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Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: Viol8r] #1151284
01/10/12 10:49 PM
01/10/12 10:49 PM
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 18,493
Granite Bay CA
Kern Dog Offline OP
Striving for excellence
Kern Dog  Offline OP
Striving for excellence

Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 18,493
Granite Bay CA
Thanks guys!
I didn't want to be rude to the member that suggested the larger rear sway bar, but I disagreed with the idea as well. I do appreciate all the ideas though. The subframe connectors are on my "to-do" list. The Edelbrock IAS shocks too.

Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: TC@HP2] #1151285
01/10/12 11:50 PM
01/10/12 11:50 PM
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,048
Salem
Grizzly Offline
Moparts Proctologist
Grizzly  Offline
Moparts Proctologist

Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 6,048
Salem
Quote:

Quote:


4. Thicker rear sway bar. It is supposed to help by keeping the high-side rear tire down which means more traction on the back. That equals less over-steer.





I'm gonna disagree with this one as a potential fix. He already has too much rear rate. Adding more will make it worse. Handling results sometimes are inverse from what you would logically think




Ok, no offense taken. It was explained to me a different way.

Thanks.


Mo' Farts

Moderated by "tbagger".
Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: Kern Dog] #1151286
01/11/12 01:03 PM
01/11/12 01:03 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,045
S.E. Michigan
ZIPPY Offline
I Live Here
ZIPPY  Offline
I Live Here

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Posts: 18,045
S.E. Michigan
Quote:

Either increase the front rate with larger torsion bars or a thicker sway bar.... OR reduce the rear with softer springs aor a smaller sway bar.







I would be tempted to test it with the rear bar removed, to see if the car agrees with our line of thinking there.

You wouldn't be interested in any of my B body suspension mods, as they're geared towards street/strip rather than improved handling.


Rich H.

Esse Quam Videri




Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: Grizzly] #1151287
01/11/12 01:37 PM
01/11/12 01:37 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 5,406
Pikes Peak Country
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TC@HP2 Offline
master
TC@HP2  Offline
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Posts: 5,406
Pikes Peak Country
Quote:

Ok, no offense taken. It was explained to me a different way.

Thanks.




No problem. I have seen this line of reasoning often, so while incorrect, it isn't that unusual.

Remember that sway bars are simply transverse torsion bars. IE they add spring rate. Too much spring rate can overpower the grip a tire generates. So either add grip to the tire, which tough to do, or soften the dpring rates, which is somewhat easier do.

This is the biggest drawback to owning a handling mopar. There are limited t-bar rates available to fine tune with compared to coil springs which are available with only 50# differences from 200 to 1500 pounds.

Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: TC@HP2] #1151288
01/11/12 07:33 PM
01/11/12 07:33 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,376
NORTHERN CA
HUSTLESTUFF Offline
pro stock
HUSTLESTUFF  Offline
pro stock

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,376
NORTHERN CA
Here's what I have and it handled great on the track and autocross. I don't know the manufacturer of the rear springs, but they are very stiff and I don't use a sway bar in rear, and didn't feel it needed one on the track. I have the below radiator brace from XV, didn't go further due to paint. Hotchkis UCA's strut rods and steering links. Get the biggest T bars you can get and hotchkis biggest front swaybar. Welded K member, FF stage 3 and fast ratio Pitman and Idler. Hotchkis bilsteins. I would also suggest Nitto NT05's the next time you get tires. I like the way hotchkis does the frame connectors on stock mounted springs. My suggestion is a TVS followed by a big brake kit up front. If you do rear disks and auto cross, you need to learn about pad knock back. A floating caliper is really needed back there. Mike


"Were in it to win it. Anything less will end up being..... A whole lot of fun doing!!" UNLAWFL
RIP UN
Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: HUSTLESTUFF] #1151289
01/11/12 09:26 PM
01/11/12 09:26 PM
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,785
Utah and Alaska
astjp2 Offline
master
astjp2  Offline
master

Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,785
Utah and Alaska
I am putting together a disc brake setup for my 68 charger, I have 2 choices of rotors, 12.44 and 13.59, I am planning on running 17" wheels and dual piston calipers. Do I really need to goto the 13.59? or will the 12.44 be sufficient?

Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: astjp2] #1151290
01/11/12 09:34 PM
01/11/12 09:34 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,410
Here
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jcc Offline
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
jcc  Offline
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
J

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,410
Here
I'm so glad this is in the HP suspension handling section. Reg Front brake choice, what's your application, budget, "flash factor" requirements, car weight, tires (they are what really stops a car) and are you sure a 13.59" rotor will fit a 17" wheel? Anyway, having a heavy too large for the application rotor setup, will actually slow a car down, for little extra margin in braking, and IMO, just hang a sign over your head that your are a mopar peacock


"When one’s appeal is emotional, it does not matter if there is no substance."
Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: jcc] #1151291
01/12/12 08:19 AM
01/12/12 08:19 AM
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,482
Answering the call of the wild
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ThermoQuad Offline
top fuel
ThermoQuad  Offline
top fuel
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Posts: 2,482
Answering the call of the wild
Do not use the edelbrock shocks. Do not.

Bilsteins or adjustable QA1's-best choice as every car is different.

Here is a well mannered high speed big fat B body with lots of welding and few "mods"

The welded k frame is a key piece, do not pass go, do not buy expensive parts or put in the hotchkiss products unless you weld the k frame and box the steering mount.

Do not "over tire" the car. Most cars with big tires/wheels have wayyy tooo much tire under the car. Think 26-27 inches tall 10 inch wide tire.

That's about it for now

Will some one please tell Moparts Tom we deserve our own handling section.

7014280-glen1.jpg (281 downloads)
Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: ThermoQuad] #1151292
01/12/12 12:41 PM
01/12/12 12:41 PM
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,491
Lethbridge, AB, Canada
dangina Offline
pro stock
dangina  Offline
pro stock

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Posts: 1,491
Lethbridge, AB, Canada
Quote:

Do not use the edelbrock shocks. Do not.

Bilsteins or adjustable QA1's-best choice as every car is different.

Here is a well mannered high speed big fat B body with lots of welding and few "mods"

The welded k frame is a key piece, do not pass go, do not buy expensive parts or put in the hotchkiss products unless you weld the k frame and box the steering mount.

Do not "over tire" the car. Most cars with big tires/wheels have wayyy tooo much tire under the car. Think 26-27 inches tall 10 inch wide tire.

That's about it for now

Will some one please tell Moparts Tom we deserve our own handling section.





Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: ThermoQuad] #1151293
01/12/12 01:01 PM
01/12/12 01:01 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,410
Here
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jcc Offline
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
jcc  Offline
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
J

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,410
Here
Quote:


The welded k frame is a key piece, do not pass go, do not buy expensive parts or put in the hotchkiss products unless you weld the k frame and box the steering mount.





I have no real world on track experience to dispute or confirm the above, but since I have seen many chopped/cutout/sectioned K members on moparts for clearance/oil pan issues, and none of them IMO retained the full strength/rigidity of an OEM K member, dose that mean they all went backwards in performance, accepting most were 1/4 mile apps?

And "over tire" is specific for application, since I can't imagine in dry conditions on track that except for limited hp, any tire would be oversize, maybe not cost effective, but never to big. Brakes are another matter. We'll discuss that on the brake thread in HP suspension section


"When one’s appeal is emotional, it does not matter if there is no substance."
Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: jcc] #1151294
01/12/12 01:37 PM
01/12/12 01:37 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 805
San Francisco Bay Area
MrAngry Offline
super stock
MrAngry  Offline
super stock

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Posts: 805
San Francisco Bay Area
Tom - the Edelbrock shocks are fine for the street, but I do agree - for the track you need step it up. I've got a set of Ridetech single adjustables that I'm going to install for track duty so I'll post up and see how they feel in a few weeks.


Never trust a pretty girl... or a lonely midget.
Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: MrAngry] #1151295
01/12/12 02:10 PM
01/12/12 02:10 PM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 805
San Francisco Bay Area
MrAngry Offline
super stock
MrAngry  Offline
super stock

Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 805
San Francisco Bay Area
I just posted that we needed a HANDLING section in general, so chime in if you want to see one!


