The final alignment specs with Bill's tubular A arms and solid strut is as follows:
Caster; +9* (you read that right), camber; -.7*, toe in; .14". This car now handles like no other Dart I've ever driven. I also upgraded the torsion bars to the Big block dart bars (I believe .940"). It cuts quickly and precisely on sharp turns, and tracks straight as an arrow at 90 MPH. An added bonus is the brakes work much better with the solid front strt ends. I highly recomend this package. Some slight increase in harshness over rough pavement: pebbles, patches in the road, and seams in the road.
And the neat thing,it has just the stock small sway bar, and I haven;t even put big, agressive tires on it, they are just 205/65/15. As it turns out, the smaller back space on the wheels had nothing to do with the funny handling I complained about before doing this upgrade. The wierdness was all the fault of the idler arm, and a loose steering box. The bolts were not tight. I cannot remember who tipped me off to that, but it was someone on this board, and they were right on. Thanks for all the help! I could not have done this without the tips and web site info generated here. Again, this car is now a blast to drive.

Dartvader....you got just the A-arms and struts? I read the BBD board, too, and have been hearing nothing but good about his AlterKtion setup. I'm starting to think it might be something to consider for my '68.

Roger

His Alterkation set up probably offers advantages over the upgraded stock suspension, but the stock suspension with the good A arms, stiff torsion bars, and solid struts is pretty good. My guess is his alterkation set up rides better, and still handles better, but that is just a guess. If I remember correctly, the alterkation front end has rack and pinion steering. My guess about the character of the alterkation front suspension is based on the handling and ride of newer cars with suspensions similar to the coil over set- up he offers. The parts I used are listed under the heading "stock suspension upgrades", on his web site. Based on my experience with the parts I have used, I would say his engineering and execution are both very good. Spend some time on his web site, read all his articles and contributions, and then talk to him in person, and you get the feeling he knows as much about this as anybody out there right now. He exudes a quiet, non blustery belief in his theories that gives one confidence in him. No, he didn't pay me to say this stuff.

Sorry if i fell out of a stupid tree but what is the web site and how much does the standard stock set go for?
thanks

www.bigblockdart.com
Scroll down, and under suspension select "Custom K & Suspension" for the alterkation.

My Applogies to Dart270 when I said I had driven no other Dart that handled like this one now does. I forgot I had driven his '64 Dart, and it is so different from you average Dart, that I forgot to consider it in the mix. His Dart is pretty amazing with it's big tires, stiff suspension, manual steering, and big sway bar. I'm sure there are many others out there that have been tricked to the point of being quit a ball to drive too. I was simply exercizing a bit of hyperbole there to express my pleasure with the results. No offense intended for those of you out there who take pride in your great machines, and certainly no challenge was laid down either.

No offense or challenge taken, Vader. I'm interested to compare your car to the Road Goblin...

Lou

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Home of Slant6-powered fun machines since 1988

Thanks for the review; I may want to get a set for my '66 after I get the turbo running. The info about the steering problems is helpful too; my Dart has a bit of a wandering problem even though I replaced virtually all the wear components in the suspension and steering except the Pitman arm, idler arm, and steering box. Perhaps it's time for a Firm Feel unit!

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"Mad Scientist" Matt Cramer
'66 Dart - turbocharged 225
My blog - Mad Scientist Matt's Lair

Mat, you are more than welcome. Does your idler arm move up and sown at all when you push on it firmly. If so, don't rule it out as a problem.I will be bugging you soon enough on your turbo issues, as I have every intention of putting a turbo on my '69 slant.