I'm just about ready to install all new front suspension parts on my 64 dart convertable. I have read many posts about the moog offset upper a-arm bushings as well as Tom Condran's excellent book "Performance Handling for Classic Mopars". Here is what I have learned so far:

Most early mopars do not have the desired amount of camber (hence the market of the Moog offset bushings).

More caster results in better high speed stability.

My questions is, don't I negate the camber increase by installing the bushings as Tom's book describes (see illustration "C").

I quess what I'd reallyt like to know is, what are the pros and cons for each installation scheme (A, B, C). This will be a street cruiser, with V8 t-bars, from sway bar. (disc upgrade as well and a 225 slant - of course) -thanks

Anyone have an opinion on this one? I'm going to install all of the front suspension parts in the morning and i'm still on the fence. Currently I have poly bushings in the a-arms but did pick up a set of the moog offsets because I was curious. Should I go for the additional camber or caster.... hmmm.

Because I plan to set the front end lower than stock (i like'm low) the additional camber seems like it would be the way to go. (illsutration B) Am I figur'n this correctly? -thanks

I have used the off-set uppers in both configs shown.
It is hard to know what the car will need ahead of time.

You can get the car onto the alignment rack before you take it apart and estimate if and where the off-set bushings need to go.

You can also rebuild everything but leave in the old uppers, get the car on the rack and see where you need more off-set, then change the upper bushings based on that knowledge.
DD

I went ahead and installed the standard ploy bushings for a place to start (illustration A). I'll change'm if the alignment deems it nessesary. I don't think I would have gotten any accurate idea about upper bushings requirements from the allignment befor the rebuild since every bushing, ball joint and tie-rod was original and looking to make my wife a widow. Took her and I three hours to install everthing, t-bars to swar bar, not bad considering we went slow, careful not to scratch anynew paint. thanks -shane

You're not confusing 'caster' and 'camber' are you?

To answer your question: no. I have Tom's book. If you look at it awhile, you'll see that installing the bushings as he shows will pull the upper ball joint toward the rear of the car, which is just what you want to do to increase caster.

I reently redid all the front bushings in my 74 Duster, using the offset bushings. I used all Moog bushings. Tom's book is a great reference for this task.

I can tell you the handling is like night and day better.

Edit: I looked at your first post again and I realize you know the difference between caster and camber.

The answer's the same: Think of it like this. With centered (stock) bushings, caster and camber are adjusted by turning the cammed adjuster bolts. Now, suppose most of your caster number can be achieved simply by the offset in the bushings themselves. This leaves almost the full adjustment at the bolts to get the desired camber.

Make sense? I can tell you that I had no problem getting either caster or camber numbers per Tom's specs using the offset (diagram C) method.

Well, except for the side that had the wrong strut rod. But that's another story.

_________________
It's a Slant thing. Even I don't understand.

1974 Duster, EFI /6 soon to be turbo...

Get that Monkay! Get that nasty thing!!