1973 Dart Suspension rebuild
Greetings, first I liked to thank all folks that have shared their thoughts and advice in regards to my questions on rebuilding/upgrading the suspension on my 73' Dart Swinger on other threads.
I am reaching out as I believe I am asking my questions in fragments. Before I ran off and try and buy my way out the problems I having with the steering and suspension I wanted to solicit some thoughts on what I am experiencing as I drive the car.
The car has the standard factory suspension in the front w/disc brakes. The rear is leaf springs with adjustable shackles and air shocks. I bought the car with this set up. Most likely to fit the current set of P275/60R15 tires under the rear wheel wells. If I don't keep the air shocks filled, I get tire rub, additional, there is only about 1" space between the tire and the leaf spring. I like the big tires, but will trade for function. I pulled the front tires and checked the steering components for any obvious worn, bent or broken parts and nothing stands out.
The car steers ok when accelerating, but there is about a couple inches of play in the wheel. As the car slows I have to do a lot of over steering to keep in moving in a straight line. Other than going for a quick spin in the neighborhood I would not take the car on a road trip.
Here is my plan - rebuild the front end parts - BJs, TREs and upgrade to 1.03 TBs all with poly bushings. It seems most folks are also replacing the Pitman arm?
I really welcome some advice on the rear suspension - what will work best for the 8 3/4, coil overs and rear sway bar? As well as front and back tire suggestions.
Also don't want to break the bank on getting it to drive straight and handle better.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated especially in regards to the most likely causes of the steering and handling issues (assuming it has something to do with worn out parts and the way the rear is set up)?
Here some pics so you all can see how the car sits currently.
Thanks,
OMM
Greetings, first I liked to thank all folks that have shared their thoughts and advice in regards to my questions on rebuilding/upgrading the suspension on my 73' Dart Swinger on other threads.
I am reaching out as I believe I am asking my questions in fragments. Before I ran off and try and buy my way out the problems I having with the steering and suspension I wanted to solicit some thoughts on what I am experiencing as I drive the car.
The car has the standard factory suspension in the front w/disc brakes. The rear is leaf springs with adjustable shackles and air shocks. I bought the car with this set up. Most likely to fit the current set of P275/60R15 tires under the rear wheel wells. If I don't keep the air shocks filled, I get tire rub, additional, there is only about 1" space between the tire and the leaf spring. I like the big tires, but will trade for function. I pulled the front tires and checked the steering components for any obvious worn, bent or broken parts and nothing stands out.
The car steers ok when accelerating, but there is about a couple inches of play in the wheel. As the car slows I have to do a lot of over steering to keep in moving in a straight line. Other than going for a quick spin in the neighborhood I would not take the car on a road trip.
Here is my plan - rebuild the front end parts - BJs, TREs and upgrade to 1.03 TBs all with poly bushings. It seems most folks are also replacing the Pitman arm?
I really welcome some advice on the rear suspension - what will work best for the 8 3/4, coil overs and rear sway bar? As well as front and back tire suggestions.
Also don't want to break the bank on getting it to drive straight and handle better.
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated especially in regards to the most likely causes of the steering and handling issues (assuming it has something to do with worn out parts and the way the rear is set up)?
Here some pics so you all can see how the car sits currently.
Thanks,
OMM