Never trust a pretty girl... or a lonely midget.
Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: jcc] #1151296
01/12/12 02:12 PM
01/12/12 02:12 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,045
S.E. Michigan
ZIPPY Offline
I Live Here
ZIPPY  Offline
I Live Here

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 18,045
S.E. Michigan
Quote:

Quote:


The welded k frame is a key piece, do not pass go, do not buy expensive parts or put in the hotchkiss products unless you weld the k frame and box the steering mount.





I have no real world on track experience to dispute or confirm the above, but since I have seen many chopped/cutout/sectioned K members on moparts for clearance/oil pan issues, and none of them IMO retained the full strength/rigidity of an OEM K member, dose that mean they all went backwards in performance, accepting most were 1/4 mile apps?






He means weld the K frame to the frame rails.
He doesn't mean modify the K frame in any way.

Very common/proven effective modification since at least the '70s that I'm aware of...maybe earlier that I have not heard of


Rich H.

Esse Quam Videri




Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: MrAngry] #1151297
01/12/12 02:22 PM
01/12/12 02:22 PM
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 780
Woodinville, WA
Viol8r Offline
super stock
Viol8r  Offline
super stock

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Posts: 780
Woodinville, WA
Quote:

Tom - the Edelbrock shocks are fine for the street, but I do agree - for the track you need step it up. I've got a set of Ridetech single adjustables that I'm going to install for track duty so I'll post up and see how they feel in a few weeks.




I can give a quick review of the RideTech's.....Mike was witness to how they worked in our car at the OUSCI. Right out of the box they were a beautiful shock. They are built by FOX in conjuction with Ridetech. Installation was fairly straight forward but they do require some creativity. I know they are working on making it completely compatible. On the track, I do not believe you could ask for anything more out of a semi- budget shock. They have 26 positions to adjust but you can settle into a few area for street and track. The adjustments you feel right away. I do have quite a few bolt on parts on my car to help with body roll, but for overall feel of the track, I give them a 10. I know Mike is going to do a write-up on these in the future, so I am sure he will get into this more.

Can I give some advice on brakes- Be careful with the monster brake kits as a street tire (200 rating and above) can only handle so much force before lock-up. I watched countless cars blow up the tires in the speed stop challenge, because unless you are running slicks, they grip is just not there.

Tom Quad- I am bit concerned about some the advice you are giving... Where do these comments come from? You telling people to stay away from the IAS EDDY monotube shock, but advising them to go to a QA1 twin tube shock instead.....not good advice. The bilsteins and QA1 are not even comparable on B-body applications.

As far as not putting too much tire under the car.....seriously! It's about the balance of the car and what is reasonalbe for what you are using it for. It all starts and stops with the rubber.......

Not trying to pick on you Tom, but Mike and I have not a single MOD to your K-Members and we track them all the time.........with Hotchkis, and other companies, stuff bolted to it.


1968 Pro-Touring Dodge Charger
*2011 Optima Ultimate Street Car Challenge Invitee
http://www.popularhotrodding.com/features/1203phr_1968_dodge_charger/index.html
Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: ZIPPY] #1151298
01/12/12 02:26 PM
01/12/12 02:26 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,396
The Pale Blue Dot
Skeptic Offline
master
Skeptic  Offline
master

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Posts: 4,396
The Pale Blue Dot
The modified k's that I've seen here were boxed and re-welded. I doubt there was any loss in ridgity there. The welds from the factory are spotty and pretty poor. Firm Feel offers them upgraded, but anyone with a decent welder could duplcate it.

Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: Skeptic] #1151299
01/12/12 03:37 PM
01/12/12 03:37 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,410
Here
J
jcc Offline
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
jcc  Offline
If you can't dazzle em with diamonds..
J

Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 23,410
Here
Quote:

The modified k's that I've seen here were boxed and re-welded. I doubt there was any loss in ridgity there.




Care to share a pics/links, becuase i have a completely different opinion.


