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Handling upgrades for Challenger

Posted By: RTSE4ME

Handling upgrades for Challenger - 05/31/08 07:19 PM

Here is what has been done so far......
Front:
Firm feel Stage3 box with fast ratio arms
Firm Feel UCAs
1" torsion bars
Moog 11/16 tie rods
QA1 shocks
Stock sway bar
AndyFs viper brake kit with Hydraboost
Rear:
Original Leaf Springs
Edelbrock shocks
DrDiff offset hangers with 69 b-body dana60
drum brakes
Tires: Front 245/45/17 Rear 275/50/17.
Alignment specs:
Caster +3.5
Camber -.5
Toe 1/32

What should be my next step? sway bars? rear springs?
Are the adjustable struts from RMS worth it? I have budget of $500.
Posted By: AlexP

Re: Handling upgrades for Challenger - 05/31/08 07:30 PM

I would get Koni's or QA1's for the rear and call it a day. You did a really similar build up to my car, how does it perform ?

I have..

MP 1.22" bars
FF Stage 4 'secret' box...a little firmer than the normal 3.
Konis front and rear Full 3 on front, 1.5 on rear.
Braced stock LCA's
Moog 9/16" tie rods, (I thought I got 11/16" but I mis ordered)
Poly bushings with reg Moog BJ's
CAP Tubular upper control arms
stock 15/16" front sway bar with Energy Suspension greaseable bushings
stock struts with Prothane bushings
stock rear leafs
Addco 7/8" rear bar
Yokohamas in 255/60/15 in front and 275/60/15 in rear
11.75" discs with Firm Feel Carbon metallic pads and MP alum MC in 1.125" stock 11" drums in the rear and I will put the FF shoes back there too.

I'm going to drop the ride height all around a little more, and align it soon. I hope for a really good performing combo, and when the tires are done for I will put a set of 17's on it and really tear it up.
Posted By: pro451bee

Re: Handling upgrades for Challenger - 05/31/08 07:38 PM

Frame conectors , torque boxes , front shock tower braces reinforced K frame etc. Some of the biggest gains are from a ridgid body and frame .

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Posted By: AlexP

Re: Handling upgrades for Challenger - 05/31/08 07:40 PM

I have frame connectors ready to go in also, and I might buy the XV Fender Brace too..

I think their radiator support and fender braces would be a good investment, but I just want to stick with bolt ons for now.
Posted By: RTSE4ME

Re: Handling upgrades for Challenger - 05/31/08 08:00 PM

The car handles pretty well. I can drive it as I would a late model sedan since I improved the handling and braking. Just gives you more confidence taking a hiway off ramp.


I was thinking of getting some of the US or XV frame connectors and some torque boxes. I wouldn't mind getting the XV front shock tower brace but I just dont it see it fitting in my car with a RB.
Posted By: autoxcuda

Re: Handling upgrades for Challenger - 05/31/08 08:14 PM

Quote:

Here is what has been done so far......
Front:
Firm feel Stage3 box with fast ratio arms
Firm Feel UCAs
1" torsion bars
Moog 11/16 tie rods
QA1 shocks
Stock sway bar
AndyFs viper brake kit with Hydraboost
Rear:
Original Leaf Springs
Edelbrock shocks
DrDiff offset hangers with 69 b-body dana60
drum brakes
Tires: Front 245/45/17 Rear 275/50/17.
Alignment specs:
Caster +3.5
Camber -.5
Toe 1/32

What should be my next step? sway bars? rear springs?
Are the adjustable struts from RMS worth it? I have budget of $500.



Quote:

Frame conectors , torque boxes , front shock tower braces reinforced K frame etc. Some of the biggest gains are from a ridgid body and frame .



A 1 1/8 front sway bar first, the $99 ebay ones will do fine for this car since it allready has a sway bar. Next I agree, I'd do Frame connectors. After that, torque boxes. But if you're allready welding in the frame connectors maybe do this at the same time.

You've got the the alignment where you want it, so no need for adjustable struts.

Then if you have any money left go out on a track day and have some fun driving it. You have done a bunch, now go out and play !! Stop messing around with it any more until you get it sorted out on the track.



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Posted By: dwbiggs

Re: Handling upgrades for Challenger - 06/02/08 08:44 PM

If you don't mind...what machine did they use on your alignment? I couldn't get my caster done because of clearance issues. I have my front end lowered a bit and have 17" wheels as you do.

Thanks
Posted By: Prince_Valiant

Re: Handling upgrades for Challenger - 06/02/08 09:21 PM

Very similar to the set-up I've got, however, I've got the 1 1/8 front sway bar, and a 1"(i think) rear sway bar.

I've only got 14" rims too...I'll probably end up going with just some good 15" rims w" 245-265 series tires.

I've still got to upgrade the brakes, 4 wheel drums.

I've got the upgraded front torsion bars too.

I'll probably also look for frame connectors in the future too.

I'll tell you, nothing more fun than hitting the cloverleaf exits out by me
Posted By: RTSE4ME

Re: Handling upgrades for Challenger - 06/02/08 11:46 PM

Quote:

If you don't mind...what machine did they use on your alignment? I couldn't get my caster done because of clearance issues. I have my front end lowered a bit and have 17" wheels as you do.

Thanks



I did the alignment with this..... Fastrax I borrowed a friends laser level to level out the car. For turn plates I used the weekly ad inserts that come in the Sunday paper. Something about the ink or paper they use makes them slippery and a good tape measure for toe.
It drives straight with no pulling and tire wear is even so I guess I got it close.
Since I usually change one thing at a time on my car, I figured the Fastrax would be a good investment.

Your welcome to borrow it if you want to try it out.
Posted By: RTSE4ME

Re: Handling upgrades for Challenger - 06/03/08 12:03 AM

Anyone use the swarbar kits from Just Suspension? Looks like the price is right....$100 http://www.justsuspension.com/category/246

Don't think the rear would work since I have a B-body dana 60. I wonder if I could use a B-body rear kit? I could get the bars for $200 and the frame connectors for another $200. Which leaves me $100 for track day at Summit Point.
Posted By: jcc

Re: Handling upgrades for Challenger - 06/03/08 02:54 AM

Quote:

Stop messing around with it any more until you get it sorted out on the track.






What he said
Posted By: autoxcuda

Re: Handling upgrades for Challenger - 06/03/08 04:20 AM

Quote:

If you don't mind...what machine did they use on your alignment? I couldn't get my caster done because of clearance issues. I have my front end lowered a bit and have 17" wheels as you do.

Thanks



This one. I talked to them last week about how you couldn't get caster. The did say some alignment heads are old school and don't have an up and down adjustment.

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