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Suspension 101
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Author:  Lawndart [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:03 am ]
Post subject:  Suspension 101
I'm starting the restoration of a 63 Dart ht. It had been sitting in storage for about 10 years and did not run when I bought it and I've pulled the engine for rebuild. I want to keep it a mostly stock cruiser.

Are there any pointers for things I should do on my suspension especially while I have the engine out of the car? I am planning to change to a dual master, finding some 14 inch wheels and replacing brakes pads and bearings etc.

What else probably needs replaced/refurbished etc?

Thanks for any input you can give.
Author:  slantvaliant [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 9:40 am ]
Post subject: 
If you have the time and funds, consider replacing the suspension bushings, ball joints, tie rods, etc.
Look closely at the K-member for problems. It'll probably be filthy. Plan on some heavy scraping.
How's your steering gearbox? Idler arm socket?
If you want to upgrade, and you're taking the suspension apart anyway, it'd be a good time. I like Late-A disks, heavier torsion bars, better shocks, rubber bushings, etc.
Oh, and clean up the engine bay while you have easy access. Think about repainting. Body color is nice.
Author:  Lawndart [ Thu Nov 19, 2009 2:45 pm ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Slantvaliant. This is good stuff.
Author:  slantvaliant [ Fri Nov 20, 2009 6:50 am ]
Post subject: 
There are many, many threads here on improvements.
Search "bushings", "brake swap", "tie rod", "strut", etc.

If you're really brave, search "poly". :wink:

Please remember that our members' cars come from all parts of the special interest car field - ratrods, museum pieces, daily drivers, dragsters, autocrossers, road racers, and combinations thereof. Needs and opinions on how to meet them vary, to put it mildly.

Another resource is Tom Condran's book, "Performance Handling for Classic Mopars". It's not perfect, but has some good how-to's. Put that with the factory service manual and some research here and elsewhere online, and you'll be set!
Author:  carpdar [ Sat Nov 21, 2009 1:43 am ]
Post subject: 
I'm familular with handling theory and componants but somewhat un-informed to mopar A-body handling..

EITHERWAY! I've have my 64' valiant since 2004 and it was parked when i got it (hey like you O.o), but i drove it as-is after changine a rusty brake line, rear axle brake flex line, and checking the brakes (do those first). Awhile ago after driving it for 3 years and reading about my car, i tested the bushings and suspension to the best of my abilities and figured the steering box was loose, shocks were past their prime, and most importantly the strut bar bushings were toast.

By strut bar i dont mean a sway bar or torsion bar, i mean the bar that goes from the spindle (i think) to the front of the car. Its like a torsion bar that goes frontwards, and i discovered it really affects the dynamic allignment during turn in. I experianced severe understeer and a outside 'wheel scrubbing' sensation untill i changed that bushing with an OEM spec one. I hear magnum force racing sells adjustable strut bars for tuning the handling in that aspect. Maybe theres poly bushings for the stock bars.

Other than that I'd put in a front sway bar, stiffer rear springer, and set the height lower with the torsion bar adjustments and lower rear leafs?

Is it for road racing or drag racing?
Author:  Lawndart [ Mon Nov 23, 2009 8:33 am ]
Post subject: 
Thanks Carpdar.

Yes from what I understand the early A-bodies like the 63 and 64 have pretty identical front ends. I'm an newbie myself so I don't know a lot about suspension. I just figured it would be easier to get at some of the front end components with the engine out of the way. Since it is so old and has been sitting so long I assume that I will need to replace most of the bushings in the front end. I like the idea of polyeurethane but I've heard it tends to squeak more than rubber.

I won't be racing the car and plan to use it as more of a Sunday cruiser.

Thanks for your Carpdar and good luck with your 64
Author:  sandy in BC [ Mon Nov 23, 2009 9:46 am ]
Post subject: 
In your case I would get the car running and take it in for a wheel alignment. They will tell you what you need.

Poly bushings are controversial. I love them....use them in everything.
Others on this board think they are like Darwins Theory of Evolution......or Universal Health Care.

It really not any easier to do the suspension with the motor out.
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