And hey mods, do your job, this should be in "Corners", thanks Mr, angry, et all


"When one’s appeal is emotional, it does not matter if there is no substance."
Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: MrAngry] #1151300
01/12/12 03:56 PM
01/12/12 03:56 PM
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 181
Washington State
70chall440 Offline
member
70chall440  Offline
member

Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 181
Washington State
Quote:

I just posted that we needed a HANDLING section in general, so chime in if you want to see one!




this aspect of classic Mopar's is the least understood area of all. there is so much mis-information it is crazy. when I was planning my Cuda, I searched all over and talked to many many people about it. The biggest issue is that most people are interested in street manners, however everyone defaults to full on racing advice. That said, there is a lot of correlation between the two, however not all of it transends from one to the other. Next is more personal; it is very hard to articulate what you want as an individual. What is acceptable (or even mandatory) to one person, is compelely unacceptable to another (just look at the opinions on shocks alone). This makes giving or recieving information very difficult.

In my case, I have a Viper and a 10 Challenger to use as "base lines". As you all know, making a 70's era Mopar handle like either of them is an expensive and elusive target. Most people just want thier car to handle, however many people dont remember or even know what these era of cars handled like new and are now comparing them (original or restored) against new cars and cannot help but ask how to make them better.

I went "whole hog" on my Cuda, sub frame connectors, full bracing on the inner fenders, welded K frame, fast ratio steering components, etc. Dont have the car together yet, so I cant tell you how it handles, however based on compnent selection and advice of "experts" (Dick at Firm Feel being one), the car should handle well. However this is intended to be a road race street car, not a new car to be driven 200K miles. I am confident it will be stiff riding (Bilstin up front, 1.14" torsion bars, 1.25" sway bar, strange coil over rear shocks, 4 link, welded LCA, tublar UCA, etc.).

Point here is that we need a handling section to house all of these issues, threads and opinions to allow people to get as much information as possible to make a decision. If possible, it should be divided into street cars, road race, etc. Perhaps something about tires and shocks... I am sure I am asking for too much but I thought I would throw it out there.


01 Viper GTS ACR
10 Challenger RT PCP 6spd
70 Challenger 440 6 pac
73 Cuda 416 Road Racer
70 Hemi Roadrunner
01 Ram 4x4 / 98 Ram 3500
91 Stealth RT
05 Durango Hemi
09 Caliber / 99 Dakota 4x4 / 52 Dodge B3B
Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: Kern Dog] #1151301
01/12/12 05:11 PM
01/12/12 05:11 PM
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,480
USA
M
Molloy Offline
master
Molloy  Offline
master
M

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 6,480
USA
Weld in subframe connectors (2X3" cross section)

8 point cage (mild steel, TIG welded)

0.95" torsion bars (I think that's the diameter)

SS springs

Aftermarket sway bar (forgot diameter but it's fat)

AR Engineering Viper brake conversion (using 11-3/4" Cordoba discs)

Edit:

This is my 69 Charger (original 318 column shift car)

Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: Molloy] #1151302
01/12/12 08:35 PM
01/12/12 08:35 PM
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,456
Fly Over States
P
PHJ426 Offline
master
PHJ426  Offline
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P

Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,456
Fly Over States
For now I have in the 72 Runner.

FF stage 2 box.

Rebuilt front end with all poly bushings.

Hemi Torsion bars

SS leafs

KYB's

So I have a lot to change on the car to make it handle better.

Re: What suspension mods are in YOUR B body? [Re: PHJ426] #1151303
01/12/12 09:59 PM
01/12/12 09:59 PM
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 936
O
OLD318 Offline
super stock
OLD318  Offline
super stock
O

Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 936
70 Coronet/ 318

-SuperBee Lower Control arms with sway bar tabs/ boxed, moog bushings
-Stock UCA with MOOG offset bushings +2.5 caster setting
-Firm Feel front sway bar package
-MP .96 Torsion bars
-Steer-N-Gear Stage 1 power steering gearbox
- MOOG suspension parts - rubber bushings
- MP front & rear shocks (old gas style)
-Hemi leaf springs on the back

What I have is a HUGE improvement over stock
but...

IF I had it to do all over again
- skip the stock UCA rebuild and offset bushings
buy aftermarket UCA like - Hotchkiss etc.
- Stage 2 gearbox
- 1" or bigger torsion bars
- Add rear sway bar pkg.


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