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Time to RE-Suspend

Started by 440 Fanatic, October 08, 2012, 09:02:13 AM

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440 Fanatic

I just started tearing my front suspension on my '68 down last night and am installing a PST full kit (non-poly). I got the driver side completely apart and was amazed that the torsion bar slid back as easily as it did with not a whole lot of effort.
I've replaced various suspension parts over my 35-40 years of car work but have never completely rebuilt a front end.
About 3 months ago I got a good paying job and have been buying Charger parts almost constantly since.  :icon_smile_big:

I put a great deal of study into this project before I ever started and damned if I didn't get ahead of myself anyway and screw up almost immediately. I was removing the brake backplate and had all of the steering knuckle nuts off and used my air impact to draw the lower bolts out,  but, like a an over excited teen about to get his first 'piece' ,,I hadn't backed off of the ride height bolt yet...  :slap:
Destroyed the threads on the one I pulled out,  (already have a set ordered for reassembly).
I took a few pics, but left my camera at my shop. Will try to take several as I continue this adventure.

After having read many posts on this subject, this is the geometry I'm shooting for:(Running power steering and bfg radials.)

Caster   +4* to +5* if possible.
Camber -.5* to -1*
Toe in    1/16" to 1/8"

I read in one post (by Chryco I believe) that the LCA pivot shaft should be torqued down while close to ride height position, which makes perfect sense and I wouldn't have thought of that with all else that I'd be concerned with.

Are there any other general tips such as this that the suspension gurus here would suggest?

Thanks for all the knowledge I gained here that has helped with my project.

Pics to come soon :)

Iron Chef

I had the non-poly kit installed on my '71 Charger, along with a Hellwig rear bar.  I think you'll be very happy and surprised at just how well the car will corner.  I also put on Koni shocks.  As soon as it comes out of paint, I have 17 x 8" cast aluminum Magnum 500's going on with Goodrich KDW tires.  Can't wait to take her out on the twisties!
Most of your life should be "off the record."

HPP

You might want to ditch the poly upper control arm bushing for the Moog offset bushings to help you in achieving your caster settings. Install them the opposite way of the instructions to achieve more caster.

After you drop the car back down, set your ride height with the tires you are going to use. When you take it in for alignment with your requested specs, tell them not to alter ride height at all.  If they say they can't alter the factory setting in their computer, then tell them to give you an alignment for an '05 Mustang. They will mess with it then come out and tell you they can't get 7* of caster and 4 .5* is all it will take. Smile and say thanks.