Ride quality even worse than expected. Advice welcome.

GMachineDartGT said
You have to think about it differently. Our cars, although unibody were not very stiff. This is what's these cars feel loose and what makes them rattle and itch. New cars have chassis that are far stiffer than our cars could ever dream about. That stiffening enhances ride quality as it allows the suspension to operate independently of flexing the body. Ever notice new cars have that tight feeling? This is one of the reasons. Stiffening the chassis is a very important first step for updating a 50 yr old car.
As far as the t bars and springs are concerned, our cars were so under spring when new, it's not even funny. Mopar performance themselves even came out with the first updated t bars. Enhancing the roll couple is necessary to drive safely on modern roads. It's the combination where most people miss the mark. This is where you hear about cars that ride poorly or aren't safe to drive.
There are more good parts on the market now than ever. It takes research, money and skills to create something that is truly better than it was new. The bar is very high these days.

This is a well-written post that I can, to a fairly large degree, agree with. See more below.

MrJLR said
I agree. ...I want the suspension to take all the bumps...not the chassis. If I understand it correctly, bigger stiffer bars would spring less, transferring all the shock to the chassis and then to my seat.

Jeff

This is my point of view for 99% of our cars. As I interpreted the original post, 'I installed huge T-bars. Why is my ride so stiff?' Basic trouble-shooting still applies. Bottoming out the suspension in any car is a really bad thing when cornering, yet several said, 'if it's bottoming out, trim the stops for more travel' which should be a huge red flag to any dedicated cornering enthusiast.

Chassis rigidity is a huge part of any proper-handling vehicle, and yes, our old-*** cars have plenty of flex. I agree with GMachine that increasing chassis rigidity, better tires, wider wheels, etc. opens the doors increasing spring rates, improved valving in shocks, etc. Absolutely, 100%, I agree.

That said, my point is that for most folks, they're heading towards the suspension equivalent of this:
Double-trouble.jpg5_.jpg

Or did I mis-remember the whole '80's "Pro Street" thing?

GMachineDartGT said
It takes research, money and skills to create something that is truly better than it was new.

I am 100% positive that most people that use a level of research that involves clicking a mouse on the 'add to cart' button for biggest T-bars out there. I've said for years: If somebody makes it for your car, someone out there will buy it, and install it; it doesn't matter what 'it' is. See Pro-Street comment above.

Most racers would gladly accept a spring rate that would drive 99% of the population nuts. Or else cars would already have those rates.

I don't see anybody asking what's the final usage of the car, and that should be the first question being asked. It sure would be if this was a cam selection question...