I believe QA1 makes adjustable strut bars for the front end of my Dodge Dart. What do they improve? Do they need to be adjusted once they're installed?

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Racing Dart

I installed adjustable strut bars in my '73 Dart. They improved my radio. Not directly, but once I got tired of listening to the new struts make noise in exchange for no perceptible handling benefit, I fixed the radio so I could (sorta) drown out the noise.

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

Adjustable strut rods are an important piece to be able to precisely and reliably set up your suspension. That said, I would look at Hotchkis units as apposed to the QA-1 units.

If you are not doing high performance handling, and your car has not been in a wreck, I would just use the MOOG problem solver strut rod bushings. These can alleviate binding in the suspension in some cases. Some people pull the rods in and get more pos caster, but that sounds like a recipe for binding to me.

I have used Bill Reilly's units (reillymotorsports.com) and they work well. I would probably also stay away from the QA1s, but I have not seen their stuff recently. They will make a little bit more noise than stock.

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

The firmer front struts improved the evenness and predictability of brakeing. You won't fully feel the effect of brake application until any other possible movement in the front end has taken place, and the rubber strut rod bushings will allow some movement. That being said, the ride is slightly harsher and slightly noisier. This improved braking was felt with every front end upgrade I made.

The biggest improvement in this regard was the result of front end improvements that keep the suspension on either side from bottoming out when braking. If one side touches first that side instantly is stopping better. Those improvements include good shocks, front sway bar, heavier torsion bars, and a ride height not set too low. I think the bottom line for me is I would not put in these solid front strut rods again. However, it did improve the braking.

Sam

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