1973 Cuda Suspension

[redo1973]

I'm doing a build from a base 73 Barracuda aiming towards a "Cuda" performance and considering suspension options. I have a mild 340 going into this with a primary use of driving and mild track use.  I'm working with Firmfeel for the front end, steering and sway bars.  I have the stock leaf springs but am thinking that it's better to replace. They offer the Hemi style or I can custom.  I read on one of the threads that AAR had a 3/4 lift so I was considering a 1" lift on these springs to increase the rake without dropping the front too much.  I'll be using Bilstein shocks.  Any thoughts? BTW - I was planning to source most of the suspension parts from Firm Feel with the hopes of minimizing cost and components would be matched for performance. Any thoughts on this one?

[dfrazz]

FF is a good reputable company.  Bilsteins are arguably the biggest bang for buck shocks, although you will find many favor adjustable (QA1, Hotchkis).  Big torsion bars (1.08-1.10) are good, and a bigger anti-sway bar in the front with an anti-sway in the rear too are recommended. AAR's springs where +1" over stock, and ESPO is the best place (http://www.springsnthings.com/).  You should add sub-frame connectors too, and maybe torque boxes.  What are you running for wheels and tires?

[brads70]

 ,  Good " recipe"   If you lift up the back you loose caster.  If your using 15" rubber  there is no point in going to crazy as tires will likely be the limiting factor.

[redo1973]

Thanks.  FF has a 1.0 torsion bar that I am considering. I am planning wheels of front 205/70/15 and rears 255/60/15 with a 3.23 Eaton TruTrac. FF leaf springs at $495 - $550 seemed a bit pricey but they forge these at the shop as well as the torsion bars. I've considered adding sub-frame connectors but I'm not there yet.  As for Torsion boxes, honestly, I don't know where those go.  This will be more a driver than racing so I was holding off on these.

[brads70]

Torque boxes and subframe connectors are a good idea. The TB tie the rocker panel to the chassis/frame rails to help take the twist out of the body.

[dfrazz]

Thanks.  FF has a 1.0 torsion bar that I am considering. I am planning wheels of front 205/70/15 and rears 255/60/15 with a 3.23 Eaton TruTrac. FF leaf springs at $495 - $550 seemed a bit pricey but they forge these at the shop as well as the torsion bars. I've considered adding sub-frame connectors but I'm not there yet.  As for Torsion boxes, honestly, I don't know where those go.  This will be more a driver than racing so I was holding off on these.

Go bigger on your torsion bars, at least 1.08+.  I don't have experience with FF springs.  205/70/15 is pretty small tire, consider going bigger.  3.23's are a highway type gear for good gas mileage.  If you are looking for more torque off the line, consider 3.55 or 3.73's.  Other than good shocks, you will feel the most improvement in sub-frame connectors and t-boxes not to mention they are the least expensive upgrade.

[redo1973]

Thanks again.  The 205/70/15 (not yet purchased) was to help with the stance I'm looking for but with a bigger (1" lift) heavy duty spring maybe there is another option you might suggestion?  The 3.23 was used with cruising in mind more so that track times.

[dfrazz]

Thanks again.  The 205/70/15 (not yet purchased) was to help with the stance I'm looking for but with a bigger (1" lift) heavy duty spring maybe there is another option you might suggestion?  The 3.23 was used with cruising in mind more so that track times.

The torsion bars will help set your stance.  Go for bigger tires for grip and ride quality.  What brand tire are you considering?

[redo1973]

I haven't made it that far.  I keep reading the posts on this site but I've not settled on anything.  I picked a tire size so that my son could build the motor specs around that.  I even question the 255/60/15's but figured that I could go a little bigger if necessary given the 3.23 ration.  I see alot of BF Goodrich in pictures and at shows.

[dfrazz]

You will be restricted by 15" wheels for sure.  BFG's are ok, although Chryco and others will disagree.  Cooper Cobras are less expensive and just as good for a driver.  If you are not stuck on RWL then you have a couple of more options.