pst torsion bars

[jim.k]

got my new wheels and tires on my 73 cuda. now I need to work on getting the front end lower.  thinking about the pst 1.03 bars.  deluxe kit with new adjusters and a total front end rebuild kit.  is pst a good place to get the front end rebuild kit ??  need to lower the front a minimum of 2 inches from where its at.  rear sits fine by me.

[73_Cuda_4_Me]

Wow! Surprised how high your front is! I realize you have larger diameter wheels, but if same diameter front and rear, stance should be similar to mine on 14's, just raised by a couple inches...

Just out of curiosity, how much TB adjuster bolt length (from adjuster plate to end of hex head) do you have now? Your front sits really high compared to mine...

Also, how high is front fender lip in wheel opening from floor with tape measure on center of wheel?

I have 1-3/4" adjuster bolt below plate, and fender lip is 24-1/2", with Cooper Cobra 225/70R14 all around... stock front suspension...

[jim.k]

I will have to check . I knew it sat high before I got the new wheels. it may have been raised somewhere in the past.

[jim.k]

Fender lip is 27 3/4 on pass side. 27 1/2 on drivers side.  Haven't looked at bars yet

[73_Cuda_4_Me]

That's pretty high, all right!

I wonder if someone upgraded TB's some time in the past...?

The adjuster screw length will help determine that...

[HP2]

Do you know you can drop the height by simply adjusting the blade inside the lower control arm? Unlike a coil spring, a mopar torsion bar can adjust its ride height with a regular socket and ratchet. Also, its diameter is an important part of the equation. Do you know what size is under it now? Check that before ordering because there is a chance they have been upgraded previously and installed incorrectly and that is why they sit so high.

Of course if your components are old or shot, then by all means get a rebuild under it

[jim.k]

I will have to check . I knew it sat high before I got the new wheels. it may have been raised somewhere in the past.

.             Bars are .910.   1 1/4 inch of adj bolt on pass side. About 50 thou less on pass side. Looks like their cranked in compared to yours. I'll adjust them to what you have and see where it puts me. Front end parts are all old so just going to replace everything. Might wait on torsion bars till later.  Just upgrade the shocks for now.

[HP2]

Also, the factory measured ride height at the bottom of the torsion bar socket and the bottom of the lower ball  joint. Subtract socket height from  ball joint height, that is your ride height. For an E body, I believe this should measure 1.125" which, IMO, is still too high.

[jim.k]

I have only had this car for a short time. Haven't had a mopar in 35 years so I have a lot of learning to do but this is a good place for help. I can't do anything about the 30 year old paint just yet but I can get the foundation going. Really a solid car except for the quarters. Just want to get the suspension new and right for a start. I don't build my cars to be babied. I Drive em like they were meant to be. Lol

[73_Cuda_4_Me]

Main thing to remember when adjusting Torsion Bar adjusters... SAFETY FIRST!!!

Loosen lower control arm nuts a turn or two so LCA bushing can pivot (if not rusted tight)

Jack front of vehicle up, and put on jackstands, so that front suspension is fully unloaded (hanging) before adjusting the bolts. They can strip and go flying.

If rusty, soak with penetrating oil for a day or two... I ended up having to torch one of mine out...

I'd start at 2" of bolt below adjusting plate to see how it's going to sit, then set car back down and snug up LCA nuts. Car has to be driven a little for front to settle properly, then check your ride height. Just bouncing it after setting it down won't let suspension settle properly.

Repeat procedures if further adjusting is needed up or down.

I just rebuilt my front suspension - new LCA bushings, new strut arm bushings, and new sway bar bushings... Driver's side LCA bushing was totally shot

[dodj]

got my new wheels and tires on my 73 cuda. now I need to work on getting the front end lower.  thinking about the pst 1.03 bars.  deluxe kit with new adjusters and a total front end rebuild kit.  is pst a good place to get the front end rebuild kit ?? 

In my opinion they sell good stuff.  I have their 1.03 bars. I run

Main thing to remember when adjusting Torsion Bar adjusters... SAFETY FIRST!!!

Loosen lower control arm nuts a turn or two so LCA bushing can pivot (if not rusted tight)

Jack front of vehicle up, and put on jackstands, so that front suspension is fully unloaded (hanging) before adjusting the bolts. They can strip and go flying.

If rusty, soak with penetrating oil for a day or two... I ended up having to torch one of mine out...

I'd start at 2" of bolt below adjusting plate to see how it's going to sit, then set car back down and snug up LCA nuts. Car has to be driven a little for front to settle properly, then check your ride height. Just bouncing it after setting it down won't let suspension settle properly.

Repeat procedures if further adjusting is needed up or down.

I just rebuilt my front suspension - new LCA bushings, new strut arm bushings, and new sway bar bushings... Driver's side LCA bushing was totally shot

[jim.k]

got the bars roughly adjusted. still have to drive it and fine tune.  drivers side was a b#%^$. heat turn heat turn heat turn. wd 40 just cooled it off and made it harder to turn. pass side was a breeze.  2.100 inch of adj bolt sticking out . 24 inches to fender lip right now. MUCH better. 

[burdar]

Much much better. Good job. Now you need larger bars and good(expensive) shocks. I don't think your going to be happy with the ride right now.

When ever you adjust the ride height, you change the alignment. Don't drive it far until you get it checked. You don't want to ruin those brand new tires.

[jim.k]

I raised it up 1/2 inch. It actually rides pretty well considering the shocks are old as dirt. Got 4 day weekend next week so the front end will be getting rebuilt. Then alignment.

[jim.k]

ordered the pst 1.03 T-bars today. ill probably drive over to Roseville moparts for a front end kit Monday if they have em in stock.