looking for info for altered wheelbase frontend set-up

Posted By: 3ddart

looking for info for altered wheelbase frontend set-up - 11/19/11 02:25 PM

friend has altered wheelbase a-body with a straight axle front end (says it steers hard) and would like to change it to a torsion bar set-up like chrysler did with th b-bodies.he's figureing on using a b-body torsion bar for the extra lenghth needed. any info out there to help us do this? thanks dave

Posted By: smokinwoody

Re: looking for info for altered wheelbase frontend set-up - 11/19/11 03:08 PM

you didnt say what year or make so Im assuming its a 65 or 66 Dart

Attached picture 6926475-SNOW.jpg

Posted By: smokinwoody

Re: looking for info for altered wheelbase frontend set-up - 11/19/11 03:13 PM

I know on the B bodies the rear was moved up `12" and the front K members 10"

I assume the same on the smaller A bodies...that can vary...some pictures I have...

Posted By: smokinwoody

Re: looking for info for altered wheelbase frontend set-up - 11/19/11 03:18 PM

some good info

http://musclecars.howstuffworks.com/classic-muscle-cars/1965-plymouth-factory-altered-wheelbase.htm

http://www.moparmax.com/tech/i_5-wheel-1.html

http://www.forabodiesonly.com/mopar/showthread.php?t=35538

Posted By: Sinitro

Re: looking for info for altered wheelbase frontend set-up - 11/19/11 05:15 PM

Quote:

friend has altered wheelbase a-body with a straight axle front end (says it steers hard) and would like to change it to a torsion bar set-up like chrysler did with th b-bodies.he's figureing on using a b-body torsion bar for the extra lenghth needed. any info out there to help us do this? thanks dave

Mancini Racing carries some kool books done for these cars, some with drawings....

Just my $0.02..

Posted By: Dean_Kuzluzski

Re: looking for info for altered wheelbase frontend set-up - 11/19/11 06:21 PM

Too much caster can cause that.

What steering gearbox (ratio) is he using???

Has he thought about a shorter Pitman arm??

Posted By: B G Racing

Re: looking for info for altered wheelbase frontend set-up - 11/19/11 09:53 PM

Pitman arm ratios and less positive caster,4 or 5 degrees on a straight axle will solve the problem.
If he wants to use the k-frame set up use the E-body torsion bars on the early A-bodys and move the attachment point forward of the trans cross member.You can reverse the bar socket and face it forward at the cross member also.

Posted By: 3ddart

Re: looking for info for altered wheelbase frontend set-up - 11/21/11 01:52 PM

sinitro: which books are you refering to? thanks, dave, and yes it's a 63 dart

Posted By: smokinwoody

Re: looking for info for altered wheelbase frontend set-up - 11/21/11 02:30 PM

http://www.amazon.com/Build-Altered-Whee...1812&sr=1-1