Author Topic: Front end kit and torsion bars???  (Read 1751 times)

Offline METAL BEE 68

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Front end kit and torsion bars???
« on: March 26, 2016 - 05:44:34 PM »
My 70 challenger currently has the stock slant six set up. Im putting in a 440 with a big block K frame. While I've got everything out I'd like to replace the bushing. Any suggestions on a front end kit. And im guessing the torsion bars need upgraded as well. I have torsion bars from a 318 car. Will they work or what do i need. Im clueless on this stuff! 




Offline dfrazz

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Re: Front end kit and torsion bars???
« Reply #1 on: March 26, 2016 - 06:13:55 PM »
By the Moog front suspension kit from Summit, do not get polyurethane. Get 1.10 bars from Hotchkis or Firm Feel.  Hotchkis will have a spring sale on soon.  You should also look at a bigger front and rear sway bars (again Hotchkis or Firm Feel), install sub-frame connectors, new shocks, and upgrade your front disc brakes (Dr. Diff).
« Last Edit: March 26, 2016 - 06:15:38 PM by dfrazz »

Offline METAL BEE 68

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Re: Front end kit and torsion bars???
« Reply #2 on: March 26, 2016 - 07:43:22 PM »
Wow! Exactly the information I was wanting.  Thank you! I have front disc's from a doner car and a brake booster. Im on the fence with sub frame connectors, as i dont have away to get the car to sit up high. Sway bars may come later. Agian thanks for the info. BIG help!

Offline dfrazz

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Re: Front end kit and torsion bars???
« Reply #3 on: March 26, 2016 - 08:49:51 PM »
Wow! Exactly the information I was wanting.  Thank you! I have front disc's from a doner car and a brake booster. Im on the fence with sub frame connectors, as i dont have away to get the car to sit up high. Sway bars may come later. Agian thanks for the info. BIG help!

 :2thumbs:  Experience and shared knowledge is what makes this board great!

Offline METAL BEE 68

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Re: Front end kit and torsion bars???
« Reply #4 on: March 26, 2016 - 09:18:02 PM »
Yes! Im excited, getting the front end done means the 440 goes in!

Offline METAL BEE 68

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Re: Front end kit and torsion bars???
« Reply #5 on: March 26, 2016 - 10:08:11 PM »
Got to love/hate ebay. This time i love it. Got most of the parts recommend in my cart plus engine mounts for just over $400. Thats leaves me with just enough left in the budget for odds and ins. Thanks again!

Offline dfrazz

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Re: Front end kit and torsion bars???
« Reply #6 on: March 26, 2016 - 10:49:00 PM »
Got to love/hate ebay. This time i love it. Got most of the parts recommend in my cart plus engine mounts for just over $400. Thats leaves me with just enough left in the budget for odds and ins. Thanks again!

Sweet!  Post pics when you get it installed.

Offline 72bluNblu

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Re: Front end kit and torsion bars???
« Reply #7 on: March 27, 2016 - 03:21:25 AM »
Nothing wrong with polyurethane as long as it's installed properly.

That said, I install adjustable strut rods and greaseable pivot pins when I install poly LCA bushings, because the poly LCA bushings don't have as much give as the rubber bushings and therefore the LCA needs to be located more accurately than the factory did. The factory strut rods are a "one size fits most" kind of deal, which is to say that they're not right for anyone, just "close enough". With rubber bushings there's enough slop that there's some forgiveness, with poly there isn't so the LCA really needs to be in the right spot, not just close enough.

If you're keeping the stock upper control arms, buy a set of Moog 7103 offset bushings instead of standard bushings. That will allow you to get more caster when you set your alignment later.

If you install torsion bars much bigger than 1", you will want a GOOD set of shocks. Bilsteins or Hotchkis. Running cheap shocks on large bars will make you miserable. I know, I did it. I run 1.12" Firm Feel torsion bars on my Challenger, and the difference between those bars with a set of KYB's and those bars with a set of RCD Bilsteins is night and day. The Hotchkis shocks are even better, I run a set of those on my Duster. It also has 1.12" FFI torsion bars, but they're a bit stiffer because of the shorter length.

Get a good alignment when you're finished. And by good I mean NOT to factory specs. Factory specs were for bias ply's, and are wrong for radials of any kind. You should be looking for something like -.25* to -.5* camber, +3 caster (or more if you can get it), and 1/16 to 1/8" toe in.

The moog 7103's get installed like this for more caster...


Offline crash340

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Re: Front end kit and torsion bars???
« Reply #8 on: March 27, 2016 - 03:59:59 AM »
 :iagree:
I put poly right through my front and rear suspension with the Moog offset UCA BUSHES, very happy and that was 2 years ago and about 4000 miles, I did use a very sticky grease and to date no sqeaks
Greg

73 Cuda
Brisbane, Australia

Offline dfrazz

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Re: Front end kit and torsion bars???
« Reply #9 on: March 27, 2016 - 09:40:31 AM »
I agree on the offset bushings, thanks 72bluNblu.  I installed these on my Cuda and just did my Charger too per the recommended specs.  If the alignment shop has to plug in a year/make/model go with an '05 Mustang GT.  They won't be able to get to its specs but will be in the right direction.

All my experience with ploy is squeak squeak squeak.  IMO rubber is more forgiving and flat out works, that is why I recommended the MOOG bushings.

Offline METAL BEE 68

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Re: Front end kit and torsion bars???
« Reply #10 on: March 27, 2016 - 10:06:33 AM »
Not going to lie. Some of that... right over my head.  But i will take the the advice and look into the parts. I've only got a $920 budget for all this. Hopping to order ot all at once, that way its all there and ready install. Thank agian for the info guys.  :bigsmile: