]

Looking good Mike!  Glad to see someone is out there driving their Charger -  Mine is inching closer and closer to completion but it just takes time and money ---   I am waiting on wheels at this point - fuel lines, electrical, and brakes --- then I am out cruising myself - hopefully by this summer.

[1970Moparmann]

Hmm, One Lap America looks pretty damn good!  May just have to take a day and watch you guys at Road America! 

Mike, your car is inspirational, and helped me make some of my decisions when building.