sixpackryan
Member
Hey guys, I'm probably going to end up buying a '70 Dart that was 318/4 spd swapped, and now the suspension is way low in the front, it can't handle the weight. Do you guys recommend any suspension components to help this?
1970 Dart with collapsed suspension...
- Thread starter sixpackryan
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dartfreak75
Restore it, Dont part it!
Probably broken or worn torsion bars. And all the bushing will have to be replaced. Its not a terribly bad job. I recommend doing one side at a time so you have something to reference. I replaced everything on my dart the hardest part is removing and replacing the lower control arm bushings. You have to have a welder and a pretty good press. I used a ball joint press and I tell you it sucked!! A stand up press would be so much better but I made it work. And don't cheap out on the bushings I did and ended up buying them twice the cheap set wouldn't press in they just fell out. So I went with a good set im drawing a blank in the brand ill look and let you know. And the pressed in nice and tight. I think I have a thread somewhere on the reassembly portion
Mopar 6 198/225 475 lb 215 kq
Mopar V8 273/318 550 lb 249 kq
340/360
Maybe some new Torsion Bars are in order !
Mopar V8 273/318 550 lb 249 kq
340/360
Maybe some new Torsion Bars are in order !
Oldiron440
Well-Known Member
The point that the torsion bar attaches to the body might be rusted to the point of needing replacement.
There is a real possibility that the torsion bar crossmember is rusted out seeing as you're in MI.
I recommend actual visual diagnosis first.
Just may need cranked up !
Sent you a PM. @diymirage lives in Holland and I’m about an hour away (up in Holton). Would be more than willing to take a look at what you might have going on there.
67Dart273
Well-Known Member
Well !!DUH!! and by that I mean YES!!
There are so many things "that could be wrong" and
maybe................nothing.............maybe.........in the decades that this car has been hanging around maybe SOMEONE wanted it "low" and just CRANKED DOWN THE ADJUSTING NUTS
OP you need to do a complete evaluation of the front (and rear!!) suspension AS A WHOLE
Start by wandering over to MyMopar and download the closest you can get for a correct year factory service manual. You may have to settle for Dodge vs Plymouth, etc
67Dart273
Well-Known Member
Just "some" possibilities:
1...Your perception, and it might be wrong
2....Suspension height might be cranked down on the adjusters
3.....Something might be broken
4.....Something might be rusted
5......Something might be bent, either from rust damage or accident
6....Tire size? Undersize tires can change things some............
Well Here is one no one mentioned. Pump the front tires up. LMFAO
dartfreak75
Restore it, Dont part it!
I agree with all but especially number 6. I have my suspension cranked dang near all the way up with little tiny 195 70 14s and the front of my car sets way low. I like the stance but its too low imo
BillGrissom
Well-Known Member
If you need new torsion bars, they are cheap for A's, something like $100/pair if you pick the popular choice ~1.00"D as I recall. I got a pair at a swap meet in Sacramento years ago. They seller had several pairs on the table for just $15/pair. I put small-block ones in my slant-six. But, do a complete suspension rebuild while in-there. Hope the rear anchors at the transmission cross-over are OK. In later years, the factory used just a few spot welds which can break to let the anchor rotate, but easy to weld back if not too rusted.
67Dart273
Well-Known Member
In my defense I DID mention tires, just not pressure. I guess I figure guys do check stuff...........LOLOL
You gotta link for those cheap torsion bars?
I only mention it because so many on here jump the gun and spend wads of cash first without ever looking.
67Dart273
Well-Known Member
No, I was agreein with ya Bud LOL
And no one asked for pictures. Should we assume that's it in your avatar? If it is, has it been pulled out to a solid level surface?
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Kendog 170
Let the boy go !
Yeah were just guessing here. But if you do adjust the bars make sure there is no weight on them .Jack up so control arms are hanging.
I knew you were......remember the guy who bought a Duster and a bunch of other suspension parts and whatnot before ever checking it out? Ended up the torsion bar cross member was rusted slam out and he ended up selling it. It was black if I remember right and was a young kid.
Some photos of "way low" would be very helpfull.
My 67 dart with 215/70R 14s sits like this.
Now /6 tortion bars are not as stiff as V8 bars so that could account for some additional low in the front.
On a side note the down bump stop on mine sits 3/4 to 1 inch max from the frame pad
I remember that one. Damn shame. They do tend to rust around the torsion bar crossmember. Guess it's a prime spot to collect mud, dirt, and moisture.
The OP here is another young guy!! I love to see these guys carrying on the Mopar a-body tradition!!
sixpackryan
Member
Here’s a picture for those who wanted it. They’re not very good, so I apologize. But this is the best one.
67Dart273
Well-Known Member
LOL if that is wet snow the weight of it alone is enough to "slam" the suspension................
In any case I think you have the low-boy WAY before the tractor, here (cart before the horse). You need to get this somewhere you can work on it, solid working area, jackstands, etc, ramps, whatever, "up" out of the ground and mud and whatever else so you can take some measurements and actually "see what you have"
In any case I think you have the low-boy WAY before the tractor, here (cart before the horse). You need to get this somewhere you can work on it, solid working area, jackstands, etc, ramps, whatever, "up" out of the ground and mud and whatever else so you can take some measurements and actually "see what you have"
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