As I am planning on putting in the 8 3/4 rear on the '72 Valiant, I was thinking of putting in new leafs, offset shackles and offset hangers. I was curious on your opinions of just stock leaf springs vs. HD ones? I don't want my car looking lifted on the back, I like the stance it is at (pics on my link below). I also would like to know your opinions on torsion bar sizes for handling. I will in the future be souping up the slant to tear up the streets. I just want it to handle good on the road first.

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-1972 Valiant-

'72 Valiant

You can get HD (6 leaf) springs from Espo, stock height or up to 2" higher or lower. I have them on my Swinger — quite firm.

I also have .890 (big block) torsion bars up front, but wish I'd gone stiffer.

From what I've learned, the #1 KEY to running stiff springs and bars on the street is having a GOOD shock absorber. That means Edelbrocks at least, QA's at best. I know KYB's are popular around here, and that's what I have on my Swinger, but I can't stand 'em. They seem to "pump up" over bumps, the ride gets harsh, and traction seems to suffer.

I've ridden around in a buddy's Valiant with 1"+ torsion bars, HD springs out back and QA-1 adjustable shocks all around. INCREDIBLY firm and controlled but doesn't beat you up on bumps. It convinced me! Now if I could just afford $150/shock. At least they're rebuildable...

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vm

kybs suck. They gas charge the crap out of them to make up for soft springs which means they add harshness without control.

Everyone has an opinion, and here's mine:

I ran .980 bars on my '64 Dart with the old MP black shocks (do they still make those?) and I kinda wished I went stiffer. But I went with soft rear springs (sagged OEM 5-leaf). That's a real good way to set up a street car - big front swaybar bar, stiff front springs, soft rear springs, smallish (or no) rear swaybar. Use rubber leaf spring eye bushings if you use a rear swaybar. I used urethane for a while and it was unpredictably tail-happy on corner exit. This is for street/autocross, BTW.

For my DD 4-door valiant I'm going with just front swaybar, stock or maybe .890 t-bars, 5-leaf springs and no rear bar.

I did forget to add that this is my DD right now and has been since high school, i'm only 21 and love old cars! I would like to however get another car so that I don't have to drive the Valiant in harsh weather...winter isn't that nice here + salt! So, I think I will get a front swaybar, 6 leaf stock height springs (IDK if I would like 2" higher, I need photoshop...and I don't want it 2" lower), and some good shock absorbers (seems like Edelbrocks or QA-1 Adjustable shocks?). Thanks for the comments guys

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-1972 Valiant-

'72 Valiant

I looked on ESPO and couldn't find a listing for just leaf springs, only bushings and stuff? Is this the cheapest place for leafs for the a-body? What do you guys think of .990 torsion bars?

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-1972 Valiant-

'72 Valiant

Your stock rear springs are probably already sagged 2", I know mine were. Also, 6-leaf springs will be stiffer and will sag less with just the weight of the car on it than your old springs. So overall 6-leaf springs 2" lower might just be about the same as your car is now, depending.

Would that be Clair's Valiant by chance?

What are ya, psychic? Yeah, I saw "Elvira" in person for the first time last April. Clair got a kick out of telling me to sit on her front fender. I weigh 200 lbs, and Elvira didn't budge a millimeter.

That's one cool car, "patina" and all. Aside from the small block, that is.

Once he gets his home grown GM MPFI tuned, it'll be one heck of a ride. And Clair's earned my respect when it comes to suspension tuning.

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vm

Call Espo - I don't know why they don't show up on their web page. I noticed that too.

I had .980 in my dart and would have happily switched to .990 or even 1.00

Go for it!

Just make sure you have shocks that work with that spring rate.

So...Edelbrocks or QA-1 Adjustables will work with the .990 torsion bar spring rate?

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-1972 Valiant-

'72 Valiant

I have no personal experience with either but an adjustable shock should have no problem keeping up with whatever spring rate you choose.

For what it's worth Clair has recommended the Edelbrocks up to .890 bars. Anything bigger should get the QA-1's.

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vm

I'm running 1.04" torsion bars and QA1 shocks on my '67 Valiant and it rides very well. It doesn't lean like it used to, but still needs a front sway bar. I already have 17" wheels and tires, but need 1" spacers for the back. Let's please not have this devolve into a wheel spacer argument.

I happen to know Clair and have raced wheel to wheel with him. OK, it was go karts on the slick track, but I still beat him.

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Joshua

WOW, Clair's like some kind of MOVIE star or soemthin'! I had no idea!

I'll have to get his autograph and razz him a bit next time I see him...

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vm

KONI this side firm and controlled

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Regards,
Fanie Gerber
It's never junk, it's just a part you're not currently using

http://www.valiant50.co.za
Just say I own a few Mopars