new suspension and brakes

[Stegs]

I was watching graveyard cars last night, and they were installing a aftermarket front suspension and a disc brake conversion


I was wondering if anybody here has done that, and what the ballpark cost is for each?


i just spent alot of money to have 4 new drums put on my car, so maybe this year i will upgrade the suspension so it handles a little better


what does a "kit" cost, what are some good manufactures?

I have heard good things about hotchkiss?

[Donks01]

I actually have the same question. Restoring a 68, and I am to the point where I am starting on the front suspension. Looking at buying the front end kit with all new ball joints and what not. Also want to get the front disc brake conversion with power booster. Is it easy to install? Not sure. I also did see the aftermarket front k frame with the brakes coil over shocks and all the good stuff. I am also looking for any advice. Thanks.

[BLK 68 R/T]

Check out Dr.Diff and other places like P-S-T. You will find lots of info. The full blown retrofits with the coil over suspension can get quite costly.

[HPP]

If your talking about the fabricated K frames and structure with coil over conversions, prices start around $4k front, $2k rear and only go up from there based on options added.

By contrast, a complete bolt in Hotchkis set up front and rear will run around $3500.

You also can trick out the stock stuff by scrounging around for bargains and cherry picking various components for a bit under $2k but you had better be up on the required mods and johnny on the spot when a bargain comes up.

[RamZCharger]

I have the Hotchkiss stuff and Dr. Diff's upgraded brake kit, I discuss both in my build thread - RamZCharger's 6.4 Hemi . . .

The prices quoted are accurate, and I am really pleased with the suspension and brakes.  Every now and then you can catch a sale for the Hotchkiss components, and Summit carries them.  If you are keeping your 15" wheels, Dr. Diff's is claimed to be the largest brakes you can fit in them.

Good luck, Darren 

[polywideblock]

got mine from PST  check out their ebay store for specials/bargains     
     
                http://stores.ebay.com/PSTbay/Front-End-Kits-/_i.html?_nkw=mopar&submit=Search&_fsub=6268845014&_sid=2636964

[NHCharger]

When I restored my 68 I upgraded the front end.
New bushing kit from PST.
Tubular upper control arms.
Reinforcement plates on lower control arms.
HD sway bar.
Front body core stiffener.
Also converted my brakes from manual drums to power assist front disc. and all SS brake lines.

All the front end upgrades cost me around $1,200.00.
Bought the brake system from Fine Lines at Carlisle for $650ish. They gave me a deal on the brake lines since I bought them when I purchased the brake kit. I had two issues on the brake install. They have great customer service. answered all my questions over the phone and shipped out some replacement parts the next day at no cost.

edit** here is a link to my build. Shows most of what I was yakking about above.
http://www.dodgecharger.com/forum/index.php/topic,95536.75.html

[Donks01]

Thanks everyone. I've been reading up a lot here, and I am going to start with welding up the K frame, sub frame connectors, and torque boxes. As far as a bushing kit, everyone has different opinions. Form what I read, Moog UCA's offset bushings is the way to go, then purchasing everything individual from you local auto parts store. I will check out Dr. Diff. Thanks!javascript:void(0);

[Lennard]

You can save a lot of money if you buy the Moog parts at www.Rockauto.com

[HPP]

You can save a lot of money if you buy the Moog parts at www.Rockauto.com

Or TRW is another decent choice.