Best way to raise my Duster

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Max_118

Max_118

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I have a '74 Duster, and even with 14" wheels on the front and 15" wheels in the rear, the front is too high. The rear shackles are about 5", I'd like them to be twice that. So, what would be the best way to raise the rear? Just get longer shackles? Different leaf springs? New shocks? (I haven't really looked into the shocks, if they are air shocks or what; could they be worn out and that's why it's so low?)

It is not a daily driver; just used for shows here and there. I just need the correct 'rake' for it.

Thanks for helping out someone who doesn't have all the technical knowledge!

rake.jpg
 
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S/S springs installed. 275/60/15’s on the back, stock sized tires on the front. (14 inch wheels)
 
Nose seems high and the rear looks low-ish. What are your front and rear tire sizes. Springs are the only way to properly correct the rear ride height. I wouldn't jack the up in the *** to match the front, it will drive like hell. What engine does it have and was the front end rebuilt recently or torsion bars replaced?
 
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S/S springs are factory engineered springs for racing in the Super Stock category. I have found them fine for street use if a slightly lighter spring for the cars weight is used. A bit much (to stiff) if you get a spring designed for a heavier car.
 
dano said:
Nose seems high and the rear looks low-ish. What are your front and rear tire sizes. Springs are the only way to properly correct the rear ride height. I wouldn't jack the up in the *** to match the front, it will drive like hell. What engine does it have and was the front end rebuilt recently or torsion bars replaced?
Click to expand...

The front tires are 215/70 R14s. The rear tires are 225/70R15s.

The engine is a 318. I don't think the front end has ever been rebuilt or has had anything replaced.
 
rumblefish360 said:
S/S springs are factory engineered springs for racing in the Super Stock category. I have found them fine for street use if a slightly lighter spring for the cars weight is used. A bit much (to stiff) if you get a spring designed for a heavier car.
Click to expand...

So if I got these springs, would it just be a matter of swapping them out? Or would I have to get new shocks too?
 
Installed the s/s springs on both the Dart and Coronet. Add a pair of Bilstein shocks and a pinion snubber and you're good to go.
And crank down the T-bars in front (you'll have to get the front end re-aligned).
 
Max_118 said:
The front tires are 215/70 R14s. The rear tires are 225/70R15s.

The engine is a 318. I don't think the front end has ever been rebuilt or has had anything replaced.
Click to expand...

Just based on tire sizes you should have 3/4" rake in the rear.
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You should be looking at that front end, it seems high. Like the torsion bars are cranked up.

Your asking about shocks and springs. What is your goal for the car? Super Stock springs are not the only spring for your car so something else may work better based on your intent with the car.

If you jack the *** up at least get the correct length shock to match.
 
dano said:
What is your goal for the car?
Click to expand...

It will only be driven a few miles to a car event, then maybe a few more miles while there, and then back again. I'm doing this just so it looks 'right', not for a daily driver.
 
dano said:
You gonna move the steering wheel to the right side?
Click to expand...

Nah, I don't have the $$$ for that. If I were to go that route, I'd just get an Australian Monaro. This is just a replica "tribute" car.

And it's fun to have something to build and tinker around with!
 
Max_118 said:
I have a '74 Duster, and even with 14" wheels on the front and 15" wheels in the rear, the front is too high. The rear shackles are about 5", I'd like them to be twice that. So, what would be the best way to raise the rear? Just get longer shackles? Different leaf springs? New shocks? (I haven't really looked into the shocks, if they are air shocks or what; could they be worn out and that's why it's so low?)

It is not a daily driver; just used for shows here and there. I just need the correct 'rake' for it.

Thanks for helping out someone who doesn't have all the technical knowledge!

View attachment 1715629011
Click to expand...


1) lower the front some..
2) put stock shakles back on it
3) buy new springs.. i'd go espo V8 6 leaf at whatever height ya want.. all depends how high ya want it.. stock, +1" or +2".
 
abodyjoe said:
1) lower the front some..
2) put stock shakles back on it
3) buy new springs.. i'd go espo V8 6 leaf at whatever height ya want.. all depends how high ya want it.. stock, +1" or +2".
Click to expand...

I'm going to check on lowering the front.
The shackles are 5"; stock as far as I know.
Right now I'm trying to determine what springs to buy that will give me maximum height.
 
I bet if you lowered the front everything would be sitting right about where it should be. The nose is definitly high.
 
Max_118 said:
So if I got these springs, would it just be a matter of swapping them out? Or would I have to get new shocks too?
Click to expand...
New shocks would be needed. Riding on worn out old shocks would be a bad idea, shocks are cheap, BUT! You will need longer shocks. You may also need new shackle bushings and they may be B/E body knew that are larger. MAY...
abodyjoe said:
1) lower the front some..
2) put stock shakles back on it
3) buy new springs.. i'd go espo V8 6 leaf at whatever height ya want.. all depends how high ya want it.. stock, +1" or +2".
Click to expand...
My ‘74 with ESPO springs @ 1 inch higher ride height.
C5278E54-81B8-4278-A81A-82746087BDA5.jpeg
 
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