Diving into the great suspension unknown!

[dlo3575]

I am helping my son redo his entire front suspension on his 1969 Charger.  I have never done any work on a MOPAR (I am primarily a Chevy guy).  We are fortunate to a have a nice shop with a two post lift.  I have his car up in the air, motor IN the car, and all suspension off including the cradle (crossmember).  I had planned on getting it blasted then powder coated.  I want to re assemble it on the bench, then bolt it to the car, drop in the tortion bars and be done.  I am secretly hoping that the motor will be done in time so I can go ahead and pull the motor and do this at the same time.  My son did not want to pull the motor at this time for fear this car would not be back on the road for a long time. He wants to keep it as a driver.  I relented, but we will see if the machine shop can do the 440 quickly. 

Now, I would like to hear any good idea's, warnings, tips and saving saving ideas that any of you MOPAR experts might have.......

I would also like to have and links to some helpful web sites, parts and pictures of other's tips/info/ideas.......

[b5blue]

You could send the K frame to Firm Feel, they weld, correct/adjust as needed and add extra bracing to the steering box mounting giving you a much stronger assembly to build off of. Use an engine shop that KNOWS Mopar big blocks, there are a few super build combos here that can save you lots of trial and error combinations in the proven combos section. Dig in around here using the "search" feature and order a factory service manual (FSM) for reference, Bishiko Books is a good source for that, he has an eBay store with good prices for CD or hard copy FSM's.   

[Troy]

Just FYI, the factory installed the engine, transmission, steering, and front suspension as a complete unit *from the bottom*. It would have been a piece of cake to drop it all at once (handy to clean the engine compartment, engine, etc.). Plus you wouldn't have had nearly as any hard-to-reach bolts.

As mentioned, the Factory Service Manual is worth its weight in gold (I buy everything from Bishko).

Reinforcing the k-frame helps but isn't a necessity. If you can weld, Firm Feel will sell you just the stiffening parts they use and you can do it yourself without eating the cost of shipping both ways. If you've got a local powder coating place that does good work it's even better.

You can buy the Moog parts through many vendors. Rock Auto generally has good prices. Make sure you get the offset (upper?) bushings so you have more control over the alignment.

I bought a special tool set for removing all the ball joints and steering components. It was pricey but saved me tons of time and aggravation. I have more than one car too so I can spread out the cost so it doesn't feel so bad. I got them through a different vendor but the manufacturer is here:
http://americanmuscle.carshopinc.com/product_info.php/products_id/96914/23000BE

Make sure the machine shop knows something about Mopars. Most places won't have torque plates to use when boring them. You'll find that most parts (and some labor) are more expensive than other makes. That's what you get to deal with when the production numbers are much smaller than other brands. Mancini Racing is generally one of the best places to buy Mopar mechanical parts and has a very good selection. Summit and Jegs also carry a large amount.

Troy

[dlo3575]

Thank you for the great advice guys.  The links to the tool suppliers is very helpful, as well as the K member info.  Please feel free to post your comments and tips!  thank you!

[green69rt]

Thank you for the great advice guys.  The links to the tool suppliers is very helpful, as well as the K member info.  Please feel free to post your comments and tips!  thank you!

I tried to send my K frame off to Firm Feel about 6 months ago and they told me that they don't do a K frame upgrade anymore, they just sell the kit for DIY.