I've got the front suspension of my 63 Valiant completely taken apart, and I'm looking for recommendations for new torsion bars and also for rear leaf springs because those will be removed and replaced with a new set as well. Ultimately, I'd like the ride height to be a bit lower (2-3") than stock. Here are the parts I will be using for reassembly:

1. Stock control arms
2. All new rubber front-end kit from ESPO
3. Scarebird disk-brake conversion kit
4. 14" x 5.5" steelies with either 195/70/14s or 205/70/14s (haven't decided on these yet either, any recommendations here?)
5. KYB shocks all around

It has power steering, and the original slant six will be rebuilt (basically stock) and replaced, so I'm not looking for anything wild handling wise. Just looking for recommendations on torsion bars and leaf springs to use with the hardware I already have in order to ride a bit lower than stock.

Thanks!

ESPO will custom arch a set of springs, or de-arch them, more to the point. I got a set of Just Suspension 1.00" torsion bars for my ragtop, which I thought might be too stiff, but which I now like a lot.

_________________
/6 '67 Barracuda convertible, electronic ignition, 4-OD, street cam, SBP KH discs, 3.55 SG 7.25" 1" t-bars. Bilstein.
340 '67 fastback, Doug Nash 5-speed.
1988 Toyota pickup work truck

I would strongly advise getting the Edelbrock IAS shocks. They are worlds better than the KYBs in handling and ride, and can handle higher spring/tbar rates.

For a stock-ish streeter, I would maybe step up to 0.890" or so.

Lou

_________________
Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

I put .870 bars in my 63 PT# P5249149 (mopar) with 2" drop spindles.The car is a 170 (stock) manual steering and the 73 up power disc brakes. Good ride and the handling is improved. Rear springs are stock.I agree with Lou on the shocks as mine has KYB. Harsh ride. I think a front sway bar would really make it handle better.

Thanks for the suggestions, guys. Based on the info you've supplied, here is my plan:

1. Order 2" de-arched 6-leaf rear springs from ESPO
2. Install minimum .890" torsion bars and crank down the adjusting bolts to drop the front end a bit.

A guy on FABO is selling a used set of 892/893 bars pretty cheap. Would you guys advise against buying used bars?

I would like to go with the IAS shocks and dropped spindles, but due to my budget, they'll have to go onto the "Phase 2" upgrade list. The KYBs are new with 0 miles, so I'll see how they do for the time being.

Offer $40 for the bars.