Author Topic: Help me pick out a few things  (Read 1115 times)

Offline RaptorF229

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Help me pick out a few things
« on: February 20, 2009 - 02:29:05 AM »
Id like to get new springs, torsion, and sway bars. The firm feel stuff may be a little pricey especially for the sway bars. Has anyone used any other companies products that they can recommend?




Offline 426HEMI

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Re: Help me pick out a few things
« Reply #1 on: February 20, 2009 - 02:54:32 AM »
Check with mopardave for this.  I did that also but I found some other things from another guy that I bought for my car.  Tell him I sent you to him if you would.  I have sent several guys to him and he is a very good guy and will work with you on things.  Take care and good luck with your search.  Gordon
Got a pretty good start on my M46 optioned Barracuda restoration but now it is on hold till I can gather more funds.  Still need a few parts for it.  SIU Graduate 75 AAS Automotive Tech, 94 BS Advanced Tech Studies, 1997 MSED Workforce Education and Development

1970 M46 Barracuda
1998 Dodge Darango

Gordon

Offline 72bluNblu

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Re: Help me pick out a few things
« Reply #2 on: February 20, 2009 - 03:26:22 AM »
The FFI torsion bars are great, but be forewarned if you go bigger than 1" you'll have issues getting your car below stock ride height. As far as springs, I went with Mopar XHD's but I wouldn't use them again. They are a stiffer spring as far as rate is concerned, so the ride is good, but the sag was pretty incredible. Started out about 1" higher than the 37 year old stock 318 springs, but ended up at exactly the same height as the old ones within a few weeks. I'd go with SS springs in the back, and while I was at it would put in a 1" offset kit. If you haven't done the rear springs before its likely you'll end up buying a hanger or shackle or 2 along the way, I know when I pulled my stock springs I had to cut the U bolts, broke a couple studs on the hangers, and couldn't get one of the eye bolts out at all (I love rust!!!). By the time I was done I could have just gone with an offset kit and just had the extra job of welding the spring perches on...

Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Help me pick out a few things
« Reply #3 on: February 20, 2009 - 03:36:38 AM »
Ilike the FF rear bar , it is the only aftermarket bar that bolts to the body that I am aware of

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Offline RaptorF229

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Re: Help me pick out a few things
« Reply #4 on: February 20, 2009 - 11:17:14 AM »
Ok so far I'm gonna get SS springs for the rear and ffi rear bar. Has anyone used just suspension or any other company for a front sway bar. Also what does it take to install the rear bar on a car that didn't come with one. How are the mopar T bars?

Offline 72bluNblu

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Re: Help me pick out a few things
« Reply #5 on: February 20, 2009 - 01:52:24 PM »
I can't attest to the mopar T-bars, but I will say if they're made out of the same mexican steel as the rear springs I'd skip 'em. Just Suspension used to have a 1.09" bar that was zero indexed, but I only see a 1" bar now, although the price on that is much better. Based on how my 318 Challenger handles with the 1.12" bars, I wouldn't go smaller than 1" on the front anyway. Its amazing how much better it handles, and still rides much smoother than other cars I've set up for handling. And 1.12" is a BIG difference over a 1" bar...

Offline HP2

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Re: Help me pick out a few things
« Reply #6 on: February 20, 2009 - 02:27:15 PM »
Super stock springs will require new front hangers to fit and new rear shocks to accomodate the new suspension action. If you just want a slight lift and stock style springs, Espo may be the better deal leaf spring wise.

Nothing wrong with mopar bars and you can still find them at better prices than some of the competitors.

Addco, Helwig, or any other Summit, Jegs, or Ebay sway bar will probably work just fine and save a few dollars in the process. Even the rear, axle hung bars can be effective and cheaper than the frame hung style. The frame hung style does look more stock and does reduce unsprung weight, but the difference is so minor between the two that most drivers won't notice the difference.

However, the addition of a rear bar should be approached fairly cautiously and is dependant upon what your doing up front, especially if you want to use SS springs. I wouldn't add a rear bar unless you going bigger than 1" t-bars and a 1.125 front sway bar with stock rate rear springs. Throw SS springs in there and it can change the balance even further. I'd say try your chosen combination without the rear bar and if you still have some understeer, then buy and add the rear bar.


Offline Chryco Psycho

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Re: Help me pick out a few things
« Reply #7 on: February 20, 2009 - 04:57:23 PM »
Mopars T bars are made in Canada , no issues with them

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