I guess I have three areas of questions for my 1973 Dart Swinger

1) I was going to ask about rear leaf springs (from JC Whitney), whether I should get 4 or 5 leaf, but I noticed another recent thread. Although the question of 4 or 5 leaf wasn't really answered, the quality of those springs was questioned, and ESPO was recommended.

I called ESPO for the price of the springs, theirs are only $20 more, but they charge $70 for shipping (JCW - free shipping), making theirs $90 more. Is the price worth it? Should I get 4 or 5 leaf?

When I get them (either one), should I press out the rubber bushings and install the poly?

2) Front suspension kits. I was considering PST or Performance Supension, but I read in some posts a while back about the PST bushings wearing out too fast. Now it seems I should consider ESPO also.

I haven't decided on rubber or poly yet, and I get the feeling that this has been debated to death. Can you supply me with a link to one of the poly vs rubber debates (or just put your opinion in this thread).

Also, the Performance Suspension site says their poly bushings have imbedded graphite, does this reduce/eliminate the sqeaking?

3) KYB shocks - $35 each, Edlebrock IAS $70 each. Is there a noticable difference? I'm thinking the KYBs should be fine, but if the handling improves dramatically between the two, it might be worth the extra for the Edlebrock.

Thanks!

D/W

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If it ain't broke, fix it!

...link with some (not all) links:

http://www.slantsix.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=16865

D/W

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If it ain't broke, fix it!

My understanding regarding the KYB vs. Edelbrocks is not an improvement in handling but the ability to better dampen the ride when used with very stiff torsion bars/leafs. Unless you're going with .920 torsion bars and 6-leaf rear springs (or stiffer), Edlebrocks are probably not necessary. Just my two cents.

VM

Another source for suspension rebuild kits, this time with TRW rubber:
http://store.yahoo.com/chucker54/manciniracing10.html

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"When you find a big kettle of crazy, it's best not to stir it." - Pointy-haired Boss

1964 Valiant V200, 225/Pushbutton 904
BBD, CAI, HEI, LBP, AC, AM/FM/USB, EIEIO

The discussion regarding shocks came up recently on the Early Valiant Barracuda club message board. The sense that I get from those guys is that the KYBs are too stiffly damped on the compression stroke, making the car skittish on turns, especially on uneven pavement. They describe it as the car bouncing across the tops of the bumps and getting out of shape on anything less than totally smooth pavement. Given that bit of information I think I am going to opt for the Edelbrock or Bilstien shocks. I'm a ways away from having to make the decision anyway.

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

Really, I think my KYB's work rather well, and haven't noticed that.

I've seen that symptom more with stiffer than stock springs........... (Mine are stock)

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Ed
64 Valiant 225 / 904 / 42:1 manual steering / 9" drum brakes

Likewise, the handling and ride on my A-bodies has never done anything but improve noticeably when going from parts-store shocks to KYBs. I haven't tried Edelbrock or Bilstein in this application, though.

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一期一会
Too many people who were born on third base actually believe they've hit a triple.

Where can you get Bilstiens for the Dart? I put some Bilstiens on my Ford Ranger, and those are some great shocks. My truck doesn't bounce all over like it used to, and really hugs the corners much better.

Unfortunately there is no direct fit Bilstien for a Dart or Valiant. You have to get some extra parts and modify them. The information was originally posted on Mopax and more recently summarized on EVBC (Early Valiant-Barracuda Club).

A group of those guys recently went together to place an order for some SPAX shocks and I would have done that too but they were priced just a little out of my range at the time. Story of my life, a day late and a dollar short. LOL.

From what I read, the KYBs should be perfectly fine for everyday driving with stock suspension. The problems I mentioned earlier seem to occur when higher spring rates are used and the car is pushed to near its cornering limit - not the kind of thing that most people do on a day to day basis.

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David Kight
'62 Valiant Signet, White
'98 Dodge Dakota
'06 Jeep Liberty

Growing older is unavoidable but growing up is strictly optional.

I'm really happy with the Edelbrock IAS's on my car. (6 leaf rear springs and .920" torsion bars) They are designed so that they are softer in compression over quick bumps and harder on smooth roads.

I have never tried KYBs, though, so I can't make a comparison.

I wanted to add also that I was not impressed by the quality in my PST kit a few year ago. The lower ball joints wore out quickly, and I replaced everything with Moog parts.

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'68 Dodge Dart 4dr Sedan